October 9, 2026 |
You can tell a lot about a man by the watch he’s wearing. Luckily for us, the gents on the following pages know what to choose when it comes to the best wrist candy out there.
Gavin wears 1979 Day-Date Oysterquartz watch in 18k yellow gold with wood dial by Rolex
GAVIN BOND, photographer and director
What watch are you wearing?
It’s a 1979 Rolex Oysterquartz in gold with a wood dial.
Tell us about it.
It is a relatively rare configuration and an unpolished example, which was important to me. The watch spent much of its life in Dubai. The Oysterquartz has a distinct place in Rolex history, and its angular case design feels especially relevant today.
How did you come to own it?
I had been looking for one for some time when this piece came up at auction in Dubai. I placed a bid from New York and went to sleep before it closed. I told myself that if I woke up and had won it, it was meant to be.
What’s the story behind it?
A friend kindly collected it for me in Dubai. Garth [Spencer, 10’s creative fashion director] happened to be there as well and brought it back to the UK, where I first saw it in person before it eventually made its way home with me.
What do you love about it and why is it your favourite?
I had been searching for a gold watch with a wood dial, and this felt like a slightly more unusual take. The dial is what makes it, as each one is unique. The 36-millimetre size also makes it easy to wear in almost any setting.
When do you wear it and what do you wear it with?
I wear it as often as I can. It works well with tailoring, especially a tuxedo, but I like it just as much dressed down with denim. That versatility is part of the appeal.
What would be a dream watch for you to own?
A 1970 Rolex Daytona reference 6262 with a tropical dial would be a dream piece.
Photography by Gavin Bond. Taken from 10 Men Issue 64 – FUTURE, LEGACY, HERITAGE – out NOW. Order your copy here.
