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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.
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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.”
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