Today we’d like to introduce you to Maxemiliano Vargas.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I love Rolex watches. From the stylish grandpa vibe 80s two-tone datejust with a jingly jangly jubilee, the fuck-off presence of a yellow gold day-date, to the pure and utilitarian essence of the explorer.
I came across the wild world of watches like many of us, via Hodinkee. I still recall watching the first edition of talking watches with John Mayer back in 2013. I was hooked; every morning before my classes at UC Santa Barbara I was scouring Youtube for any videos I could find on vintage Rolex. Now some 10-years later and things haven’t changed too much. I completed by studies, earning a Ph.D. in neuroscience at UC Davis researching psychedelics. I’m still fascinated by Rolex watches, but now actively engaged in sourcing them.
My passion for watches and detail oriented nature developed as a research scientist has drawn me to curate the finest examples of vintage and neo-vintage Rolex watches. I strive to ensure all my clients have a positive experience and end up with a killer watch. I am ecstatic about the journey ahead, the growth, the people, the watches, the knowledge.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Not at all. I was a neuroscience Ph.D. student with zero background in business, no photography skills, no contacts in the watch world, and no clue how to market anything. I was digging through Craigslist and eBay, flying by the seat of my pants trying to figure things out in between hours of microscope work and writing research papers.
But even back then, while I was spending my day in the lab, snapping images of neurons treated with psychedelics, I kept coming back to this dream: that one day, I could live by the beach and make a living doing something I truly loved—connecting people with great watches. That vision kept me going.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I run MVV Watches, a vintage and neo-vintage Rolex shop based out of San Diego. What makes my path a little different is that I didn’t come from the watch world—I came from academia. I earned a Ph.D. in neuroscience from UC Davis, where I spent years researching psychedelics and their effects on the brain. That work taught me how to be precise, detail-obsessed, and endlessly curious—traits that surprisingly translate really well to the vintage Rolex world.
During that time, watches were my escape. I’d be in the lab imaging neurons all day, then go home and spend hours diving into forums, auctions, and articles—dreaming of the day I could turn that obsession into something more. Now I source and curate vintage and neo-vintage Rolex pieces—mostly sports models and Datejusts from the ’70s to early 2000s—with that same level of scrutiny I brought to my research.
I’m most proud of making the leap—of building something from scratch that reflects both my analytical side and my creative, aesthetic instincts. I care deeply about the condition and originality of every watch I sell, and I work closely with each client to make sure they’re getting something special and honest.
What sets MVV apart is that it’s not just a business—it’s a personal project turned profession. I’m not here to push product. I’m here to connect people with watches that feel meaningful, that hold up to scrutiny, and that tell a story.
In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
The vintage and neo-vintage watch space has been evolving fast over the last few years, and I think that’s only going to continue. Over the next 5–10 years, I see a few key shifts happening:
First, I think collectors are becoming a lot more educated and intentional. The days of buying a watch just because it’s hyped are fading. People want originality, condition, and a story—and they’re doing their homework. That’s a good thing. It raises the bar for dealers and makes authenticity and transparency more important than ever.
Second, I think neo-vintage (think ’90s to early 2000s) is going to keep heating up. These watches hit a sweet spot; they have modern reliability but old-school design and proportions that are becoming harder to find in current models. Collectors are starting to realize how special that era is.
I also think that while digital platforms will continue to play a huge role, trust and personal connection will matter more than ever. As more people buy online, they’re going to gravitate toward sellers who feel real, who communicate well, and who actually care about what they’re offering, not just flipping watches for quick margins.
Lastly, I think we’ll see more crossover between worlds—watches blending with art, design, music, and culture in interesting ways. The watch community is expanding beyond the “watch nerd” niche, and that’s exciting to be part of.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.mvvwatches.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mvvwatches/
- Other: sales@mvvwatches.com
