A fifth generation jeweler, Matthew Green has been living and breathing Rolex since he was born. His family business, Lux Bond and Green Jewelers was established in 1898 and has several stores in the Northeast, and is one of the oldest Patek Philippe and Rolex dealers in the USA. Currently living in Hong Kong, Matthew currently oversees the watch department for a multinational luxury goods company and is an important voice in the watch world. Aside from his day job, Matthew is a passionate vintage aficionado, and has been instrumental in bringing the vintage concept to a wider audience. He is this week's horological minute.

What was your first watch?

My first watch was a green tag heuer formula 1 in the 1980s. It had a rubber green band and the markers had such a green super glow luminous - which I would charge every night before I went to bed. It was the first really nice gift I remember getting from my parents, and I still have it today.

What was the last watch you bought?

AP Royal Oak, reissue ultra thin ref. 15202. The homage to the original design and build is truly amazing! The lines, polishing, blue dial, and timeless design make this a must have from the original to the modern variation. In my opinion, this Royal Oak is the perfect amalgam of new and old, and makes for a very compelling new watch for the vintage aficionado.

Do you prefer vintage or modern?

My preference is for vintage. With a smaller sized wrist, I find that the classic sizes and proportions are better suited for me. I also like that a watch can fit perfectly under my shirt cuff. My personal favorites are of course Rolex and Blancpain.

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

Good food in my opinion is enhanced ten fold by the company you share it with (also maybe the wine too). We celebrated a great friends birthday organized by his wife at the Mandarin Bar and Grill here in Hong Kong recently. I had an amazing duck egg cooked on a hot stone at the table with roasted suckling pig - simply called Bacon and Egg!

Do you remember what watch you were wearing?

Yes, I was wearing a 1966 Rolex Gilt Glossy Submariner originally owned by an FBI agent. It has a cool engraving on the back, and is one of my favorite watches.

What do you love about vintage Rolex?

I thoroughly enjoy learning and discovering new variations, history, or stories/myths about each of the iconic sports models. Many of these watches have such a rich history and were actually used as tool watches in various trades of military, exploration, or maritime activities. Picking up a Submariner or GMT from the 60s and 70s and having them still be relevant today in the design is amazing. Also their movements are workhorses! My only issue with vintage is I love to swim and am always too nervous to wear them even fresh from service. While on vacation, I always bring two watches with me. A modern watch to wear while swimming, and a vintage Rolex to wear at all other times.

Strap or bracelet?

Frankly JP's (Jean-Paul Menicucci) straps are my favorite and best, followed by a top quality NATO.

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

Submariner all the way. No date, really prefer time only and a clean look on the dial.

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

Generally speaking I hear a lot of collectors or Rolex fans always ask about moon phases, but what I really want to see is a nice time only dress watch that does not have the word Cellini on it.

What's on your wrist today?

Funny enough my wife's (who has more watches than me) Oman Asprey oyster perpetual, which we got from you.