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.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
WatchesJul 11, 2022
Tudor Is Reintroducing the ‘Ranger’ 
WatchesMar 31, 2022
Rolex Introduces 6 New Watches in GenevaMore on Watches
The Latest
IndependentsJun 05, 2026
Pennsylvania Jewelry Store To Close After 79 YearsJim Springer, owner of Dunkelberger’s Fine Jewelry, is heading into retirement.
SurveysJun 05, 2026
Consumers to Cut Back on Spending Amid Rising Prices, Survey Shows When conducting its May consumer confidence survey, The Conference Board asked extra questions about consumers’ budgeting strategies.
CollectionsJun 05, 2026
Rebel Jewelry’s Charm Symbolizes Perseverance for Pride MonthThe “Tunnel” charm, our Piece of the Week, celebrates Pride Month with its design inspired by hope and the light at the end of the tunnel.
Brought to you by
All Eyes on Gold Prices. Alternatives to Look For. And What to BEWARE of in VegasAs gold prices rise, today’s retailers are looking for alternatives at prices that will appeal to wider audiences.
SourcingJun 05, 2026
State of Diamonds: The Way Forward for Natural DiamondsThe jewelry industry is reassessing its positioning as Gen Z reshapes the retail landscape and lab grown continues to gain market share.
Weekly QuizJun 05, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
AuctionsJun 04, 2026
Treasures from Maurice Tempelsman’s ‘Marvelous’ Life Head to AuctionUp for auction at Sotheby’s, the collection of Tempelsman’s personal effects includes a Cartier Tank watch Jackie O. gifted him.
CollectionsJun 04, 2026
Buddha Mama to Spend the Summer in AspenThe Miami-based fine jewelry brand will host its first summer residency in the Colorado mountain town from June 5 to Aug. 23.
Brought to you by
How Modern Training Is Becoming a Competitive Advantage for Jewelry RetailersWith the trade and customer trust in mind, GIA® developed NextGem™ – on-demand training designed specifically for retail.
MajorsJun 04, 2026
AGS Honors Late Peter Yantzer, Holds Time Capsule CeremonyThe organization also announced its international board of directors for the 2026-2027 term.
MajorsJun 04, 2026
Neiman Marcus’ Downtown Dallas Store to Close in SeptemberSaks Global confirmed the closure this week, spelling the end for a store that’s been part of downtown Dallas for more than 100 years.
ColumnistsJun 03, 2026
Peter Smith: When Top Talent Leaves and What It Says About YouSmith discusses how managers should handle a top performer's exit, warning that a poor response could have a lasting impact.
GradingJun 03, 2026
GIA’s Tracr Investment Is First Step Toward Industry-Owned PlatformThe Gemological Institute of America is now a 30 percent stakeholder in Tracr, the De Beers-backed blockchain for diamonds.
IndependentsJun 03, 2026
Jessica Alba Is the New Face of Gabriel & Co.The actress and entrepreneur stars in the jeweler’s new campaign that celebrates life’s quiet moments.
TrendsJun 03, 2026
State of Design: Only the Innovative Will SurviveThe price of gold has risen, affecting the number of pieces designers make, the materials they use, and how they position themselves.
FinancialsJun 02, 2026
Signet Jewelers’ Q1 Sales Up 2% As It Focuses on ‘Core Four’ The jewelry retailer is zeroing in on Zales, Jared, Kay Jewelers, and Blue Nile as it looks to create unique brand identities for each.
SourcingJun 02, 2026
Leader Appointed for Botswana’s Diamonds for Development Fund Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, a development economist, will head the fund created to help Botswana diversify its economy.
AuctionsJun 02, 2026
Sotheby’s to Auction 10-Carat Blue Diamond, 1960s Harry Winston Necklace A private collection of five Paraíba tourmalines also will be up for sale at Sotheby’s High Jewelry auction in New York, scheduled for June 16.
IndependentsJun 02, 2026
State of Retail: 6 Things Retailers Should Know About Consumers TodayFrom Gen Z’s view of luxury to “doom spending,” these are the six consumer trends to note this year.
Events & AwardsJun 01, 2026
Design Atelier Brands Have a Big Night at Emotional Couture Design AwardsThe show started by honoring Mildred Marcano, ended with a tearful Beth Anne Bonanno, and recognized a dozen-plus designers in between.
SourcingJun 01, 2026
RapNet Rebranding as Rapaport TradeThe revamped online diamond marketplace will feature pricing intelligence and data-driven tools for more efficient buying and selling.
SourcingJun 01, 2026
Gemfields’ Higher-Quality Emerald Auction Achieves $26.8MThe miner said demand for higher-quality emeralds is stable, but there is notable caution in the market.
CollectionsMay 29, 2026
Cultus Artem’s Necklace Is the Oasis in Las Vegas’ DesertThe “River of Heaven” necklace, our Piece of the Week debuting at Couture, combines 26 salt and pepper diamonds spaced by Tahitian pearls.
IndependentsMay 29, 2026
Meet the 2026 Retailer Hall of Fame InducteesThis year’s inductees include second-, third-, and fourth-generation jewelers.
Events & AwardsMay 28, 2026
JCK Announces Jesse Itzler as 2026 Keynote SpeakerThe author, speaker, and entrepreneur will give his presentation, “Spiritual Billionaire,” on Saturday morning.
Events & AwardsMay 28, 2026
JCK Rocks To Ride With NellyThree-time Grammy award-winning artist Nelly is set to perform at the annual event at Tao Beach on Sunday night.
MajorsMay 28, 2026
Signet Jewelers to Buy The Clear Cut Signet will integrate the online-only, natural diamond-focused jeweler into Blue Nile, which it wants to position as a higher-end retailer.
CollectionsMay 28, 2026
Meet The 17 Newcomers to Couture’s Design AtelierThese up-and-coming jewelry brands are bringing their distinct aesthetic and unique point-of-view to the Design Atelier for the first time.
