AuctionsJun 22, 2023
Hodinkee EVP of Content Moves to Sotheby’sAuctionsAug 10, 2023
Sotheby’s Taps Phillips Specialist as New Head of Watches, Americas
Geoff Hess, an avid collector and active member of the watch community, will take on the role.
Sotheby’s has named Geoff Hess, formerly an international specialist of the Phillips watches department in New York, as its new senior vice president and head of watches in the Americas.
New York—Sotheby’s has appointed former Phillips specialist Geoff Hess as its senior vice president and head of watches in the Americas, a newly created role.
Prior to joining Sotheby’s, Geoff was an international specialist of the Phillips watches department in New York.
He was also the CEO of Analog/Shift, a vintage watch platform that was later acquired by Watches of Switzerland.
Geoff brings years of experience in the global watch industry to the new role, including an extensive knowledge of vintage and modern timepieces, especially sports watches.
In his new role, based in New York, Geoff will work alongside colleagues in the Americas and internationally to grow Sotheby’s watches category, develop brand awareness, and create a globally aligned business strategy.
Related stories will be right here …
Prior to joining Sotheby’s, Geoff was an international specialist of the Phillips watches department in New York.
He was also the CEO of Analog/Shift, a vintage watch platform that was later acquired by Watches of Switzerland.
Geoff brings years of experience in the global watch industry to the new role, including an extensive knowledge of vintage and modern timepieces, especially sports watches.
In his new role, based in New York, Geoff will work alongside colleagues in the Americas and internationally to grow Sotheby’s watches category, develop brand awareness, and create a globally aligned business strategy.
Josh Pullan, head of Sotheby’s global luxury division, said, “The watch market is one of the most global and fastest growing collecting categories, and we are delighted to welcome Geoff during a moment of unprecedented growth for Sotheby’s.”
Pullan noted its annual worldwide auction sales achieved a record $179 million in 2022, a 22 percent increase from 2021.
“As an internationally respected curator with longstanding experience and deep commitment to fostering a passionate collecting community, Geoff brings unmatched gravitas, scholarship and strong relationships to our Americas team, and I look forward to working with him on further strengthening Sotheby’s Watches position to meet the ever-growing interest and demand from the region,” said Pullan.
Geoff is also an avid collector and active member of the watch community. He founded “Rolliefest,” a gathering for watch enthusiasts, set to take place again in New York next month.
He is also an academy member of the Grand Prix d’Horologerie de Genève.
“It is my honor to take up the role of Sotheby’s Head of Watches, Americas,” said Hess.
“Witnessing the recent unprecedented changes in the global watch market, I believe the potential for growth is significant. I am delighted to be joining an existing results-driven team and look forward to working together to conceive and execute plans to drive consistent sales and growth.”
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Auctions
The Latest
Weekly QuizOct 03, 2024
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
PodcastsJan 12, 2026
Introducing My Next Question, the PodcastA monthly podcast series for jewelry professionals
Brought to you by
Navigating Cybersecurity: Essential Guidance for JewelersFrom protecting customer data to safeguarding inventory records, it's crucial to learn how to tackle cybersecurity challenges.
PodcastsNov 27, 2025
Test Podcast With VideoTest Podcast With Video. New interview with Ada Lovelace.
PodcastsNov 25, 2025
Test New Podcast PostAbstract for tests. New Podcast interview with John Lennon, Jimi Hendrix and Jim Morison.
ColumnistsOct 09, 2024
Peter Smith: 7 Things to Know When Selling LuxuryAhead of the holiday season, Smith delves into the often subconscious reasons people buy luxury products for themselves or their loved ones.
MajorsOct 09, 2024
New Simon Campaign Invites Gen Z to ‘Meet Me At The Mall’The ads celebrate the mall culture of the ‘80s and ‘90s.
MajorsOct 09, 2024
PGI Launches New Virtual Sales TrainingRetail sales associates can access the video series on mobile to refresh their selling skills.
Policies & IssuesOct 09, 2024
GJNRF: Reaching Out, Rebuilding Futures For 25 years, India’s Gem & Jewellery National Relief Foundation has provided aid in the wake of war, natural disasters, and global crises.
SourcingOct 08, 2024
Rio Tinto Begins New Phase of Production That Will Extend Diavik’s LifeCommercial production has begun underground at the Canadian diamond mine’s A21 pipe.
SurveysOct 08, 2024
What to Know About Online Shopping This Holiday SeasonDeloitte and Adobe Analytics shared their insights on the season, from the retail sales forecast to the role of generative AI.
CollectionsOct 08, 2024
Sylvie Adds New Men’s BandsThe Texas-based jeweler collaborated with luxury clothing brand Uncommon Man on men’s bands designed with European influences.
SourcingOct 08, 2024
Is Current Diamond Industry Turbulence Shaping a ‘New Normal’? Industry players have found ways to cope with market conditions while working to reshape themselves in the face of emerging realities.
SourcingOct 07, 2024
Rio Tinto to Offer 76 Diamonds in 2024 Beyond Rare Tender The sales event, in its second year, features a selection of rare diamonds from the miner’s Argyle and Diavik diamond mines.
CollectionsOct 07, 2024
Olympian Kristi Yamaguchi Partners With Heller Jewelers on New CollectionA portion of the proceeds from the “Always Dream” collection will go to Yamaguchi's foundation, supporting early childhood literacy.
SurveysOct 07, 2024
Hill & Co.’s New ‘Business of Jewelry Report’ Is OutThe first in what is slated to be a series of in-depth reports from the consulting company, it focuses on shortening supply chains.
WatchesOct 04, 2024
Watches of Switzerland Clocks Another Acquisition—HodinkeeThe company said Benjamin Clymer will return to his role as head of the watch news website, which will maintain editorial independence.
