CEOs' Watches - Manager Watches

Mar 24, 2022by Philipp Mayrhofer
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Watches have long been more than just devices that provide information about the time and date. Luxury watches are considered status symbols, and brands like Rolex, Breitling, and others have achieved worldwide fame. It's no secret that CEOs of major companies and corporations like to adorn their wrists with exclusive timepieces. For the leaders of global corporations and financial giants, the motto is: Luxury obliges. So, if you take a closer look at the models worn by the bosses, you'll find both classics and truly exquisite examples of the watch industry.

Everyone knows that the heads of the world's most powerful and largest companies are constantly on deadlines and under chronic time pressure. This makes it all the more important to have a reliable watch as your constant companion to keep track of the time. A profile of watches from Warren Buffet to Jeff Bezos.

Jeff Bezos with Ulysse Nardin Dual Time

Thanks to Amazon, Mr. Bezos became one of the richest people in the world and, alongside Steve Jobs, is one of the most famous former CEOs. Naturally, the multi-billionaire's watch also attracts the attention of many. Jeff Bezos swears by a Ulysse Nardin Dual Time, which basketball star Michael Jordan, among others, also owns. The luxury sports watch from Switzerland is practically a bargain compared to the wrist jewelry of other CEOs. For around 10,000 euros, you can get the watch that Jeff Bezos also relies on.

Virginia Marie Rometty – Rolex Cellini

Virginia Marie Rometty is considered the most powerful woman in the computer world. As CEO of IBM, she bears great responsibility and wears a tribute to the artist Venvenuto Cellini on her wrist. According to the manufacturer, the Rolex Cellini is a modern homage to the timeless elegance of traditional timepieces. The Cellini collection offers a selection of three different models, each one unique. Of particular note is the Moonphase Edition, which, as the name suggests, depicts the current moon phase.

Warren Buffet – Rolex Day Date

The "Oracle of Omaha" may live a rather secluded and modest life, but when it comes to watches, Warren Buffet is an exception. His 18-karat gold Rolex Day Date is one of the most luxurious watches ever made. The timeless and elegant design of the Rolex makes the watch a perfect companion for any business occasion. Back in the 1980s, Warren Buffet opted for a Rolex Day Date, making him one of the first CEOs to own one. This very special watch is also known as the watch of the presidents.

Indra Nooyi – Cartier Tank Francaise

Indra Nooyi, the former CEO of PepsiCo Inc., chooses the Cartier brand when it comes to her watch. The Cartier Tank Francaise is a very elegant and aesthetic model in simple silver and stands out for its precision. Priced at approximately €6,000, the model is adorned with attractive details and is a real eye-catcher on any woman's hand.

Jeff Weiner – Audemars Piguet Royal Oak

While Silicon Valley CEOs are pioneering the latest innovations, they prefer to stick to classic watches. Jeff Weiner, CEO of LinkedIn, for example, wears an Audemars Piguet Royal Oak . Designed by Gérald Genta, the watch impresses with its nautical style and has shaped the world of luxury watches in recent history. The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak was the first luxury sports watch and, with its use of stainless steel, revolutionized the luxury watch segment. Until then, buyers had expected materials like gold or platinum.

Akio Toyoda – Patek Philippe Calatrava 5119G

Akio Toyoda is the CEO of Toyota. The company has long been established among the top five automakers. With his Patek Philippe Calatrava 5119G, which has a market value of approximately €20,000, Mr. Toyoda wears a watch worth as much as several of the cars his company produces. This is no longer just a watch, but much more a statement that Akio Toyota is making.

Dieter Zetsche – Chopard Mille Miglia GMT

The former CEO of Daimler AG owns a very special luxury watch. The Chopard Mille Miglia GMT was created in honor of the legendary Mille Miglia car race. The race, first held in 1927, enjoys cult status among motorsport enthusiasts and runs on public roads through northern Italy. Dieter Zetsche thus demonstrates his true car enthusiast status and wears a large piece of racing tradition on his wrist. Even though Dieter Zetsche is now Chairman of the Supervisory Board of TUI AG, he will likely always have petrol in his veins.

Michael Corbat – Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Perpetual Calendar

As CEO of New York-based Citigroup, Michael Corbat is one of the most important people in the banking industry and wears a very special watch, his Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Perpetual Calendar. The Swiss watch manufacturer was founded in 1833 by Antoine LeCoultre and is known for its complications, exclusive dials, and unique watches. It's safe to assume that Michael Corbat is a true watch enthusiast and chooses his models very consciously.

Satya Nadella – Breitling Colt Automatic

Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella's watch has a long and rich history. The Breitling Colt Automatic was developed for the military in the 1980s. The optimized grip for riders is still a reminder of this today. Thanks to its original purpose, the Breitling Colt Automatic is accurate to the second even 200 meters underwater. At around €3,000, this versatile watch is a true bargain among luxury wristwatches. One reason for the comparatively low price is the Breitling's material. Polished stainless steel nevertheless lends the watch a very distinctive style.

Jeffrey R. Immelt – Rolex Submariner

Jeffrey R. Immelt was CEO of General Electric until 2017. The 65-year-old business executive wears one of the most famous watches for men. The Rolex Submariner is a true veteran among luxury watches and simply the benchmark for all diving watches. It was the first watch to remain completely waterproof even at a depth of 100 meters underwater. With this guarantee of absolutely precisely manufactured watches, the Rolex Submariner became a legend under the Rolex brand from 1953 onwards.

Über den Autor

Authors | Philipp Mayrhofer

Authors | Philipp Mayrhofer

Pierre grew up in a small village near Lörrach, close to the Swiss border. His passion was ignited when, at the age of 15, he visited a watchmaker's workshop and saw intricate gears brought to life.

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