Many of you know him as Beaumont Miller II on the various forums, but his real name is John Field. An anesthesiologist by trade, John is a passionate collector of vintage Rolexes, particularly Submariners. He turned his passion and enthusiasm for them into the website 5513mattedial.com, which has become an invaluable resource for collectors worldwide. We're happy to have him as this week's Horological Minute.

What was your first watch?

The first significant watch I bought was an Omega Seamaster De Ville to celebrate my twenty-first birthday. An Omega Speedmaster followed a few years later.

What was the last watch you bought?

The last watch I bought was a 1680 Submariner with a beautiful Mk1 white dial. The hands are a perfect match to the patina on the dial and pearl. The case is incredibly sharp, shows minimal wear, and it came with its original box and papers. I bought it from a good friend and collector to celebrate my 48th birthday. I am proud to own it.

Do you prefer vintage or modern?

Vintage for me. Four digit reference numbers make up the overwhelming majority of my collection. Whether it's a 1675 GMT with pointed crown guards purchased from the estate of the original owner or a 5513 Submariner that has seen action behind enemy lines, each vintage Rolex is unique. When I'm wearing a vintage watch, I feel like I have a piece of history on my wrist. Unfortunately the operating room, with its hard metal surfaces, is not a friendly environment for watches. Consequently, SubC is on my wrist the majority of time at work.

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

Recently my wife and I had dinner with some close friends at The Grill , a locally owned restaurant. I had a salad with blue cheese crumbles, the parmesan encrusted Chilean sea bass with asparagus, and a malbec. For dessert I had the chocolate brownie with caramel gelato. The meal was delicious, and it was a very enjoyable evening. Time spent with friends is to be treasured.

Do you remember what watch you were wearing?

I was wearing a 1665 Great White. Looking at that watch with its NOS superdome crystal, never fails to put a smile on my face.

What do you love about vintage Rolex?

There is so much to love about vintage Rolex. I love the "thrill of the hunt". The search for that unique watch with a special dial and beautiful case, the anticipation of its arrival, and having your expectations exceeded as you pull the watch out of the soft leather pouch, never grows old. I love researching and understanding the subtle nuances of vintage Rolex dials. I love the fact that both young and seasoned collectors alike can enjoy the simple pleasures of wearing a 5513 with a Mk 1 Maxi dial. I love the way different lighting can change the patina on the dial and the fade of an insert. I love way my wife's 1803 Day Date in pink gold looks on her wrist. I love the stories vintage watches could tell and the way they capture your imagination, draw people together, and create bonds and friendships to last a lifetime. I could go on.

Strap or bracelet?

It's just hard to beat a 93150 Oyster bracelet for its strength, durability, and great looks. I do keep a few examples on leather straps as well because on occasion a vintage Submariner on a leather strap can make for an unbeatable combination.

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

Submariners and Sea Dwellers make up the bulk of my collection. The 5512 and 5513 make great daily wearers. In addition, all the different dial variations over the years make these no date Subs enjoyable to collect. The 1665 is another favorite. It's distinctive features such as the superdome crystal and the HEV make this reference hard to resist. Finally, on special occasions it's hard to withstand the temptation of seeing a 5512 with its gilt gloss chapter ring dial on my wrist.

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

I can't really say that I have my finger on the pulse of consumer demand for new Rolex models. The vintage side of me would like to see perhaps a limited run of red print on the SUBMARINER and SEA DWELLER dials and if done well, a stainless steel DAYTONA with contrasting subdials.

What's on your wrist today?

Why my 5512 4 line from 1962 I purchased from you... of course!