WatchesMay 07, 2026
Chrono24 Names New CEOWatchesJun 02, 2026
Watch Industry Veteran James Marks Joins Sotheby’s
Sotheby’s has appointed the former Phillips executive as its global head of private sales and retail in its watches division.
James Marks has been named Sotheby’s global head of private sales and retail for its watch business.
New York—Following a record year for Sotheby’s watch category, the auction house has named former Phillips executive James Marks as its global head of private sales and retail for its watch business.
Marks, who is based in Geneva, will lead the continued expansion of Sotheby’s global watches business.
He will focus on scaling its fixed-price and private sales offerings, strengthening supplier partnerships, and elevating the client experience across both physical and digital platforms.
Sotheby’s said Marks brings “a rare combination” of financial acumen, entrepreneurial mindset, and deep passion for horology, with extensive knowledge of vintage timepieces, the collectors’ market, and brand building to the role.
Alongside the auction house’s established global watches team—spearheaded by Sam Hines, chairman of watches, and Geoff Hess, global head of watches—Marks will help drive the next phase of growth, expanding into new markets and shaping a clear strategy to accelerate the development of Sotheby’s retail capabilities.
“I am thrilled to welcome James to Sotheby’s at this pivotal moment for our watches business, particularly following our record-breaking sales in Hong Kong and Geneva. He is a seasoned leader with a truly global perspective, and his experience across auctions, retail, and digital innovation makes him uniquely positioned to build on the strong foundations we have established over recent years and take us to the next level,” said Josh Pullan, global head of Sotheby’s Luxury Division.
“His entrepreneurial spirit and track record of building successful, innovative business is perfectly suited to our growth mindset and ambition.”
Related stories will be right here …
Marks, who is based in Geneva, will lead the continued expansion of Sotheby’s global watches business.
He will focus on scaling its fixed-price and private sales offerings, strengthening supplier partnerships, and elevating the client experience across both physical and digital platforms.
Sotheby’s said Marks brings “a rare combination” of financial acumen, entrepreneurial mindset, and deep passion for horology, with extensive knowledge of vintage timepieces, the collectors’ market, and brand building to the role.
Alongside the auction house’s established global watches team—spearheaded by Sam Hines, chairman of watches, and Geoff Hess, global head of watches—Marks will help drive the next phase of growth, expanding into new markets and shaping a clear strategy to accelerate the development of Sotheby’s retail capabilities.
“I am thrilled to welcome James to Sotheby’s at this pivotal moment for our watches business, particularly following our record-breaking sales in Hong Kong and Geneva. He is a seasoned leader with a truly global perspective, and his experience across auctions, retail, and digital innovation makes him uniquely positioned to build on the strong foundations we have established over recent years and take us to the next level,” said Josh Pullan, global head of Sotheby’s Luxury Division.
“His entrepreneurial spirit and track record of building successful, innovative business is perfectly suited to our growth mindset and ambition.”
Prior to joining Sotheby’s, Marks spent six years at Phillips, serving as deputy chairman of the Watches Division and international head of Phillips Perpetual, where he played a critical role in developing both the physical and e-commerce channels of its private sales business.
As a key member of the international management team at Phillips, he achieved multiple world-record auction results while spearheading the development of new retail and Perpetual boutiques in London, Gstaad, Hong Kong, and Zurich.
Most recently, Marks served as CEO of independent watch brand Biver since 2024.
At Biver, he led a period of accelerated expansion, strengthening the independent watch brand’s global distribution with a focus on the Middle East and North America which resulted in significant year-over-year revenue growth, Sotheby’s said.
He also led Biver’s digital expansion, growing its social media following while introducing new e-commerce and editorial platforms for collectors, and secured an international press award of the Automatique Atelier Carbon series.
Earlier in his career, Marks spent 17 years in financing, including roles in investment banking, wealth management, and hedge fund portfolio management.
Marks has also held positions at Merrill Lynch and BNP Paribas.
“I am delighted to be joining Sotheby’s at such an exciting time for its market leading luxury business whose approach and entrepreneurial vision I have long admired,” said Marks.
“I very much look forward to working with the team to further strengthen our position as the leading luxury marketplace with a dedicated focus on retail, fixed-price, and private sales, deepening relationships with collectors, and continuing to elevate the client experience and offering worldwide.”
More on Watches
The Latest
MajorsSep 10, 2026
Lagos Founder Steven Lagos Steps Down as CEO Keith Rolfe, CFO and COO of Lagos, is now at the jewelry brand’s helm while Steven takes on the role of executive chairman.
CrimeSep 10, 2026
FBI Offers $50K Reward for ‘Most Wanted’ Fugitive in $1M Jewelry HeistAlberto Perez-Elias is one of four men charged in the armed robbery of a Cape Coral, Florida, jewelry store and remains at large.
AuctionsSep 10, 2026
Massive Matched Pair of Paraíba Tourmalines Head to Sotheby’sThe “Kat Florence Luminas” will be offered together as one lot and could fetch up to $637,000.
