This week, we bring to you an interview with Mr. Double Red Sea-Dweller, Ed Delgado. A true scholar, Ed parlayed a chance acquisition of an extremely rare and beautiful "Patent Pending" Sea-Dweller into a quest for knowledge and information on the watch, which he subsequently turned into the website www.DoubleRedSeaDweller.com It is universally acknowledged as the authority on the subject, and was instrumental in the naming and dating nomenclature of the various different dials used on that watch. When not geeking out about watches, Ed manages still to find time to practice medicine as an anesthesiologist and owner of his own practice. A great friend of many years, we are proud to feature him as this week's Horological Minute.

What was your first watch?

My father was a watchmaker in Cuba. I remember going to his shop when I was 10 yrs old while he repaired watches. My first watch was simply a watch he put together. A watch a movement and a leather strap. It was nothing fancy but it immediately ignited my interest in mechanical watches. I wish that I still had it, and I don't remember what happened to it.

What was the last watch you bought?

I really enjoy “full story” watches. Watches that not only stand alone but have been worn and accompany by documentation from their owners and show where that watch has been and what kind of life its had. Watches that show a connection to a person and the past. Last watch I purchased was a Rolex Sea-Dweller Model 1665 Double Red. Originally purchased from a diver in 1978 and worn constantly since. He is one the foremost authority in shark behavior and he developed a steel shark suit to allow a diver to safely swim with sharks. The band had been broken off, so he wore it on a heavy NATO strap. The bezel torn off, quite possible bitten off by a shark. The watch has the “full story”. Documentation from the time he first wore it to the last time it he decided it was ready to pass it on.

Do you prefer vintage or modern?

Vintage for sure. Addicted to the chase, passion and learning about watches. I enjoy learning the history of the watch and how it influenced their life. As you know, I am in particular interested in the early Rolex Sea-Dwellers and have spent a lot of time documenting and trying to learn as much as possible about all their different configurations.

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

Last time we were in south Orlando and had dinner at OceanPrime. Impeccable service and the Chilean Sea Bass is outstanding. The company of my wife and friends made the meal that much better.

Do you remember what watch you were wearing?

A Rolex 5513 Full spec military submariner that was issued to the Royal Navy in the early 1970’s. I am a big fan of the issued watches. COMEX and Mil subs are the most interesting in my research.

What do you love about vintage Rolex?

The thrill of the learning process that accompanies every new watch. The nuances that you pick up every time you look at a vintage watch and something different comes to your attention. The fact that the watch you are wearing today was probably worn by someone else that appreciated the watch and that they watch might probably outlast you. The friendships in the watch collecting world. The people that I have met along the way.

Strap or bracelet?

Love the feel of a steel bracelet on my wrist. Comfortable, secure and you can easily wash your hands or jump in the water and not worry.

GMT/EXPLORER/SUB/DAYTONA or……..?

Sea-Dweller of course! But Submariner are a close second. Love those thick cases and superdomed crystals. Not to mention all the cool writing on the dials. Event the newer Sea-Dwellers are quite attractive.

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

I have been waiting for the last several years for Rolex to come out with a current version of the Daytona with a Date feature.. no cyclops please. Secondly, would love to see a newer version of a 6263 panda dial Daytona.

What's on your wrist today?

A trusted Rolex Double Red Sea-Deallwer 1665. Easy to wear and bulletproof. What did you expect?