This week we feature our very good friend, Dr. Jay Meisel. Not only is Jay a passionate watch collector, but he happens to have a very important day job- curing cancer. Jay is a radiation oncologist based in Santa Cruz, CA and has been practicing for nearly 20 years. In his spare time he's a watch lover and his current collection consists primarily of vintage Rolex and Lange & Sohne watches. Jay owns or has owned all the big game trophies of the Rolex world- ranging from the RCO, to a pristine 6062 in steel, and a great pink gold 6036 Killy. A real world hero and collecting superstar, Dr. Meisel is this week's Horological Minute.

What was your first watch?

My first watch was a stainless steel Seiko quartz with a beautiful blue dial. I was about 10 years old, and my family was on vacation in the U.S. Virgin Islands. I saw the watch in a shop in Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas, and there was just something about it that drew me in. I talked my parents into buying it for me, and I’ve been wearing a watch daily ever since.

What was the last watch you bought?

The last watch I bought was a Lange Zeitwerk in white gold. Just before that, I bought a Laurent Ferrier Traveller U.S. limited edition, with the stunning enamel champlevé dial.

Do you prefer vintage or modern?

I usually prefer vintage, but there are many modern watches I love as well.

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

My last great meal was with my family at a restaurant called Sufi, in Punta Mita, Mexico. I had the seafood paella, which is simply amazing. The setting is exotic and gorgeous, like something out of a James Bond movie.

Do you remember what watch you were wearing?

I was wearing a Rolex white gold Sub, which I think is the perfect watch for a tropical beach vacation.

What do you love about vintage Rolex?

There is so much to love about vintage Rolex. The company was groundbreaking in so many aspects of horology. The early sport watches, whether GMT, Explorer, Sub, or Daytona, were designed to be tools, not bling, and largely because of that, each of these has proven over decades to be icons of design. The early, complicated watches, from the 40s and 50s, are perfect, and rival any vintage Patek, in my opinion. As everyone who collects vintage Rolex knows, there are myriad variations and subtleties to the dials, collecting never becomes boring. The fund of knowledge regarding these pieces also continues to expand and change, which keeps things interesting and stimulating. And as much as I love the incredible artisanship and brilliance of modern watches and movements, and certainly enjoy wearing them as well, I know that anyone with the financial means can walk into any boutique, any time, and buy any watch they want. But go try to find a steel 6062 or a pink Killy, or an all original Mil Sub, or a 4-line Big Crown, or a lightning bolt Milgauss, or an oyster Newman in great condition… well, you get my point.

Strap or bracelet?

I typically prefer vintage Rolex on a bracelet, as they were meant to be worn, but a nice, worn leather strap can also look fantastic and I will often switch it up.

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

I’ve had them all, and each has its own special charms and merit, but at this time my interest has evolved to the early, complicated watches such as the 6062, 6036, 8171, and pre-Daytona chronographs. I think there is a special, timeless class and beauty to these pieces.

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

As many others have expressed, I’d love to see a steel Daytona with contrasting subdials and a black, ceramic bezel, a la the 6263.

What's on your wrist today?

Slowhand's 3-6-9 Explorer Dial sub, which appropriately enough I got from you!