This week’s Horological Minute features Paul David Maudsley, International Director of the Watch Department for Bonhams Auctioneers. Paul joined Bonhams in 1998 as a cataloguer for watches and over the years has amassed a great knowledge of all areas of horology, ranging from early 17th century pocket watches through to his main love of Vintage Rolex watches. Paul is also a huge fan of classic cars in particular Ferraris of which Bonhams are particularly noted for. Needless to say, Paul has his dream job!

What was your first watch?

My first real watch was an Gruen Curvex from the 1940s. It was a given to me by my grandmother when I was 14 years old. (She was gifted it by and American pilot in 1944) From that moment onwards, I was hooked on horology! This Gruen motivated me from a very young age to start visiting auctions and watch fairs as often as I could.

What was the last watch you bought?

I recently bought a really wonderful Omega Speedmaster Cal.321.

Do you prefer vintage or modern?

Only vintage personally. I like the different nuances watches from this time have, such as slightly different dial configurations, patination etc. I’m a huge vintage car enthusiast and researcher, so I find the two subjects and clients often go hand in hand.

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

Yes I can, I don’t forget food. It was at a members club called Little House in Mayfair, London and I ate a wonderful beef tartare as a starter, and the main course was Lamb brisket, broccoli & gremolata. Delicious.

Do you remember what watch you were wearing?

Yes I do, as my good friend was asking about it. It was my Heuer Carrera 12 Dato. (Only made for 1 year in 1966)

What do you love about vintage Rolex?

I love the fact that from the outset they have had a fantastic marketing campaign and produced so many different styles from the early Prince to the more robust tool watches. If I were to choose on area though, it would be their chronographs from the 1940s-1960s, such as the Ref:2508, and Ref:3525.

Strap or bracelet?

This for me all depends on the watch. I’ve mainly preferred watches with straps and now there is huge variety available and are more fashionable. But for me, the correct bracelet on a vintage Rolex chrono can look and feel beautiful- as it was meant to be, straight from the factory.

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

This is a tough one as 80% of my personal watch collection has been based on chronographs yet I would say the Submariner. I love the way its evolved over time, but it’s the earlier examples that I find so pure like the Ref. 6200 and the Ref. 6538.

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

I would love them to bring out a watch like the Ref. 8171, something with moon-phase and with a well-proportioned dial layout.

What's on your wrist today?

In the morning I was wearing my Rolex Sub Ref. 5513 from 1971. Now I’m wearing a watch I designed and made, with my name on the dial!