AuctionsAug 12, 2022
2 Rolexes Paul Newman Gave to Stuntman Stan Barrett Head to Auction WatchesNov 16, 2022
Rolex Names New Group President
A filing made in Switzerland shows Nicolas Brünschwig now holds the top position at one of the most popular brands in the world.
The Rolex Oyster Perpetual Yacht-Master 40 with rotating bezel set with trapeze-cut diamonds and multicolored sapphires was one of the new watches Rolex introduced at Geneva earlier this year. The company that controls the popular watch brand has a new president of the board, Nicolas Brünschwig.
Geneva—The Geneva-based company that controls Rolex has named a new board president, a translated version of a filing made in Switzerland shows.
The change was announced quietly via an Aug. 29 filing with the Swiss Official Gazette of Commerce, the official publication of the Swiss Confederation.
Nicolas Brünschwig is the new president of the board of both Rolex SA and Rolex Holding SA, as well as the company’s manufacturing arm, Manufacture des Montres Rolex SA in Biel/Bienne, Switzerland.
He succeeds Bertrand Gros.
An attorney by trade, the 72-year-old Gros resigned in July, WorldTempus reported. (The online news source also noted Brünschwig’s appointment at that time.)
Brünschwig has been a Rolex board member since 2016.
He is a member of the family that has owned and operated upscale Swiss department store chain Bongénie-Grieder for more than 130 years. (The first Bon Génie store opened in Geneva in 1891.)
Jean-Frédéric Dufour, who was hired in 2015 under Gros’ tenure, remains the global CEO of Rolex, while Luca Bernasconi is CEO and president of Rolex Watch U.S.A.
Bernasconi took over for the retiring Stewart Wicht at the beginning of 2019.
The company did respond to request for comment on Brünschwig’s appointment.
Related stories will be right here …
The change was announced quietly via an Aug. 29 filing with the Swiss Official Gazette of Commerce, the official publication of the Swiss Confederation.
Nicolas Brünschwig is the new president of the board of both Rolex SA and Rolex Holding SA, as well as the company’s manufacturing arm, Manufacture des Montres Rolex SA in Biel/Bienne, Switzerland.
He succeeds Bertrand Gros.
An attorney by trade, the 72-year-old Gros resigned in July, WorldTempus reported. (The online news source also noted Brünschwig’s appointment at that time.)
Brünschwig has been a Rolex board member since 2016.
He is a member of the family that has owned and operated upscale Swiss department store chain Bongénie-Grieder for more than 130 years. (The first Bon Génie store opened in Geneva in 1891.)
Jean-Frédéric Dufour, who was hired in 2015 under Gros’ tenure, remains the global CEO of Rolex, while Luca Bernasconi is CEO and president of Rolex Watch U.S.A.
Bernasconi took over for the retiring Stewart Wicht at the beginning of 2019.
The company did respond to request for comment on Brünschwig’s appointment.
WatchesJul 11, 2022
Tudor Is Reintroducing the ‘Ranger’ 
WatchesMar 31, 2022
Rolex Introduces 6 New Watches in GenevaMore on Watches
The Latest
AuctionsSep 21, 2026
Ultra-Rare Cartier Cheich Watch Sells for $3.4M Offered at Sotheby’s Hong Kong, the one-of-a-kind white gold watch now holds the title of most valuable Cartier wristwatch sold at auction.
MajorsSep 21, 2026
Longtime Industry Executive Pamela Bernstein-Gulla to RetireBernstein-Gulla has been working in the jewelry industry for 40 years, most recently as chief engagement officer for Hill & Co.
IndependentsSep 21, 2026
Bhindi Jewelers Moves Into New, Larger California StoreThe relocated Glendale store, now at The Americana at Brand, was designed to be a contemporary “timepiece haven” inspired by luxury resorts.
Brought to you by
Meet Gemology’s Next Generation Microscope: GIA® Gemolite® NXT Professional EditionExperience gemstones with greater precision and comfort than ever before.
AuctionsSep 18, 2026
7.52-Carat Unheated Paraíba Tourmaline Sells for $1.3M at Sotheby’s The top lot of the auction house’s Hong Kong jewelry sale was an Art Deco Mauboussin necklace with ruby beads, which sold for $2 million.
Weekly QuizSep 17, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Policies & IssuesSep 18, 2026
Tariffs, Retail Crime Top of Mind at JA’s Annual Fly-In Retailers and manufacturers headed to the Capitol this week to discuss tariff exemptions for diamonds and gemstones, among other issues.
