Luciano is a well known and respected scholar and collector from Italy. Posting online using the screen name "Cortez Ramon", Luciano is one of the world's foremost experts on double-name watches. He has been collecting and researching about Joyeria Riviera, Serpico Y Laino, and Tiffany watches for many years. His knowledge of Arabic, Omani and UAE dials is also second to none. A collector of "Golden Age" Rolexes, we are especially delighted to have him as our guest this week.

What was your first watch?

This is actually quite a funny story. I was very young, and my boss at the time used to wear a really great yellow gold watch. At the time, I didn't really know what it was, but I was totally in love with it. I asked him many times to sell me the watch, but he would keep saying that I couldn't afford it. I wanted that watch so badly, I kept pestering him to sell it to me until he finally agreed one day. We had an agreement that he'd give me 12 months to pay for the watch. This turned my dream into a nightmare actually, as each of the 12 payments was exactly my monthly salary! In order to pay for the watch, I had to get second job just to pay my debt. Many years later, I came to the realization that the watch I worked so hard to pay for, was in fact an 18k gold Rolex Paul Newman ref. 6241 with champagne dial, featuring white indexes in the subdials. Even to this day, I can't help but laugh and marvel at that story. My love and interest for Rolex really began with this first one.

What was the last watch you bought?

A Ulysse Nardin military pocket watch.

Do you prefer vintage or modern?

Vintage only. I don't have any interest in modern watches. Lately, my attention has been focused on primarily 20's, 30's and 40's era watches.

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

As every Friday evening to my sister’s house; Polenta with Spezzatino, Polenta with Mushrooms, and Polenta with Gorgonzola.

Do you remember what watch you were wearing?

I don’t remember, as it fell into the Polenta pot and i've yet to find it!

What do you love about vintage Rolex?

The astonishing history of this great maison, and the story of the people that made it unique. From Mercedes Glitz to the Big Explorations, from the special watches retailed by Riviera and Tiffany, to the special watches for the Royal Navy, and British Army, for the Sultanate of Oman, and many many more. I really can't think of another brand with such a storied past.

Strap or bracelet?

Bracelet; especially the “chicchi di riso” ones, i love them! (Beads of Rice).

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

In the past, I was very focused on Daytonas, but recently my interests are more focused on 40's chorines and on complicated Rolex watches.

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

A bigger attention to the past, a look into the mason's history to shape the future.

What's on your wrist today?

A Rolex 6036 datocompax "Jean Claude Killy", one of my most favorite watches ever!