I grew into the world of vintage watches whilst learning the jewellery trade within the family business. My grandad, started learning watch making in the 1940’s and began repairing watches above a dentist in the city of Exeter in England. He opened his first shop in the 1960’s selling jewellery and undertaking repairs.

All vintage watch dealers have a moment where it ignites the fire and at that time I didn’t own a vintage watch or sell any. However I remember my grandad showing me two gold watches he had kept back in the safe. One champagne dial Rolex Day-Date ref. 18038 and the one that immediately stood out was the Rolex Day-Date ref. 19018 with a burl wood dial. This was the first time being in such awe of a watch, from the grain of the wood and how the unusual yellow gold case design stood out compared to the other. This moment sent me fully down the rabbit hole for many years of finding what watches i liked/ disliked which led me to one decision.

I decided to start Doble vintage watches full-time in July 2023 to pursue my passion. I’ve always been obsessed with gold and that paired with watches close relationship with jewellery led me to have a very niche genre I enjoyed. Therefore the hunt never ends to find vintage heirlooms, old gold, craftsmanship, design & individuality which cannot be replicated by modern watches.

Roo Doble