This week, we sit down with Sam Hines, the newly appointed International Head of Watches for Phillips auction house. Sam started his career in the watch world working at the Henry Stern Agency in New York, and since then has parlayed his love for watches into various executive positions in the auction world. Based in Hong Kong, Sam has advised some of the top watch collectors in the world with buying and selling some of the best examples of both Rolex and Patek Philippe watches ever made. A great friend of TPT since the beginning, we're proud to feature our good friend on this week's Horological Minute.

What was your first watch?

My first watch from when I was about 8 years old was a digital James Bond watch by Casio. When the alarm played theme of James Bond I felt like the coolest kid in the world. My first more serious watch was a steel submariner that my father bought me when I was 18 years old. I still have it today and it is one of the most important pieces in my collection.

What was the last watch you bought?

The last watch I bought was a steel Rolex Daytona, ref. 6265, with original pushers and 2.8 million serial number.

Do you prefer vintage or modern?

When I first started in the industry I preferred modern- however as my knowledge has grown I can appreciate all eras of watch production from centuries past, to early wristwatches, to classic vintage to modern horological innovations. I also love Chinese market watches and Automata.

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

It was the Kyubei sushi bar at the Okura hotel in Tokyo where I enjoyed a selection of sushi and sashimi with a friend and collector. It was delicious but I did get shouted at by the chef for using soy sauce on his creations.

Do you remember what watch you were wearing?

I was wearing a Patek Nautilus, ref. 3712.

What do you love about vintage Rolex?

I love how it is very subjective. Collectors can have their own opinion and define the market. It is a good thing that Rolex does not get involved with the vintage market so the scholarship and experience can flourish.

Strap or bracelet?

Bracelet

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

The Submariner, and my favorite Submariner of all time is the 6200.

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

I would love to see a reinterpretation of the Rolex reference 6062 or 8171.

Can you tell us about the most interesting watch you’ve ever found/owned?

The most interesting watches I ever found were a pair of pocket watches originally owned by James Ward Packard. We sold them at auction in 2011. The resale estimate for both watches was $450,000 and in the end they realised almost $3 million USD.

What's on your wrist today?

A Patek Nautilus Ref. 5711