Exclusive peek at Mike Wood's 'For Exhibition Only': A Celebratory Ode to Rolex

The allure of the Rolex crown is unrelentingly strong, its sway over watch enthusiasts enduring and unyielding. This was further evidenced by the success of Rolliefest 2025 in New York, where hundreds gathered to laud the excellence of Rolex. Among the attendees was Mike Wood, a dedicated watch collector based in the outskirts of Liverpool, England. Throughout the summer, Wood hosted a breathtakingly extensive private exhibition of more than 200 vintage Rolex watches titled ‘For Exhibition Only’. Nestled within an intimate showcase accessible by invitation, a diverse array of meticulously curated Rolex pieces were put on display.

However, what really set this exhibition apart was the personal touch and excellent curation by Wood, a collector who clearly holds the understanding and appreciation of Rolex as an art. He described the joy and satisfaction he derived from enlightening budding collectors about the significance of the watches and fitting them into the narrative of the Rolex brand. Here was not just a showcase, but an immersive narrative of Rolex’s illustrious journey as told through its iconic pieces.

Highlighting the exhibition were sought-after models like Bubblebacks, MilSubs, early Datejusts, gemset Day-Dates, and even watches with a significant history such as those owned by Prisoners of War. But to Wood, the exhibition was more than a mere presentation of watches, it was an educative journey through Rolex’s history and an opportunity to share his passion with like-minded enthusiasts.