Thematic Timepieces

A watch can remind us of more than just the time

I wear a watch for the purpose of knowing the time. Over the years, I became intrigued about the critical role engineering and time coordination played in my work life. But it wasn’t until I met a data center industry legend and now friend, John Kraft, that I refined my appreciation for thematic timepieces.

John was wearing a stunning Patek Phillipe chronograph—a wedding gift from his wife, Christine. It was especially impressive since I had previously only seen one in photos. We discussed the irony that we had not met prior to this chance encounter on a plane, but it was the polarizing words he shared that reset my view towards thematic watch collecting and time itself. He said: “Timing isn’t everything, but time is, and this watch reminds me of good times.”     Since then, I have sought watches with a theme.  Several have an American connection, like Ball (US Railroad), Waltham (historic US pocket watches), and rising star American watchmaker, Cameron Weiss. Others include a European brand, IWC—founded by an American (F.A. Jones)—with  special edition models like the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation and the 2008 German National Soccer Team tribute. I also have a piece from German, family-owned Damasko (who uses military-grade materials) and a Breguet (founded in 1775 by the father of watchmaking) Marine Chronograph.

IWC’s Laureus Sport for Good Foundation model
Glashutte Original (in light blue numerals) and Breguet Marine II

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Lee Kestler is a Digital Infrastructure executive with extensive track record scaling and expanding business units that were early stage or in need of evolution. While having significant success as an individual contributor in sales across diverse industries over nearly three decades, Kestler’s most satisfying accomplishment is the incredible growth and impact he had working in the Wireless/ Data Center/Cloud Infrastructure sector since the late 90’s. Kestler’s is a former pro soccer player and loves cycling year-round with his wife Christie.