Discover Mike Wood’s Exquisite Private Rolex Collection: 'For Exhibition Only'

Renowned watch aficionado Mike Wood, colloquially known as ‘@theoldwatchshop’ on Instagram, has opened his majestic collection of vintage Rolex watches. Curated over several decades, Wood’s assortment of over 200 timepieces were displayed in an alluringly intimate private exhibition. Unveiled on the outskirts of Liverpool, England, the collection shines a light on the enduring magnificence of Rolex craftsmanship throughout the years. The exhibition, fittingly titled ‘For Exhibition Only’, offered a myriad of carefully-preserved watches, precious accessories, trinkets, and even a watchmaker’s bench from a Rolex service center dating back to the ’70s. Wood’s undying fascination with Rolex’s pristine horology has driven him to amass a spectacular collection encompassing an array of Rolex artifacts, from COMEX diving suits to an iconic Rolex workshop clock. His collection is a testament to horological history, enhanced by rare pieces such as a gift from Rolex founder Hans Wilsdorf to a business associate, all hidden in his humble seaside home. His passion for collecting sees Wood often keeping earlier models of a watch, even after acquiring a superior example, resulting in an extraordinary rich collection. A selection of Bubblebacks, MilSubs, and early Datejusts, gemset Day-Dates, Prisoner of War pieces, and more, offer an encapsulating peek into Rolex’s storied past. However, for Wood, sharing his collected treasures with others, particularly younger enthusiasts, has been the true joy of curating this exhibition. Having the opportunity to present unseen pieces, while educating the next generation about the intricacies that underlie Rolex’s illustrious history, has proven a delightful and rewarding experience. Enveloped by the charm of Rolex’s time-perfected artistry, visitors at Wood’s revered exhibition found more than just an array of watches. They discovered a world immortalized by time, encapsulated in the intricate cogwork of the world’s most coveted horological gem, Rolex.