This week on the Horological Minute, we sit down and talk watches with Kirill Yuzh, proprietor of Lunar Oyster. A veteran of the various watch forums online, Kirill seems to unearth an endless array of Omega Speedsters, Rolex GMTs, Submariners, etc. Aside from watches, Kirill has a passion for food, and is involved in an artisanal charcuterie shop called Pendulum Meats. When he's not hunting watches or making tasty salted meats, Kirill can be either be carving up the backroads of Virginia in his Aston Martin, or found with a cigar in one hand, and a stiff drink in the other.

What was your first watch?

My first watch was a Breitling SuperOcean Heritage 46. I won this watch in a sales contest back when I worked for an AD. I then sold the watch to partially fund my first flip, which was a 16710 GMT. That was the beginning of my path to go independent...

What was the last watch you bought?

Well, I just bought an amazing blue Tudor Snowflake ref 9411, but since its still in transit, I'll share the nicely patina'd 1016 Explorer I just bought yesterday.

Do you prefer vintage or modern?

It is hard for me to pick one or the other. As a dealer, I absolutely love the thrill of the hunt for vintage watches. I've met incredible people, with fascinating stories and each watch is different with tiniest details sometimes making tremendous difference in value and physical appeal. I feel like with modern watches, it is more of a numbers game when dealing. That being said, I love wearing modern watches and still have much appreciation for them.

Can you remember your last great meal? Where was it and what did you eat?

Hmm. I get to travel to many different places and I always try to eat "adventurously". I've been anywhere from hole-in-the-wall "hidden" spots to places where you must get a reservation months in advance, but my most memorable meals are always my mom's. I know, it sounds soft, but it is what it is. Last time I visited my parents, she made traditional Ukrainian borscht and some pelmeni, which are basically Russian ravioli. Those meals are almost most memorable to me...

Do you remember what watch you were wearing?

My Panerai 243

What do you love about vintage Rolex?

What's not to love about vintage Rolex? As I mentioned earlier, I love finding original owner pieces and listen the stories of where that watch may have been and that it survived through decades of existence. The small details are what makes vintage Rolex exciting, all the dial variations, different shades of patina, fade of colors, etc. Even though I may find hundreds of Rolex of same reference, none of them are ever identical to each other!

Strap or bracelet?

Strap, its more comfortable and when you get bored, just swap to a different color!

GMT/EXPLORER/SUB/DAYTONA or........?

Tough... I think vintage GMT, but gotta swap the crystal with a T38 for a cleaner look without the cyclops.

What do you want to see come out from Rolex at the next Basel Fair?

I would really love to see a ceramic Root Beer GMT next year.

Can you tell us about the most interesting watch you’ve ever found/owned?

It probably has to be a 6536-1 Sub I found locally. It wasn't NOS, it wasn't a full set, but it had the "look" and it was all original. I got it by purest luck; spotted it in line at Starbucks and didn't let the old gentleman leave with it. I paid for his coffee, we got in my car, drove to the bank and I took it off his wrist. To him, it was just a watch he bought in late 50's while stationed in Guam and wore carelessly ever since; to me, it was the most exciting and memorable find up to date.

What's on your wrist today?

Today I'm wearing the Panerai 243. Simple and practical; it is perfect for a hot, humid day out on water.