"Between 1957 and 1972 Rolex and Omega made unique watches, real masterpieces"

Roberto Randazzo  //  THE HOROLOGICAL MINUTE
Roberto Randazzo

  //  

THE HOROLOGICAL MINUTE

INTRODUCING

Roberto Randazzo

It's my pleasure this week to feature Roberto Randazzo. Roberto or "Jatucka" on the forums, has been on the forefront of scholarly research of vintage Rolex watches for quite some time. He is also a director on VRF and has likely helped many of you with questions you may have had about your watches. Roberto is not only an expert on Rolex, but many other brands as well. He has recently collaborated on the "Moon Watch Only" book, the seminal volume about the Omega Speemaster. While not busy with his research, Roberto also runs "New Old Time" and "New Old Camera", a beautiful little shop selling vintage Watches and Cameras located in Milano. He is this week's Horological Minute.

What was your first watch?

My first real watch was an Omega Speedmaster, i bought it in 1983. Unfortunately i dont have it anymore, what a pity. But my love for the Omega Speedmaster is still here.

What was the last watch you bought?

An astonishing Longines 23086 Sommatore Centrale. (Center Seconds 13zn)

Do you prefer vintage or modern?

No doubts, VINTAGE!! I do especially love the late '50, '60 and '70 watches, it was a so fascinating period. Between 1957 and 1972 Rolex and Omega made unique watches, real masterpieces.

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

At the moment i'm in Parma for the Mercante in Fiera, so Parmigiano Reggiano, Culatello, Crudo di Parma and Torta Sbrisolona!

Do you remember what watch you were wearing?

Yes sure, my Omega 2505-15.

What do you love about vintage Rolex?

They are timeless watches. I think that at Rolex, they should look more to their past for ideas for the future.

Strap or bracelet?

Strap. For many years i used to wear Nato Straps, but lately i'm absolutely fascinated by the "last generation" of Leather Straps. Our friend Jean Paul Menicucci has revolutionized the Leather Strap taste and market!

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

For a long time i've been a GMT fan, lately I've fallen in love with Daytona. The Daytona's evolution is one of the most fascinating stories of the Rolex vintage watches. There are so many dial choices, some common but many unique. With different bezels, case and dials, there are an endless combination of styles to choose from.

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

As I said before, they should look more to their past, to their story.

What's on your wrist today?

My Omega 2505-15 I'v worn it continuously for two years, it's my "lucky watch"!

More from the Horological Minute


Eric Ku

We are back online with a new look and feel.

Francesco Postiglione

This week we are introducing you to Francesco Postiglione, one of the few true restoration wizards still existing out there.

Stephane Medam

This week, we have a sit down with our dear friend, Stephane Medam- proprietor of Worldly Watches.

Eric Ku

We are back online with a new look and feel.

Francesco Postiglione

This week we are introducing you to Francesco Postiglione, one of the few true restoration wizards still existing out there.

Stephane Medam

This week, we have a sit down with our dear friend, Stephane Medam- proprietor of Worldly Watches.