CollectionsSep 18, 2026
Nanis Transforms Its ‘Boule’ Into a Mirror Our Piece of the Week is a pair of drop earrings from the “Sway” collection featuring Nanis’ first use of mirror-polished gold.
Brought to you by
Your Piece Could Be the One Editors Talk AboutSubmit your pieces for a chance to win in this year's competition.
GradingSep 18, 2026
De Beers Introduces Faster Version of Diamond Screening Machine SynthDetect 2 can scan a full tray in less than five minutes, De Beers said, making it six times faster than its predecessors.
AuctionsSep 18, 2026
Noonans To Auction Medieval Gold Seal Ring Recovered By 2 FriendsTwo metal detectorists discovered the ring, which may have belonged to English noblewoman Matilda of Lancaster, in Suffolk.
Policies & IssuesSep 17, 2026
Tariffs on India Could Increase as Russian Sanctions Bill Heads to Trump’s DeskThe bill has a provision that allows the president to raise tariffs on countries that import Russian oil and gas to as much as 100 percent.
Events & AwardsSep 17, 2026
This Is the Winner of the 2026 Robert M. Shipley AwardThe American Gem Society presented the annual award to a former president of its board.
CollectionsSep 17, 2026
Cynthia Erivo, Zoë Chicco’s Jewelry Collab Is an Ode to TransformationThe “Chrysalis” capsule centers butterfly motifs representing growth, transformation, and the unfolding of who you are.
Events & AwardsSep 17, 2026
Louisiana Retailer Kevin Patton Wins Lifetime Achievement AwardJewelers of Louisiana presented Patton, the third-generation president of Pattons Fine Jewelry, with the award at its annual convention.
PodcastsSep 16, 2026
Episode 9: Remembering Cindy EdelsteinTwo special guests join the podcast to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the designer advocate, mentor, and author’s untimely passing.
CollectionsSep 16, 2026
Jessica McCormack, L’Objet Collab on Homewares CollectionMcCormack brings sea-inspired motifs from her “Beaches” collection to L’Objet’s tableware, vanity pieces, and first-ever cutlery set.
CrimeSep 16, 2026
JSA Issues Warning to NJ Jewelers After Rash of Smash and GrabsNine New Jersey jewelers have been victims of smash-and-grab robberies this year, prompting JSA to circulate a list of recommendations.
IndependentsSep 16, 2026
Bromberg & Co. Names New PresidentMarlin “Brian” Hood, who has been with the store for 20 years, will succeed Ricky Bromberg, who died earlier this month.
MajorsSep 16, 2026
Midas Chain Releases ‘House of Midas’ Bridal CatalogThe new bridal catalog features the latest jewelry collections and designs from timeless classics to modern silhouettes.
EditorsSep 15, 2026
2026 Emmys Jewelry: An Either/Or Proposition Stars wore either a necklace or earrings at 78th Primetime Emmy Awards but rarely both, Natalie Francisco notes.
ColumnistsSep 15, 2026
The Levels Your Website Must Clear Before AI Recommends YouJennifer Shaheen compares this new era of AI-powered SEO to a video game: your website must clear one level before advancing to the next.
IndependentsSep 15, 2026
Armadani Launches Retail Support Program for Holiday SeasonThe program highlights “Made in Italy” fine jewelry with digital merchandising, sales education, and local marketing support.
EditorsSep 15, 2026
Q&A: Signet Jewelers’ Joan Hilson on Diamond Demand, the HolidaysHilson, Signet’s chief operating and financial officer, discussed Q2, resurgent natural diamond demand, and why Blue Nile is a standout.
ColumnistsSep 14, 2026
Sherry Smith: Stop Waiting for December to Save Your ChristmasThe stores that have a great December are the ones that made good decisions in August, September, and October, Sherry Smith writes.
AuctionsSep 14, 2026
22 Carats of ‘Sunshine’ Are Up for AuctionThe 22.09-carat fancy yellow “Pragnell Kimberley Sunshine Diamond” is part of the fall jewelry sale at Heritage Auctions.
IndependentsSep 14, 2026
Greenwich St. Jewelers to Unveil Photography Exhibition“Adornos: Jewelry, Memory & What We Pass Down” honors the jewelry’s importance to New York City’s Latine communities.
SourcingSep 14, 2026
Gemfields Sells All Lots at First Emerald Auction in 9 MonthsThe company’s managing director of sales said the results demonstrate “continued strong demand for commercial-quality emeralds.”
