Meet a Rolex Forums Member #1 (February 2018) - tkerrmd

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In this edition of Interview with a Rolex Forums Member I “sat down” with tkerrmd, or Tom, and got to know a little bit about him, his passions and of course his Rolex.

Tom is first generation American to an Italian mom and an Irish dad both right off the boat. Growing up, his family didn't have much and that background has given him the gift to appreciate EVERYTHING. He started working at age twelve and continued while paying his way through college and Medical school.

A Vascular Surgery fellowship led him to performing extensive research. As a result, he authored numerous publications, papers, book chapters and a book on the subject matter. Next, Tom transitioned to a private practice, worked hard, and has had great success. The practice has grown to six offices comprised of eight physicians and sixty employees.

He has always loved cars as well as watches and never could afford either. The first time he ever even heard the word Rolex he was already a third year Medical student married with one child.

Tom’s first car was a Porsche which he purchased after his fellowship and started racing immediately. Ten or so Porsche’s later he is now racing in IMSA at the Pro level having won the amateur National Championship at Daytona. Porsche racing and Daytona was enough to lead to his obsession with the Rolex Daytona….

On to the questions!

I understand you race Porsches. Tell us how you got involved in racing and why you chose Porsche?

The attraction to Porsche’s was very similar to Rolex. High quality purpose built form following function. Both made sense to me.

When you are racing is it always the Platona on the wrist? If so, why?

I have had every Professional line Rolex in every metal. Had 10 previous Daytona’s for the racing history, it’s looks and the chrono function (which, yes, I use all the time at the track).

When the Platinum Daytona was announced I knew it would be something special and amazing and it was for me! It was the first Platinum watch I have ever had and it really changed my thinking on the metals of watches. I have worn it in every race around the country and the National Championship which we won at Daytona.

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What are aspects of the track and racing that you enjoy?

I really enjoy the thrill and adrenaline rush of racing. Each track is very different all challenging but all awesome. I feel it is an honor and privilege to race a car along with other top Pro drivers!

But let’s not be mistaken I am a Vascular Surgeon by Profession the racing however at the Pro level is for thrills!

As a MD you must be precise. Does anything about being a MD drive you to gravitate toward Rolex as a precision instrument?

Precision, split second decisions and life and death is my office and the precision required as a surgeon or race car driver reflect the same in Rolex. Accuracy and attention to detail is required in all three.

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When travelling what is your go to watch?

Well since I have been fortunate enough to have acquired several watches when I travel I go to the BLRO. On any race track it’s the Platona. Involving the ocean or water the Smurf makes sense, right?!

In general, how did you become interested in automatic wrist watches?

I was drawn to the fit finish and performance of a Rolex and its ability to self wind. I enjoy the mechanical aspects and the engineering of the Rolex patents.

What was your first rolex, how did you get it, and what led you to acquire it?

My first Rolex was a TT bluesy sub. My wife knew I always loved and talked about Rolex, She surprised me with this watch on my 40th Birthday. I gifted it to my oldest son and it is still in the family today 20 years later!

What got you into the Rolex brand? What keeps you interested in Rolex?

I like Rolex’s brand and business plans. They don’t follow every trendy little thing and stay tried and true; sequentially slowing improving the brand line while keeping tradition.

I have tried to like the other brands and appreciate their high level of finish some certainly superior to Rolex. However, the design of the Rolex Professional line has always attracted me and just never developed a visceral attraction to the other brands like AP, PP and such. Similarly like I am attracted to Porsche but not Ferrari or Lamborghini.

Why did you join the Rolex Forums? Why did you stick around?

I joined the Rolex Forum initially searching for more info on the brand but I ended up getting so much more. The members and moderators of the forum are truly a great gregarious group of people. It is a place where you can not only get great info but can freely share your watches without hate, jealousy or judgement (most of the time).

Why you stay with the forum is the members truly become cyber friends and family. I have had numerous personal interactions with many of the members. We meet many at various places across the world and certainly every race track I go to!

What do you look for in a Rolex? What draws you to a particular reference?

I like the purpose built design of each line and the standards the watches are capable of.

I think I know the answer but I must ask if you had to chose in your current collection what is your favorite watch and why?

My favorite watch by far is my Platona. I love Daytona’s and the look, weight and feel of the platinum is a game changer. Add in the glacial dial, brown bezel, sub dials and it’s my favorite by far! It’s not for everyone, as we see by responses on the forum, however it is my favorite for sure!

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What other brands outside of Rolex interest you and what about the brand interests you?

I’m a Rolex fan boy with no interest in other brands so guess that kinda leaves me out of the watch connoisseur community but oh well I know what I like.

What is your grail Rolex and when do you plan on acquiring it?

I am completely content with my current collection but always interested in the next latest and greatest offering from the mother ship. Last two I acquired were the ceramic SS Daytona and the SD 43. Love them and appreciate them for what they are but nothing on the horizon that would knock the Platona off the top.

What Rolex do you plan on buying next?

They haven’t made it yet but would be very interested in any new offerings made from Platinum in the Professional line. I am hoping a platinum sub or GMT.

Outside of being a Rolex enthusiast what are some of your other interests and how do they interrelate to Rolex?

Other than the love of my work, my wife, family, racing bikes (cycling) and racing cars which are my two biggest hobbies. The technical mechanical aspects of the machinery fascinate me much as the inner workings of a fine automatic watch.

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If you aren't on the Rolex Forum you are probably....?

Working spending time with my family riding a bike or in a race car.

They say there is a story behind every Rolex. What is a story behind one of yours owned past or presently?

Well the only true story is my wife recognizing my love of watches and Rolex. In particular Gerri gave me my first as a surprise for my Birthday. It was special and still have that watch in the family.

The stories now are me gifting my watches to my sons while I am still alive and we can all enjoy them. Add this into my wife becoming very interested in the brand and it now makes every family GTG a mini Rolex show!

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How did your Rolex collection grow to what it is today?

My collection had grown to include most of the Professional line in many metals. I gifted all my SS watches to my sons. I only wear the PM models. So as a family we are quite the Rolex ambassadors!

Your collection seems to be mainly comprised of six digit models. Why six digit versus four or five digit models?

I appreciate Rolex’s slow progression of improvement and I appreciate each change for the better such as the maxi case and changes to dials, lettering, colors, clasps and bracelets. I look forward to Basel every year for the new additions and the improvements which is very exciting!

Additional Information and Pictures

Big thank you to Tom for taking the time to let us all know a little more about himself!

T M KERR MD FACS RPVI PA
BOARD CERTIFIED VASCULAR SURGEON
REGISTERED PHYSICIAN IN VASCULAR INTERPRETATION
DIRECTOR/CEO VEIN AND VASCULAR INSTITUTE OF TAMPA BAY

TampaVascularSurgeon.com
GotVeins?com
FaceBook Thomas Kerr

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