ColumnistsSep 05, 2025
Peter Smith: A Lasting Lesson From Maurice Tempelsman Smith recalls a bit of wisdom the industry leader, who died last week, shared at a diamond conference years ago.
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
CollectionsSep 05, 2025
Piece of the Week: Jamie Turner’s ‘Victoria’ Necklace The “Victoria” necklace features a labradorite hugged by diamond accents in 18-karat yellow gold.
Policies & IssuesSep 05, 2025
Trump Takes Tariffs Case to the Supreme Court Two lower courts have moved to block the import taxes, which will remain in place as the legal battle continues.
Brought to you by
reDollar.com Is Rolling Out the Next Level Jewelry, Diamond & Watch Consignment ProgramWith their unmatched services and low fees, reDollar.com is challenging some big names in the online consignment world.
Weekly QuizSep 04, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
SourcingSep 04, 2025
Lucara Unveils Unusual 37-Carat Pink DiamondThe Type IIa stone, recovered from Botswana’s Karowe diamond mine last month, features unique coloration.
Events & AwardsSep 04, 2025
27 Can’t-Miss Converge Sessions, Events From sunrise yoga to tariffs talks, these are some events to check out at the upcoming inaugural event.
Brought to you by
Rallying Call for the Jewelry Industry on Tariffs and Other Key IssuesJewelers of America is leading the charge to protect the industry amidst rising economic threats.
Events & AwardsSep 04, 2025
The NYC Jewelry, Antique, & Object Show Returns in NovemberNYCJAOS is set for Nov. 21-23 in New York City’s Chelsea neighborhood.
SourcingSep 03, 2025
Gemfields Confirms Completion of Fabergé SaleU.S.-based investment company SMG Capital LLC is the new owner of the luxury brand.
MajorsSep 03, 2025
These Are the Nearly 300 Claire’s Stores Set to CloseA new court filing details the locations of the stores that will close, as well as the 830 that will remain open.
MajorsSep 03, 2025
Stuller Releases 2 New Catalogs The new catalogs are “Tools, Equipment, & Metals” and “Findings & Metals.”
TrendsSep 03, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: A Perfect BirthstoneSapphire’s variety of colors make it the perfect birthstone for September.
FinancialsSep 02, 2025
Lab-Grown Diamonds, Lower-Priced Fashion Jewelry Drive Signet Jewelers’ Q2 SalesThe retailer has raised its guidance after seeing total sales increase 3 percent in the second quarter, beating expectations.
MajorsSep 02, 2025
Birks CEO Jean-Christophe Bédos Steps DownNiccolò Rossi di Montelera, executive chairman of the board, was appointed as interim CEO.
MajorsSep 02, 2025
Harry Winston Opens Its Largest Flagship in JapanThe three-floor space also features the jeweler’s largest VIP salon in Japan and offers an exclusive diamond pendant.
CollectionsSep 02, 2025
Stephanie Gottlieb Debuts Silver Designs in ‘All Hours’ CollabThe collection is a collaboration between Stephanie Gottlieb Fine Jewelry and Oak and Luna, focusing on understated essentials.
AuctionsAug 29, 2025
Sotheby’s UAE Sale to Feature 32-Carat Fancy Vivid Orangy Pink DiamondThe highlight of a single-owner jewelry and watch collection, it’s estimated to fetch up to $7 million at auction this December.
FinancialsAug 29, 2025
Movado’s Q2 Sales Rebound Despite Tariff ImpactCEO Efraim Grinberg noted a resurgence in the fashion watch market.
CollectionsAug 29, 2025
Piece of the Week: Mark Davis’ ‘Bullseye’ Necklace The “Bullseye” necklace, with vintage bakelite and peridot, August’s birthstone, is the perfect transitional piece as summer turns to fall.
Supplier BulletinAug 28, 2025
Clientbook Is Helping Jewelers Turn Clienteling Challenges into Wins with Hands-On Training and CoachingSponsored by Clientbook
GradingAug 28, 2025
GIA’s New ‘Quality Assessment’ for Lab-Grown Diamonds Is Coming It will classify lab-grown stones into one of two categories, “premium” or “standard,” in lieu of giving specific color and clarity grades.
SourcingAug 28, 2025
Botswana Declares Public Health Emergency Amid Diamond Sales SlumpPresident Duma Boko addressed the country’s medical supply chain crisis in a recent televised address.
MajorsAug 28, 2025
Borsheims Names New Jewelry BuyerFormer Free People buyer Afton Robertson-Kanne recently joined the retailer.
IndependentsAug 28, 2025
Sissy’s Log Cabin Donates School Supplies to Memphis StudentsThe jeweler teamed up with two local organizations for its inaugural “Back to School and Bling” event.
EditorsAug 27, 2025
Taylor Swift’s Engagement Ring Is a Fairy Tale for Vintage Diamond CutsThe singer’s new bling, reportedly a natural old mine-cut diamond, is no paper ring.
SourcingAug 27, 2025
11,685-Carat Emerald Recovered From Zambia’s Kagem MineDubbed the “Imboo,” or “buffalo,” emerald, the rough gemstone is part of Gemfields’ latest emerald auction, which is taking place now.
