TechnologyJun 27, 2025
Gemist Raises $6M in Funding to Scale Jewelry Tech PlatformThe company is focused on modernizing the custom jewelry buying experience with e-commerce tools like product visualization and 3D styling.
WatchesApr 19, 2021
Watchfinder & Co. Names New CEO
Former Rakuten executive Arjen van de Vall will take the reins at the pre-owned watch retailer.
Arjen van de Vall will step in as CEO of Watchfinder, succeeding co-founder Matt Bowling.
New York—Watchfinder & Co. has named Arjen van de Vall as its new CEO.
He previously spent seven years at Rakuten, a Japan-based e-commerce company.
Van de Vall succeeds Co-Founder Matt Bowling, who served as interim CEO for the past year.
Bowling will remain with the pre-owned watch company, tasked with overseeing business operations and overall growth.
“I am truly honored to be joining Watchfinder & Co.,” Van de Vall said in a press release announcing his appointment. “Watchfinder is a clear industry leader that has led by example over the last 19 years. It’s a really exciting time to be joining the business; Watchfinder is embarking on significant international growth in what has proven to be a rapidly growing and evolving industry.”
The company recently announced it is now classifying watches by size instead of gender and encouraged other retailers to do the same.
Founded in 2002, the retailer buys and sells pre-owned luxury watches from more than 70 brands, including Rolex and Patek Philippe.
In addition to its website, the company has showrooms in London, Paris, Geneva, Munich, Hong Kong, and New York.
Luxury titan Richemont acquired the company in May 2018.
“We are delighted to have Arjen come on board. He brings a wealth of digital expertise into the group and, more specifically, Watchfinder. Arjen’s international experience will be instrumental in guiding the continued evolution and expansion of Watchfinder and further untapping its tremendous potential,” Richemont CEO Jérôme Lambert said.
He previously spent seven years at Rakuten, a Japan-based e-commerce company.
Van de Vall succeeds Co-Founder Matt Bowling, who served as interim CEO for the past year.
Bowling will remain with the pre-owned watch company, tasked with overseeing business operations and overall growth.
“I am truly honored to be joining Watchfinder & Co.,” Van de Vall said in a press release announcing his appointment. “Watchfinder is a clear industry leader that has led by example over the last 19 years. It’s a really exciting time to be joining the business; Watchfinder is embarking on significant international growth in what has proven to be a rapidly growing and evolving industry.”
The company recently announced it is now classifying watches by size instead of gender and encouraged other retailers to do the same.
Founded in 2002, the retailer buys and sells pre-owned luxury watches from more than 70 brands, including Rolex and Patek Philippe.
In addition to its website, the company has showrooms in London, Paris, Geneva, Munich, Hong Kong, and New York.
Luxury titan Richemont acquired the company in May 2018.
“We are delighted to have Arjen come on board. He brings a wealth of digital expertise into the group and, more specifically, Watchfinder. Arjen’s international experience will be instrumental in guiding the continued evolution and expansion of Watchfinder and further untapping its tremendous potential,” Richemont CEO Jérôme Lambert said.
More on Watches
The Latest
IndependentsJun 27, 2025
David Webb Announces New Hires, PromotionsFollowing its recent acquisition, the storied brand has updated its leadership team and regional managers.
Events & AwardsJun 27, 2025
AGS, GIA Announce Beatrice Shipley Scholarship Winner AGS also named the recipient of its “Women in Leadership” scholarship.
Brought to you by
Investing in the Next Generation of Bench JewelersThe Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship from Jewelers of America returns for a second year.
CollectionsJun 27, 2025
Piece of the Week: Buddha Mama’s ‘Monstera’ Wrap RingThe 20-karat yellow gold and diamond wrap ring is modeled after the Monstera plants in the garden of the brand’s Miami villa.
Weekly QuizJun 26, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
MajorsJun 26, 2025
Why Rocksbox Is Opening Stores As Signet Jewelers DownsizesRocksbox President Allison Vigil shared the retailer’s expansion plans, and her thoughts on opening stores in malls.
