Diane James Joins WatchBox as Director of Strategic Brands
The watch industry veteran served as the vice president of the late Steven Kaiser’s Kaiser Time for 18 years.

In her new role, James will drive the company’s strategic brand initiatives.
She joins the company with more than two decades of experience in the luxury watch sector.
James most notably served as the vice president of Kaiser Time for 18 years, where she worked alongside the late Steven Kaiser to develop and introduce products and services for the Swiss watch industry.
She also recently held the role of global program director for Australian brand Kennedy.
“Diane brings considerable talent, knowledge, and perspective of the watch industry to WatchBox,” said Danny Govberg, executive chairman and co-founder of WatchBox. “I’ve long admired her drive for innovation and excellence, qualities that will enrich the WatchBox business and our global family.”
James said: “After 20 years of mentorship and partnership with Steven Kaiser, I couldn’t imagine a better opportunity for my next professional chapter.
“I am thrilled to join WatchBox and collaborate with Danny, [CEO] Justin Reis, and the forward-thinking global team that has redefined the status quo of the luxury watch industry. WatchBox is a pioneer in its approach to collecting luxury watches, and I’m honored to join the team during this period of extraordinary growth.”
The Latest

Annie Doresca and Michelle Graff welcome Reggie Johnson and Sheryl Jones for a frank conversation on the state of DEI in fine jewelry.

Jeff Gennette will step down in February 2024, passing the torch to the CEO of another notable retailer.

Artisan Martin Roberts fashioned lunar meteorites into 48 beads to create this out-of-this-world necklace.

Distinguishing natural diamonds from laboratory-grown stones – now more available than ever – has been difficult for jewelers. Until now.

As for new members, the organization welcomed Jewelers of America’s Annie Doresca and Parag Jain of Parag Diamonds.


Heidi Horten, wife of department store magnate Helmut Horten, collected jewelry from Bulgari, Cartier, Harry Winston and Van Cleef & Arpels.

The jewelry industry insurer and solutions provider is celebrating 110 years in business this month.

De Beers Institute of Diamonds provides the very best in diamond verification, education and diamond services.

The statement came as the National Retail Federation released its retail sales forecast for 2023.

Sotheby’s will auction the diamond, which it says is “arguably the most significant pink diamond to ever appear at auction,” in June.

The retailer, recently acquired by Signet Jewelers, will lay off 119 employees in July.

As part of the promotion, Smith will share his sales expertise during a 90-minute training session.

At Watches & Wonders, the Swiss brand unveiled a follow-up to last year’s Tonda PF GMT Rattrapante.

The “rêve” collection’s engagement rings and wedding bands are geared toward “sustainability minded customers.”

A new word appears on the dial each day of the week.

Bensons Jewelers closed for good Feb. 24, impacted in part by the decline in foot traffic downtown since the onset of the pandemic.

Kolja Kiofsky has been with the crystal and jewelry company since 2010.

The Kruse GWS Auctions sale will include the replica “Taj Mahal” necklace Elizabeth Taylor made with Avon as well as a costume piece Marilyn Monroe wore.

Massimo Basei is moving up, while Chief Commercial Officer Martino Pessina is stepping down.

AGTA GemFair and the Denver Gem & Mineral Show also will have a presence on the show floor.

Sold by Christie’s Hong Kong, this masterwork of complications now holds the record for most expensive watch ever auctioned online.

The watch company expects first-quarter sales to fall as much as 15 percent due to inflation and tough comps.

Adam O’Grady, general manager of the Lightbox Lab, has taken on the new role and will report directly to Lightbox CEO Antoine Borde.

The watch marketplace gathered data from 1.3 million collectors, highlighting the most popular timepieces and exploring value appreciation.

Burgundy has opted not to exercise its option to buy the mining claims Gibb River Diamonds currently owns.

Patented and specialty cuts now can receive an 8X Proprietary Certificate, which can be customized to include a company’s brand and logo.

The organization said it will recognize those who exemplify the idea that doing good is good business.