While people typically go to the small costal town of Carmel-by-the-Sea for golf and leisure, watch aficionados know that the real reason to go is to see all the beautiful watches available at Fourtane Estate Jewelers. Fourtane is not only an authorized Rolex dealer, but they are also one of the best retailers for vintage Rolex in the USA. Carrying a wide array of watches spanning all decades, you could spend an entire day perusing their extensive selection. Chances are when you're there, you'll meet this week's interviewee, Audrey Higuera. Audrey has been part of the Fourtane team for several years, and is well versed in the details and nuances of vintage Rolex. Serpico this, Big Crown that, Audrey can talk shop all day long, and in French and German as well! Her passion for all things vintage is evident in her every day life, as she surrounds herself with vintage watches, jewelry, clothing and even automobiles. A knowledgeable watch expert and great personal friend, she is this week's Horological Minute.

What was your first watch?

My mother's sister bought a lady's Datejust with a blue dial in 1977 (the year I was born!). This purchase was quite significant for her and, although it was among her most prized possessions, she rarely wore the watch. She lived in Germany and never had children. Every time I visited, she would pull the watch out, show it to me and promise me that one day it would be mine. Not long after I began working at Fourtane, my mother returned from a trip to Germany with "something special" for me. I wear it occasionally, but prefer to honor her memory by keeping it as pristine as it was when I first saw it as a child.

What was the last watch you bought?

The last watch I bought was actually a Black Bay for my husband! I intended it to be a birthday gift, but I ended up giving it to him a couple weeks early, as we left the house to walk our dogs.

Do you prefer vintage or modern?

I prefer vintage everything. I learned to drive on a 1963 Lincoln Continental with "suicide" doors! Modern production is so precise that it can seem sterile, but vintage things have attitude. The aesthetics of vintage pieces- not just the patina, but the tiny inconsistencies, the nuances that really give an object its character- are what I find alluring.

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

So, I love everything about food! We have an edible garden at home. I love shopping for food, I love to gather my friends and feed them and I love to be fed by others who share my enthusiasm! I recently had a great meal at one of my favorite spots- "Fish" in Sausalito, right over the bridge from San Francisco. It's a fish market-turned-restaurant with a menu that I would describe as California comfort food. Of course, good food is always augmented by good company!

Do you remember what watch you were wearing?

I was wearing my Submariner 14060M on a nato strap. Although it's not vintage, I wear it often on my days off; it can withstand anything!

What do you love about vintage Rolex?

This is a tough question for a vintage enthusiast who sells vintage Rolex for a living to answer in a few sentences! I think vintage Rolex is in a category of its own. It's cool. It's subtle and exclusive. You have to be initiated to appreciate it. You don't buy a big crown Sub because you want the whole world to know you're wearing an expensive watch. The watches were conceived with a purpose beyond fashion value and were designed to be worn under extreme conditions, but they are also very much a luxury. It's a truly beautiful juxtaposition!

Strap or bracelet?

For me, strap. I think vintage gentleman's watches look chic on women, but a bracelet can make the watch look heavy or too masculine. Even if the watch is on a gent's wrist, the perfect strap can really enhance the character of a watch by amplifying the little details we enthusiasts are so obsessed with.

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

I have a particular fondness for all of these models and could easily argue the merits of any of these. But in the end, the Submariner is all-mighty.

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

Rolex has done an incredible job drawing inspiration from their own heritage and modernizing- without bastardizing- their iconic designs. Rolex's sponsorship of philanthropic efforts and major explorative milestones is inspiring. The recent release of the commemorative D-Blue DeepSea has created an exciting reason to discuss Rolex's generous encouragement of these incredible accomplishments. I would love to see more.

What's on your wrist today?

I am at the shop today, so I am wearing my yellow gold 1803 Day-Date that was originally sold at Serpico y Laino. It looks good with all of my vintage outfits!