Watches

Rolex’s Stewart Wicht to Retire at the End of 2018

WatchesSep 12, 2018

Rolex’s Stewart Wicht to Retire at the End of 2018

Wicht has been with luxury watch brand since 1975 and has been heading the American market since 2011.

2018_Stewart-Wicht.jpg
Stewart Wicht, who has served as president and CEO of Rolex Watch U.S.A. Inc. since 2011, will retire in December but remain on the company’s board of directors. His successor has not been named.

New York—Rolex confirmed Tuesday what some in the watch and jewelry industry already knew—this year will be the last for Stewart Wicht at the helm of Rolex’s U.S. operations.

Wicht, whose official title is president and CEO of Rolex Watch U.S.A. Inc., is slated to retire in December though he will remain on the company’s board of directors.

His successor has not been named, and a spokeswoman for the watch brand said the company had no official statement or further comment on Wicht’s retirement at this time.

Born in London, Wicht spent his formative years shuttling among Pakistan, India and England, eventually earning his bachelor’s degree in business studies from Ealing Technical College (now the University of West London).

He started working for Rolex SA in Geneva, Switzerland, in 1975, overseeing markets in Asia and the South Pacific. He also established and managed the company’s intellectual property department.

Wicht became president and CEO of Rolex Watch U.S.A. in 2011, replacing Allen Brill, who died in November 2010 at the age of 64 after a brief battle with lung cancer.

He manages a team of more than 500 people and represents the brand—arguably the most prestigious and powerful in the U.S. watch and jewelry market—at events around the country.

Wicht has served on the board of the American Gem Society and, for the past three years, has been the chairperson for the Jewelers Security Alliance. Next year, he will receive the 2019 Gem Award for Lifetime Achievement from Jewelers of America.

Outside of the industry, his personal interests led him to join the boards of the American Swiss Foundation, a nonprofit that works to strengthen the relationship between the two nations, and the International Tennis Hall of Fame. (Rolex, incidentally, took over as official timekeeper of the U.S. Open this year.)

Wicht resides in New York City with his wife, Susan, and his daughter, Fiona.

Michelle Graffis the editor-in-chief at National Jeweler, directing the publication’s coverage both online and in print.

The Latest

Representatives of India’s Gem and Jewellery Export Promotion Council and Indian government leaders
Policies & IssuesSep 24, 2025
Tariffs Throw Diamond Trade Into Disarray

The 50 percent tariffs on diamonds shipped from India to the U.S. have pushed midstream manufacturers to the edge.

Father’s Day diamond advertisement that ran in India
SourcingSep 24, 2025
De Beers Adopts New Strategies to Drive Natural Diamond Demand in India

De Beers’ refreshed, multipronged approach, which includes generic promotions and retail partnerships, is delivering positive dividends.

Policies & IssuesSep 24, 2025
For Jewelry Manufacturers, Higher Tariffs Create Long-Term Worries

They are trying to balance the need to sustain well-established relationships with the pressure higher tariffs have put on margins.

reDollar-fine-jewelry-department.jpg
Brought to you by
reDollar.com Is Rolling Out the Next Level Jewelry, Diamond & Watch Consignment Program

With their unmatched services and low fees, reDollar.com is challenging some big names in the online consignment world.

Guest lecture for people with disabilities at the Jewelex factory
SourcingSep 24, 2025
A Helping Hand: An Effort to Boost Inclusivity in the Industry

Jewelry manufacturer Jewelex has partnered with JOSH, an industry training center, on a program for people with disabilities.

Weekly QuizSep 19, 2025
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Greenwich St. Jewelers Estate Capsule Campaign
CollectionsSep 24, 2025
Greenwich St. Jewelers Goes Back in Time With First Estate Collection

The collection includes pieces dating back to the Victorian and Art Deco periods as well as mid-century and late 20th-century designs.

Marcus ter Haar
Policies & IssuesSep 24, 2025
Diamonds Do Good Names Marcus ter Haar as President-Elect

He previously served as co-chair of the nonprofit’s beneficiary committee.

japac-btyb.png
Brought to you by
Rallying Call for the Jewelry Industry on Tariffs and Other Key Issues

Jewelers of America is leading the charge to protect the industry amidst rising economic threats.

Jane Goodall Brilliant Earth campaign
CollectionsSep 24, 2025
Brilliant Earth’s New Jane Goodall Collection Calls for Peace

Its second collaboration with the conservationist features jewelry with dove and olive branch motifs.

