A reformed Panerai collector (We've all been there right?!) who has now converted his collection to a Rolex centric one, Rick Orrick is a great guy. By day he's an endodontist helping guys like us when we need that painful root canal and by night, he's actively on VRF and other sites looking at watches and hoping his wife doesn't catch him. A perfectionist of sorts, Rick is always looking to add pieces to his collection that pass his critical eye and definition of quality. He is this week's Horological Minute.

What was your first watch?

My first watch was a lime green Swatch that I bought when I was in junior high, but my first high-end timepiece was a Panerai PAM164 I bought my second year of residency. I remember trying it on for the first time, and I knew right away that collecting watches would become a passion.

What was the last watch you bought?

The last watch I bought was an original owner 6265 Oyster Paul Newman complete with box and papers and an extra plexi-bezel (because let’s face it - it just frames the dial and looks better in my opinion). It is my first Cosmograph, and I can see what all the fuss is about. What’s not to love?? :-)

Do you prefer vintage or modern?

Are you kidding?! Vintage all day long buddy! It’s been said before, but vintage watches have an undeniable charm – something that is often imitated, but NEVER duplicated. The subtle nuances of different references and patina variation just add to the appeal. Finding a watch with history is And let’s not forget the hunt! I think chasing down that pristine example is part of the fun of collecting.

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

My last great meal was at Bristol’s Seafood in St. Louis. I ordered the Antarctic Blue Nose Butterfish with a lemon asparagus risotto and crispy green beans prepared with lemon shallot butter. No dessert, so instead I opted for the mini New England Lobster rolls! Yum!

Do you remember what watch you were wearing?

I was wearing my US Navy issued Patent Pending Sea-Dweller.

What do you love about vintage Rolex?

I love that no matter what the budget, there is a vintage Rolex for everyone. If you can’t find a vintage Rolex you like, then you don’t like watches! My passion for vintage Rolex started with Panerai. I started with the 164, then worked my way to watches like the 127, 203, 21, and eventually settled into some vintage Panerai watches like a 3646 and 6152/1 locking Marina Militare. It was only natural that my curiosity of vintage Rolex was piqued and the rest is history. I’m drawn to 4-digit references, complete sets and watches with provenance.

Strap or bracelet?

I find myself drawn to leather straps since they are more comfy and there are so many color/material options. Having said that, I do appreciate the vintage folded-link bracelet the most. There is just enough “heft” to the bracelet without detracting from the weight of the watch and they don’t rip out the hair on my wrist like the rivet bracelets do.

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

For me it’s the Sea-Dweller. I’m a tool-watch guy at heart, so give me a valve and a T39 and I’m a happy camper!

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

I would love to see something more complicated in the catalog– perhaps a triple calendar moonphase??

What's on your wrist today?

Still honey-mooning with Paul :-)