I grew into the world of vintage watches whilst learning the jewellery trade within our family business. My grandad was a big inspiration and he started watch making in the 1940’s and began his business repairing watches above a dentist in the city of Exeter, England. He opened his first shop in the 1960’s selling jewellery and watch repairs with it still thriving today.

The moment vintage watches was first introduced to me was through my grandad showing me two gold Rolex he had in the safe. One champagne dial Day-Date ref. 18038 and the one that immediately stood out was the Rolex Day-Date Oyster-quartz 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.

I decided to pursue my passion and start Doble vintage watches separately full-time in July 2023. I’ve always been obsessed with gold, watches and the close relationship with jewellery which led me to find a niche genre I enjoyed. Vintage is about the incredible craftsmanship, interesting design’s & individuality that cannot be replicated by modern watches.

Roo Doble