IndependentsJun 26, 2025
Penny Ruston Dies at 80 The creator of the WJA Chicago chapter is remembered as a champion for women in the jewelry industry and a loving grandmother.
Brought to you by
Jewelers of America is Headed to Las Vegas for JCK 2025The countdown is on for the JCK Las Vegas Show and JA is pulling out all the stops.
SurveysJun 26, 2025
After Recovering in May, Consumer Confidence Dips in June The decline was consistent across age groups and almost all income groups, with tariffs and inflation still top of mind.
CollectionsJun 26, 2025
Jam Out With Sorellina’s Jimi Hendrix-Inspired JewelsThe “Playlist: Electric Dreams” collection brings lyrics from the musician’s song, “Little Wing,” to life through fine jewelry.
Events & AwardsJun 26, 2025
The Jewelry Symposium Is Looking for Speakers for 2026 EventThe event is set for May 16-19 in Detroit, Michigan.
IndependentsJun 25, 2025
Marissa Collections Opens in Nantucket as Legal Fight ContinuesThe Vault’s Katherine Jetter is accusing the retailer of using info she shared for a potential partnership to move into Nantucket.
CrimeJun 25, 2025
Customs Nabs Another Big Shipment of Fake Cartier, Van Cleef JewelryAgents seized 2,193 pieces, a mix of counterfeit Cartier “Love” and “Juste Un Clou” bracelets, and Van Cleef & Arpels’ “Alhambra” design.
CollectionsJun 25, 2025
Splash into Karina Choudhrie’s Collection of Underwater Circus PerformersThe designer brought her children’s book, “The Big Splash Circus,” to life through a collection of playful fine jewelry characters.
Events & AwardsJun 25, 2025
JA Announces Impact Initiative Fund RecipientsThe trade association has chosen the recipients of the funding initiative it formed to foster the growth and sustainability of the industry.
SourcingJun 25, 2025
2025 AGTA Spectrum Awards Open for EntriesThe organization has also announced this year’s slate of judges.
EditorsJun 24, 2025
The Best New Jewelry from Couture 2025, Part 2Associate Editor Natalie Francisco shares 20 additional pieces that stood out to her at the Couture show.
IndependentsJun 24, 2025
Colorado Bench Jeweler Celebrates 50 Years With Local RetailerLori Tucker started at Williams Jewelers when she was 18 years old.
MajorsJun 24, 2025
Tacori, QVC to Launch Exclusive Lab-Grown Diamond Jewelry CollectionThe “XO Tacori” collection was designed to blend luxury and accessible pricing.
GradingJun 23, 2025
GIA Names New President and CEO Pritesh Patel, the lab’s chief operating officer, will take over as president and CEO of GIA.
Recorded WebinarsJun 23, 2025
Watch: Top Trends at Couture, JCK Las Vegas 2025National Jeweler and Jewelers of America discuss the standout jewelry trends and biggest news to emerge from the shows this year.
SourcingJun 23, 2025
Diamond Producers, Organizations to Kick in Money to Promote Natural DiamondsSignatories to the “Luanda Accord” committed to allocating 1 percent of annual diamond revenue to the Natural Diamond Council.
Events & AwardsJun 23, 2025
Jose Hess Design Awards Celebrate 6 Jewelry DesignersThe winning designs captured the “Radiance” theme.
Events & AwardsJun 23, 2025
Gem Awards Now Accepting Nominations for 2026Nominations in the categories of Jewelry Design, Media Excellence, and Retail Innovation will be accepted through July 30.
TrendsJun 20, 2025
Dua Lipa Stays On-Trend With Chunky Engagement RingThe singer’s ring ticks off many bridal trends, with a thick band, half-bezel setting, and solitaire diamond.
TrendsJun 20, 2025
Piece of the Week: Yvonne Léon’s ‘Python Gold’ BraceletThe bracelet references vintage high jewelry and snake symbolism as a playful piece where a python’s head becomes a working belt buckle.
CrimeJun 18, 2025
7 Men Indicted in $100M Brinks Jewelry HeistThe heist happened in Lebec, California, in 2022 when a Brinks truck was transporting goods from one show in California to another.
