This week we are introducing you to Francesco Postiglione, one of the few true restoration wizards still existing out there. Francesco had a former education in antique art restoration in Florence Italy, but his passion for watches has allowed him to develop skills out of the ordinary that have changed the name of restoration of watch dials and bezels. Preservation is the name of the game in our world, but when a magic touch is needed to bring a vintage piece back to its former glory, Francesco is definitely one of the few who can make it happen.

What was your first watch?

A steel Rolex Daytona, a ref 6241. My friend Alex Ciani suggested that I’d ask my father to get me one in LA, where he was living at the time. I told him Alex believed these watches were going to become the most desirable of all times: he walked into Doug Gruenberg’s store in Beverly Hills and started buying every Daytona that came in for weeks: when he came back to Italy he had a box with twenty-five steel Daytonas. I sold them all for about $ 2,500 each and kept a 6241 for myself. This was back in 1986.

What was the last watch you bought?

A steel Rolex Submariner ref 5512 from the mid seventies I just gave my son Tommaso.

Do you prefer vintage or modern?

I don’t think I ever even looked at a watch less than thirty years old... I guess this makes me officially a vintage guy.

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

Of course I do, it was only last night! Right here at the house: spaghetti alle zucchine, a recipe of mine. Onion and garlic, zucchini, fresh mint and a pinch of chili. Pepper, too.

Do you remember what watch you were wearing?

I sure do: a Rolex GMT Master ref 6542 I just did some work on for a good friend of mine.

What do you love about vintage Rolex?

The same things everyone else does, I guess. But beyond the brand, the quality and the design, there is something about Rolex I can’t explain that draws me to it... as if it was just meant to be THE watch, know what I mean?

Strap or bracelet?

I am for the steel bracelet, no question about it. Oyster.

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

Well, they are all great watches. But for me, definitely Daytona: the best looking sports chronograph ever designed.

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

I would like to see a new chronograph different from a Daytona. I guess just because it’s the only watch from Rolex’s past history they haven’t revisited yet. A contemporary version of the 6236 to the 6236, something like that. I would be curious to see how they would reimagine a classic non-oyster chronograph, too.

What's on your wrist today?

Oh, the same as every day. My first Rolex watch, my 6241.