"My passion for the watches have evolved vastly over the years."

Mr. P AKA. "1665 Collector"  //  THE HOROLOGICAL MINUTE
Mr. P AKA. "1665 Collector"

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THE HOROLOGICAL MINUTE

INTRODUCING

Mr. P AKA. "1665 Collector"

This week we're featuring a collector known to many of you on IG as "1665Collector". Based somewhere in Europe, Mr. P (As his friends call him), has a very tightly curated collection of watches primarily focused on Submariners and Sea-Dwellers. A true aficionado of dive watches, Mr. P has nearly every configuration of Rolex diving classics from the basic subs to many of the exotic SD variations. We're pleased that he has made time for us this week, to share some of his thoughts about these watches we love, and to give us a glimpse into his collection.

What was your first watch?

My first watch was some kind of divers watch with rubber strap, but do not recall the brand name. I got it when I started first grade.

What was the last watch you bought?

The last watch I bought was from the ”prototype batch” to Comex from Rolex. The batch is 10 watches, and these were not 5513 as the common myth, but 1665 DRSD MkII Thin Case. Just a couple of these watches have surfaced. They are all without logos. Comex are the ones closest to my heart and this being the king of the Comex collection.

Do you prefer vintage or modern?

100% Vintage.

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

The last great meal was after racing at the Oldtimer Grand Prix at the Nürburgring in Germany. I had a Wienerschnitzel with freshly picked chanterelle mushrooms and a couple of Bitburg pilseners. The whole scene was epic.

Do you remember what watch you were wearing?

I was wearing my 1665 Seadweller Great White mk 0.

What do you love about vintage Rolex?

Initially when starting with vintage, it was all about learning and hearing the stories about these tool watches. Learning about the dial variants etc. Took the matte dials to my heart directly! My passion for the watches have evolved vastly over the years. As a young boy when watching that epic shot of Sean Connery using the lighter to tell the time on his 6538 Submariner in Dr. No, effected me big time. When I got older I set myself to have the same watch as James Bond, it was a 16610, still with me after 25 years now being backdated as a 16800. The passion about the brand has led to something I never thought would happen, having met such great guys over the years of collecting. A lot of these guys are today my closest friends, who would never hesitate to help me should I need it. No matter being on the other side of the world. That is what collecting is all about today for me.

Strap or bracelet?

Both. It is all about the watch, Comexes I wear on bracelet, but my tropical 1665 mkI Patent Pending or1665 mkII Tropical Thin Case, I mostly wear on brackets to make the dials pop. However, I do love the feel of the 9315 bracelet.

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

Have gone through most references of the sport Rolexes, I appreciate them all, but the Paul Newman Daytonas just don’t suit me, looks amazing on everybody else…so I stick to the Seadwellers and Subs...

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

I do not follow the new stuff a lot, but a Bg Crown with no crown guards Sub would be cool...

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

I bought the so-called ebay MilSub a few years ago, which came directly from the original owner. Having been a clearance diver during the Falklands war, it meant a lot to me getting this watch from a true hero. The watch was not working at the time, but after a service at Rolex UK all is good, the crystal even has a dent in it having never been replaced. It is a full spec 5513 with HH letter. I wear it with great pride.

What's on your wrist today?

A 6538 2-liner Sub. Just like James Bond…

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