SRK Kriam Pharma
SourcingSep 24, 2025
SRK Launches Kriam Pharma

The diamond manufacturer’s new company will provide accessible and affordable high-quality medicines across India.

Emmanuel Raheb, CEO of Smart Age Solutions and National Jeweler columnist
ColumnistsSep 23, 2025
Quiet Luxury: What Fall’s Top Trend Means for Jewelers

Emmanuel Raheb shares tips on how a jeweler’s showcases, marketing, and social media presence can whisper, instead of shout.

Claire’s storefront
MajorsSep 23, 2025
Ames Watson Completes $140M Acquisition of Claire’s

The private equity firm has a plan to revive the mall staple.

Super Smalls Super Book of Gems, Maria Dueñas Jacobs, and Bianca Gottesman
SourcingSep 23, 2025
Super Smalls’ New Book Introduces Kids to Gems, Fine Jewelry

The “Super Book of Gems” dives into the Mohs Hardness Scale, the Four C’s, and designs from jewelers like Cartier and Bulgari.

Mattioli CEO Claudio Pasta
MajorsSep 23, 2025
Mattioli Names Kering Exec as New CEO

Claudio Pasta will take the lead at the Italian fine jewelry brand, succeeding company founder Licia Mattioli.

Monique Lhuillier fashion jewelry Kay
CollectionsSep 23, 2025
Monique Lhuillier Adds Fashion Jewelry to Kay Jewelers Line

The new lab-grown diamond jewelry offering is the latest expansion of the designer’s “Bliss” collection.

Rio Tinto tender
SourcingSep 22, 2025
Rio Tinto Announces Final ‘Beyond Rare’ Tender

The miner is honoring the end of an era with an offering of 52 lots from the now-closed Argyle and the soon-to-close Diavik mines.

Vibhor and Alor logos
MajorsSep 22, 2025
Jewelry Manufacturer Vibhor Acquires Alor

The California-based fine jewelry brand will retain its identity post-acquisition, with new collections launching next year.

Gurhan Crown Gold Aquamarine Peacock
CollectionsSep 22, 2025
Gurhan's Collection is an 'Untamed' Zoo

The “Untamed” collection centers on carved gemstone jewelry depicting a range of animals embodying one of the four elemental forces.

Community for Ethical Jewelry logo
Policies & IssuesSep 22, 2025
Ethical Metalsmiths Has a New Name

Founded in 2004, the organization is now called the Community for Ethical Jewelry.

Madison Keys
EditorsSep 19, 2025
These Female Athletes Had the Best Jewelry of the Summer

From Coco Gauff’s hoops to Madison Keys’ diamond medallion, these are Senior Editor Lenore Fedow’s standout jewelry looks of the season.

Vanessa Fernández Studio Curva Wrap Hoops
CollectionsSep 19, 2025
Piece of the Week: Vanessa Fernández Studio’s ‘Curva’ Wrap Hoops

The trendy earrings feature asymmetrical drops, one with a grossular garnet and the other with a diamond.

Graphic for A Step-by-Step Guide to Using TikTok and Instagram Reels webinar
Recorded WebinarsSep 19, 2025
Watch: A Step-by-Step Guide to Using TikTok and Instagram Reels

Four social media marketing experts discuss their go-to methods and favorite tools for making high-quality short-form video content.

agta-sb-0925.png
Supplier BulletinSep 18, 2025
Will Your Design Define 2026? Enter The Spectrum & Cutting Edge Awards

Sponsored by American Gem Trade Association

Stock image of a woman shopping online with credit card
SurveysSep 18, 2025
Deloitte Thinks the Holidays Will Be Merry, PwC Isn’t So Sure

In its holiday report, PwC said the season will be more like jazz—improvisational and less predictable—than an easy-to-follow melody.

Pandora distribution facility Maryland rendering
MajorsSep 18, 2025
Pandora to Open New Distribution Center in Maryland

The jewelry giant will relocate its existing facility to a larger space in Anne Arundel.

Garçon New York Campaign Imagery
CollectionsSep 18, 2025
Ashley Zhang Launches Garçon New York

The designer, who is the creative force behind her namesake brand, has now started a new mini line focusing on chains for fathers and sons.

Swiss Gemmological Institute SSEF
SourcingSep 18, 2025
SSEF Opens Applications for 2 Gemology Education Scholarships

The awards include tuition for a course at the Swiss lab, economy flights, and hotel accommodation.

×

This site uses cookies to give you the best online experience. By continuing to use & browse this site, we assume you agree to our Privacy Policy