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.
SourcingSep 10, 2026
AGTA Announces 4 Newly Elected DirectorsFour directors were elected to the AGTA board and will serve three-year terms beginning in February.
Weekly QuizSep 10, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
AuctionsSep 10, 2026
Former Sotheby’s, Christie’s Exec Appointed CEO of Julien’s Auctions Ken Citron joins the celebrity memorabilia-focused auction house ahead of its first week-long series of events in Abu Dhabi.
FinancialsSep 09, 2026
Signet Jewelers to ‘Double Down’ on Blue Nile Amid Strong SalesThe jewelry retailer said it sees opportunity at higher price points, particularly in natural diamonds for bridal and fashion.
Brought to you by
Why More Jewelry Retailers Are Hosting Turnkey Estate Buying EventsRetailers are seeking new ways to attract customers, increase traffic, and create revenue – Estate buying events are a popular solution.
IndependentsSep 09, 2026
Sarah Leonard Fine Jewelers Closes After Nearly 80 YearsThe Los Angeles-based, family-owned jeweler was founded by Lenny and Sunny Friedman in 1946.
SourcingSep 09, 2026
Fura Gems Notes ‘Remarkable’ Interest in Larger Rubies at Latest SaleThe auction, held in Bangkok, was 96 percent sold by lot, with nearly 411,000 carats of Mozambiquan rubies sold.
MajorsSep 09, 2026
Stuller’s Latest Catalog Includes Its New Demi-Fine CollectionFine Jewelry 2027-2028 has more than 900 new styles, including silver, gold-filled, gold-plated sterling silver, and vermeil jewelry.
Policies & IssuesSep 09, 2026
8 Key Changes the FTC Made to the Jewelry Guides: A Refresher Learn more about the new terms for lab-grown diamonds and composite gemstones, and the major changes in store for precious metals jewelry.
IndependentsSep 08, 2026
Ricky Bromberg, Longtime President of Bromberg & Co., Dies at 67 Bromberg is remembered as a Southern gentleman who always wore a suit and tie and treated others with kindness.
TrendsSep 08, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: A Hot Take on September’s Birthstone With high durability and a wide range of colors to choose from, sapphires may be the ultimate birthstone, Gizzi claims.
ColumnistsSep 08, 2026
Peter Smith: Humor Is No Laughing MatterLaughter is often considered a distraction in the workplace, but it has benefits for both staff and management, Peter Smith writes.
MajorsSep 08, 2026
Former Tiffany & Co. Exec Joins Exemplar Luxury GroupGretchen Koback Pursel is the new chief people officer at the company formerly known as Saks Global.
IndependentsSep 04, 2026
Orloff Jewelers Will Soon Unveil a Bigger, Better LocationThe California jeweler is renovating its store in Fresno, with plans to show off the new space in December.
CollectionsSep 04, 2026
Chelsea Gabrielle Transforms Pilates Reformer Springs Into Ring A lifelong practitioner of Pilates, Gabrielle looked to the springs’ tension and suspension when creating this ring, our Piece of the Week.
Events & AwardsSep 04, 2026
JCK Industry Fund Accepting 2027 ApplicationsThe deadline to apply is Nov. 13.
AuctionsSep 04, 2026
Christie's Names New Global Head of WatchesThe auction house has promoted Remi Guillemin, formerly its head of watches for the Americas and EMEA, to the role.
EditorsSep 03, 2026
Q&A: Simon G.’s CEO on Why He Won’t Use AI for Jewelry DesignZaven Ghanimian discussed the value of human craftsmanship and where the implementation of artificial intelligence does work.
Events & AwardsSep 03, 2026
Here Are the First Recipients of Nina Pugliese Memorial Scholarship Jewelers of America also revealed the recipients of the Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship and its own scholarship programs.
CollectionsSep 03, 2026
Sydney Evan Celebrates 25 Years With 4 New CollectionsThe “Confetti Disco,” “Champagne Cheers,” “Tuxedo,” and “Classic Punk” jewelry collections each capture a distinct spirit of celebration.
CrimeSep 02, 2026
CA Jeweler Gets 5 Years in ‘Phantom Rolex’ Ponzi SchemeNelson Holdo of Newport Beach pleaded guilty to multiple counts of felony grand theft and writing bad checks and was sentenced Monday.
AuctionsSep 02, 2026
If You Love Cats, This Jewelry Auction Is for YouCat ladies of the jewelry world, unite. Sandy Lerner’s “significant” collection of cat jewelry and other objects is going up for auction.
MajorsSep 02, 2026
Messika Names Former Omega Exec as New President, CEO of AmericasArnaud Michon, the former Omega USA President, will now lead Messika’s Americas region during its international development.
Events & AwardsSep 02, 2026
Emerald’s New Owner Introduces ‘Glitter in the Grove’The branding references the back-to-back jewelry shows that new parent company Forge will host in Miami's Coconut Grove this November.
