Well known to all Rolex collectors, and a seasoned veteran of the vintage Rolex scene, Roger is the Managing Director of the Vintage Rolex Forum. A well regarded expert of Comex watches and Milsubs, Roger can be often found carving the beautiful backroads roads of Europe in a new Italian prancing horse with of course, a Comex on the wrist. He is this week's Horological Minute.

What was your first watch?

I remember it like it was just yesterday. I was 5 years old and my Mother collected me from School. "Your Father said its time you had a wristwatch." I was taken to a family owned Jewellers shop in town that today is a Rolex AD. I saw a white dial manual wind Timex with a RED second hand and knew that was the watch for me. My first Rolex was a 16013 Datejust with Champagne dial 14 years later.

What was the last watch you bought?

1984 Rolex Comex Submariner 16800 10 Year Award with "reverse" dial. One of only 5 known pieces. My focus has always been on Comex Rolex and at one point I was just 2 pieces from the absolute full set. Ironically after I had liquidated some of my collection the next 2 pieces I bought would have completed the set. The elusive 1680 and a 16800 Matt dial.

Do you prefer Vintage or modern?

I can appreciate modern pieces but my experience and heart are firmly in Vintage Rolex. The beauty of a mirror gloss dial from the 1950's, the fine detail of a Paul Newman dial or the unmistakeable sound of a Comex 1665 Sea-Dweller on the wrist can keep me happy year after year whereas any modern pieces I've tried just don't hold my interest after a few months and I let them go. The last being a Carbon Alinghi AP.

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

Yes I can. It was at a Beach Restaurant in The Mediterranean called "El Chiringuito" on Es Cavallet Beach Ibiza Spain just last week. I had the Jamón Ibėrico Bellota De "Guijuelo" to start and shared the Artichoke & Black Tiger Prawns followed by the Lobster rice all washed down with a fine Montrachet :)

Do you remember what watch you were wearing?

I have a regular 168000 Submariner that I wear when traveling or on holiday.

What do you love about Vintage Rolex?

The detail. I can look at a Vintage Rolex watch for many hours exploring and appreciating the detail. It cant be successfully copied or reproduced today. Every vintage dial has a unique fingerprint and can be told apart from any other. Having handled these watches for so many years now I can "feel" originality before I even pull a loupe out and dive into the dial or inspect the case or review the provenance. The feeling derived from coming into contact with a beautiful totally original Rolex watch of any reference is wonderful. You can multiply that significantly for a special piece like a Paul Newman, Comex or Military Submariner etc.

Strap or bracelet?

I am a big fan of the Oyster bracelet and find it perfectly comfortable. I prefer my Rolex clinking away on my wrist to the silent nato. I also enjoy the added security of a flip lock.

GMT/Explorer/Sub/Daytona or ?

No GMT's for me. Ive tried but I just cant get on with any of them. The 1655 Explorer II Orange Hand was my first Vintage Rolex Sports watch and is still one of my favourite watches ever made. Ive never had a Space-Dweller but find them fascinating. Submariners and Sea-Dwellers are "Vintage Rolex" to most collectors and I am no different but always need a beautiful Cosmograph for balance and occasional use. Im happy with most watches to show some wear or even professional polishing to the case but when it comes to Daytonas I find an unpolished case particularly pleasing.

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

A Steel Daytona with black Ceramic bezel and Panda dial seems like an obvious addition to the range. I would probably buy one if the dial design is good.

Whats on your wrist today?

My Rolex Comex 5514 Submariner with unique type 5 Logo dial and unique case back style. Its been with me for the last 7 years and is still as exciting as the day I got it. It was manufactured 5 years after 5514 production had ceased at the special request of Comex Houlder Aberdeen and has all the documentation to substantiate. To own something as special and as rare as an issued Rolex Comex 5514 is a privilege but to have a unique piece with unique details is very very satisfying for a collector.