Sometimes things are so lovely that it’s almost impossible to describe them adequately. This is, without a doubt, the most beautiful watch I’ve seen, worn or owned.

I first tried on a Daytona a couple of years ago. It didn’t really do anything for me at the time, but over the last few months I’ve been fighting a growing desire to own one. In the end, I decided that resistance was futile and I’m now delighted to have added one to my collection.

I was initially going to go for an older reference housing the Zenith movement; the reality, though, is that Rolex modified about 50% of the parts to make it their own. The newer Rolex movement is lauded as one of the best chronograph movements ever made, and the sub-dial arrangements (with the running seconds at six) is to my mind preferable. I’ve therefore gone for a 2004 model (barely worn since new), with a black dial.

I really love this watch, and it’ll be getting a lot of wrist time!

One non-date Sub from 1991… gorgeous creamy patina in contrast to the white gold indices and sharp case lines.

One flashgun, mounted on the camera – no other lighting.

Simplicity personified?

The Datejust is arguably as iconic a watch as the Submariner. As recognisably “Rolex” as any watch that has come out of that great stable.

I’ve owned a couple before but foolishly let them go. I’ve been biding my time,though, and when I was offered this beautiful bronze-dialed 16030 from 1983 I simply couldn’t say no. It comes with box, punched papers and even the original sales receipt; aside from that, it’s simply… beautiful.

A few weeks ago, I began wondering if I was being too dogmatic in my decision only to wear vintage watches – there are lots of modern pieces that I like a lot, and it seemed daft to place obstacles in my path if I wanted to try/own them. Anyway, having come to the conclusion that it was sensible to mix it up a bit I imported a nice new MM300, and then decided to fill the modern Rolex void that I’d created.

Initially I was going to go for a 16610LV but I was also conscious of the fact that I’d previously allowed a Sea Dweller to be prised from my grasp after a few hours (big mistake), so switched my attention to a 16600 instead. As luck would have it, a virtually NOS example from 2001 was available, with absolutely everything to make it a complete set, from punched papers to plastic seal. It really is like an unworn watch, and has the benefit of being just about the last of the lug-holed models whilst also being one of the very early Super Luminova dials.

Anyone who’s owned a SD will know what wrist presence they have. I can’t see any reason ever to move this on, either, as it’s the kind of watch that should always be at the core of any diver collection.

Happy Christmas to me 🙂

The 5513 is a strange watch in some ways… it never really “shouts” from the wrist, but instead it just gives the impression of being a solid, no-nonsense, “proper” watch. A watch that you’ll always be able to rely upon, for many it’s the quintessential Rolex.

This one is from 1978, and I bought it back in the summer. It’s actually close to perfect, really – definitely one of the nicest examples I’ve seen although there are many of this age that have a slightly darker patina; the dial’s perfect, though, and the case is lovely and thick. When I wear it I tend to forget I have a watch on at all, and I suspect that’s a sure sign that it’s the right watch for you!

I bought this beautiful little Rolex, dating from 1956, a while ago and – for some reason – never considered wearing it on the bracelet it would have originally been paired with. Well, originally it would have been a rivet bracelet and this one is a 78350 with screwed links.

Anyway, I think it looks nice, and strangely the watch doesn’t wear as small is it did on leather. Being JUST 34mm, that’s no bad thing!

I think it looks lovely!

Quite a few people have said to me recently that the Oysterquartz that I bought a while back really didn’t gel with the rest of what I have. I must admit that I found myself admiring it for what it was, but not really feeling the love. Consequently, I decided on a quick flip that would enable me to fund something rather lovely in its place.

It’s a 1956 Oysterdate Precision (reference 6494) in quite remarkable condition for a 55 year old watch. Waffle dial, roulette date wheel, yellow gold applied indices and logo, blue second hand and a relatively chunky screw-down crown. I think it would originally have come on a folded link bracelet, but I’m sot sure that look would have been as nice, and I’m very happy with it on a strap. In fact, I have a dark blue Ostrich on the way for it.