A new addition to the “Heirloom” collection, this one-of-a-kind piece features 32 custom-cut gemstones.
WatchBox Hires 3 Executives to Lead New Swiss Division
Patrik Hoffmann, Herbert Gautschi and Susanne Hurni all have at least three decades of experience in the watch industry.
Philadelphia--WatchBox has established a Swiss division, naming three executives to lead it.
Danny Govberg, CEO of Govberg Jewelers, launched the platform with Liam Wee Tay and Justin Reis in 2017. It is an e-commerce platform for the buying, selling, and trading of pre-owned luxury timepieces, and provides watch education, collection exploration and more.
Now, the company is expanding into Switzerland to complement the buying, selling and trading operations in the United States and Hong Kong and bringing in three watch industry veterans to help do it.
Patrik Hoffmann has been named executive vice president of the company’s Swiss division, Herbert Gautschi is vice president of business operations and Susanne Hurni is the division’s vice president of marketing.
Hoffman joins the company with more than three decades in the watch industry and experience in the Americas, Asia and other major markets for the luxury watch industry.
He most recently served as CEO of Ulysse Nardin, which included him overseeing the acquisition by the Kering Group in 2014 and the transition, and also held roles at Oris SA and watch distribution company Swiss Prestige Ltd.
“Patrik brings considerable strength, knowledge and perspective of the watch industry to WatchBox,” Govberg said. “He worked alongside, collaborated with and learned from one of the more creative watch entrepreneurs of our time, Rolf Schnyder, and he experienced the transition from a family business to a true global powerhouse. This experience is unmatched in our industry, enriching WatchBox’s mission to drive change in the pre-owned category.”
Hurni joins WatchBox Switzerland after having served as the head of marketing and communications for Ulysse Nardin for nearly 34 years, starting at the brand in 1984 and remaining there until the end of 2017.
Gautschi also has more than three decades experience in the watch industry.
He was instrumental in developing the Gucci Timepiece division in its formative years, served as CEO of a multi-client private watch manufacturer, founded NHC with master watchmaker Vincent Calabrese and initiated the acquisition of Vincent Bérard SA by the Timex Group.
Gautschi also supported the re-launch of niche brand Julien Coudray 1518 in 2011 before he founded his own company to design luxury consumer goods experiences worldwide.
The Latest
Last month in Dallas, David Walton pushed another jeweler, David Ettinger, who later died.
The move will allow the manufacturing company to offer a more “diverse and comprehensive” range of products.
With Ho Brothers, you can unlock your brand's true potential and offer customers the personalized jewelry experiences they desire.
From now through mid-May, GIA will be offering the reports at a 50 percent discount.
De Beers’ rough diamond sales were down 18 percent year-over-year in its latest round of sales.
Sponsored by the Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch Show
For over 30 years, JA has advocated for the industry, fought against harmful legislation and backed measures that help jewelry businesses.
NDC filed a complaint against Skydiamond for use of phrases like “diamonds made entirely from the sky.”
John Carter received the AGS’s highest honor Tuesday afternoon at Conclave in Austin, Texas.
LVMH said the company performed well despite an uncertain geopolitical and economic environment.
B&D Sales and Service held a ribbon-cutting event for its new location in Cranston, Rhode Island.
It’s ultra-feminine and filled with gold, pearls, and soft pastels.
Emily Highet Morgan and Emily Bennett have joined the agency’s team.
Its updated book for mountings is also now available.
She has been with the organization since 2010, most recently serving as its chief officer of PR and industry relations.
Joyce’s Jewelry sued the bank after cybercriminals drained its accounts of nearly $1.6 million through a series of wire transfers.
He is remembered by loved ones for his loyalty, integrity, and kindness.
Hosted by Freeman’s | Hindman, the sale will take place May 7-8.
The auction house said all 24 timepieces offered in its underground sale of rare and avant-garde watches quickly found buyers.
From lab-grown diamonds and AI to the inevitable Taylor Swift mention, here are some of Conclave’s most intriguing educational offerings.
From cybersecurity liability to trade show coverage, insurance experts share tips on how to build the right policy.
The charm is a modern rendition of the evil eye amulet that has been worn for thousands of years.
Ahead of its trade show next month, TJS awarded free registration and accommodations to one jewelry professional and three students.
By the end of this year, SRK’s diamond manufacturing complexes will achieve net zero emissions, one of an impressive array of achievements.
Members can still sell lab-grown stones, it said, but only natural gems are allowed on the show floor.
He is remembered for his charisma, passion, integrity, kindness, and wit.