Despite his youthful appearance, Corrado Mattarelli has been in the vintage watch business for nearly 25 years! Based in Rome, his shop "Only Vintage" has been responsible for selling some of the most beautiful vintage Rolex and Patek Philippe watches in existence. A collector at heart, Corrado sources from around the world only the best quality examples of vintage watches. A great guy whom I've travelled around the world with, I'm proud to have him as this week's Horological Minute.

What was your first watch?

I bought my first watch at the beginning of 90's, how I could forget it! It was a Rolex Explorer 1655 Orange Hand "Freccione", which happened to be the cheapest Rolex sports model there was. To buy it, I had to sell my entire coin collection, which was valued at $1500 USD! Wearing it a lot, my friends always asked me, "Are you sure its a Rolex?!"

What was the last watch you bought?

The last watch I bought was a Patek Philippe 1463 in steel. Its the rarest version with the big and wide bezel, in simply amazing condition. Its the perfect watch to wear every day!

Do you prefer vintage or modern?

I love all watches and I have a collection of both modern and vintage, but of course vintage is my passion.

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

It was in Rome, and I had Catalan di Astice (Catalan Style Lobster), Risotto al Salto, and a nice bottle of Gaja y Rey white wine. This was at "I Due Ladroni", my favorite restaurant. Any Italian would smile at the name of that restaurant!

Do you remember what watch you were wearing?

Yes, I was wearing a 6263 Paul Newman Panda.

What do you love of vintage Rolex?

I think Rolex is the most creative and innovative brand! You can build a great collection even if you are not a billionaire! The stupidest thing that I hear as a dealer is "I don't like Rolex". From Princes to Bubblebacks, Big Crowns to Newmans, Chronos to Daydates, there is something for everyone! If there isn't a Rolex that you like, then you probably don't like watches!

Strap or bracelet?

Bracelet, a vintage "Gay Fereres" is the best!

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

Or...The 6062 black dial! It's the most beautifuf Rolex watch ever: With stars or pyramid indexes, in yellow or pink gold I don't care...

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

The Steel Daytona with the ceramic bezel, the most expected! (On an editorial note, Basel novelties for 2015 were released this week, and unfortunately no black bezel Daytona yet. There was however a black bezel Yachtmaster, but somehow its not the same thing!)

What's on your wrist today?

A nice example of Daytona reference 6241 white dial with beautiful brown registers.