Policies & IssuesFeb 20, 2026
Supreme Court Rules Against Most of President Trump’s TariffsIn a 6-3 ruling, the court said the president exceeded his authority when imposing sweeping tariffs under IEEPA.
WatchesJun 08, 2021
Mansour Ojjeh, the TAG in TAG Heuer, Dies at 68
Ojjeh was a legend in the world of Formula 1 racing and owned TAG Heuer from 1985 to 1999.
Two shots of the late Mansour Ojjeh provided by McLaren. The Ojjeh family owns Techniques d’Avant Garde, which is the “TAG” in TAG Heuer. Ojjeh owned the watch company from 1985 to 1999 when he sold it to LVMH.
Geneva—Mansour Ojjeh, a legend in the world of Formula 1 racing and the man behind the “TAG” in TAG Heuer, died Sunday in Geneva surrounded by his family.
He was 68.
McLaren shared news of Ojjeh’s death on its website Sunday morning.
According to a full obituary posted on the site later that day, Ojjeh was born on Sept. 25, 1952.
His father, Akram Ojjeh, was a businessman and industrialist who started Techniques d’Avant Garde—better known by the acronym TAG—in 1975 as a holding company for his myriad investments.
The younger Ojjeh studied at the American School in Paris, earned a bachelor’s in business at Menlo College in Atherton, California and his master’s degree at the University of Santa Clara.
Through TAG, the Ojjeh family was involved in a number of industries, including motor racing (Mansour Ojjeh had been a main shareholder in McLaren since the early ‘80s), aviation and the watch industry.
In 1985, Ojjeh bought the watch company that was the timing partner for McLaren, Heuer, a Swiss watchmaker that traces its roots to 1860.
A new watch brand was born—TAG Heuer.
He was 68.
McLaren shared news of Ojjeh’s death on its website Sunday morning.
According to a full obituary posted on the site later that day, Ojjeh was born on Sept. 25, 1952.
His father, Akram Ojjeh, was a businessman and industrialist who started Techniques d’Avant Garde—better known by the acronym TAG—in 1975 as a holding company for his myriad investments.
The younger Ojjeh studied at the American School in Paris, earned a bachelor’s in business at Menlo College in Atherton, California and his master’s degree at the University of Santa Clara.
Through TAG, the Ojjeh family was involved in a number of industries, including motor racing (Mansour Ojjeh had been a main shareholder in McLaren since the early ‘80s), aviation and the watch industry.
In 1985, Ojjeh bought the watch company that was the timing partner for McLaren, Heuer, a Swiss watchmaker that traces its roots to 1860.
A new watch brand was born—TAG Heuer.
TAG Heuer is saddened by the passing of Mansour Ojjeh, a great friend of the company whose support was key in building us into the brand we are today. pic.twitter.com/rCKwG1XBTC
— TAG Heuer (@TAGHeuer) June 6, 2021
Ojjeh’s company, TAG Gruppe, was the largest single shareholder of TAG Heuer. LVMH Moёt Hennessy Louis Vuitton bought the brand in 1999 for $740 million.
On Sunday, TAG Heuer said via social media that it was saddened to learn of Ojjeh’s death, calling him “a great friend of the company whose support was key in building us into the brand we are today.”
Ojjeh suffered from idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, a chronic, progressive lung disease, and underwent a double lung transplant in 2013.
He recovered and returned to work, taking on an executive role with McLaren in 2017.
He is survived by his wife, Kathy, and their four children, Lana, Lia, Sara and Sultan.
On Sunday, TAG Heuer said via social media that it was saddened to learn of Ojjeh’s death, calling him “a great friend of the company whose support was key in building us into the brand we are today.”
Ojjeh suffered from idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, a chronic, progressive lung disease, and underwent a double lung transplant in 2013.
He recovered and returned to work, taking on an executive role with McLaren in 2017.
He is survived by his wife, Kathy, and their four children, Lana, Lia, Sara and Sultan.
More on Watches
The Latest
ColumnistsFeb 20, 2026
Peter Smith: Happiness, Cavemen, and Jewelry SalesSmith encourages salespeople to ask customers questions that elicit the release of oxytocin, the brain’s “feel-good” chemical.
MajorsFeb 20, 2026
Jewelers Vigilance Committee Names Julie Yoakum Board ChairJVC also announced the election of five new board members.
Brought to you by
DCA Enters a New Chapter in Jewelry EducationWith refreshed branding, a new website, updated courses, and a pathway for growth, DCA is dedicated to supporting retail staff development.
CollectionsFeb 20, 2026
Boucheron’s ‘Faisceaux’ Brooch Heads to V&A MuseumThe brooch, our Piece of the Week, shows the chromatic spectrum through a holographic coating on rock crystal.
Weekly QuizFeb 19, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
IndependentsFeb 19, 2026
Bailey’s Fine Jewelry Co-Founder ‘Mama Ann’ Bailey Dies at 100Raised in an orphanage, Bailey was 18 when she met her husband, Clyde. They opened their North Carolina jewelry store in 1948.
IndependentsFeb 19, 2026
Material Good Opens Third Location Material Good is celebrating its 10th anniversary as it opens its new store in the Back Bay neighborhood of Boston.
Brought to you by
The MJSA Mentor & Apprenticeship Program: Attracting & Training the Next Generation of Bench JewelersLaunched in 2023, the program will help the passing of knowledge between generations and alleviate the shortage of bench jewelers.
Events & AwardsFeb 19, 2026
The Original Miami Beach Antique Show Returns in MarchThe show will be held March 26-30 at the Miami Beach Convention Center.
AuctionsFeb 18, 2026
Joanna Carson’s Jewels Head to AuctionThe estate of the model, philanthropist, and ex-wife of Johnny Carson has signed statement jewels up for sale at John Moran Auctioneers.
PodcastsFeb 18, 2026
Episode 2: Jewelry Trends & Does the Red Carpet Matter?Are arm bands poised to make a comeback? Has red-carpet jewelry become boring? Find out on the second episode of the “My Next Question” podcast.
MajorsFeb 18, 2026
Select Jewelry Inks Agreement to Distribute Lightweight Gold JewelryIt will lead distribution in North America for Graziella Braccialini's new gold pieces, which it said are 50 percent lighter.
Policies & IssuesFeb 18, 2026
Community for Ethical Jewelry Looks for Executive DirectorThe organization is seeking a new executive director to lead it into its next phase of strategic growth and industry influence.
Events & AwardsFeb 18, 2026
DCA to Host Gemstone Selling Education Session at IJO EventThe nonprofit will present a live, two-hour introductory course on building confidence when selling colored gemstones.
TrendsFeb 17, 2026
A Bit of Jewelry for the Year of the HorseWestern wear continues to trend in the Year of the Fire Horse and along with it, horse and horseshoe motifs in jewelry.
SourcingFeb 17, 2026
Colored Gemstone Experts Talk Tariffs, Trends in TucsonAlthough the market is robust, tariffs and precious metal prices are impacting the industry, Stuart Robertson and Brecken Branstrator said.
GradingFeb 17, 2026
Dr. George Rossman, Former GIA Governor, Dies at 81Rossman, who advised GIA for more than 50 years, is remembered for his passion and dedication to the field of gemology.
CrimeFeb 13, 2026
JSA Offering $10K Reward in Nancy Guthrie Case Guthrie, the mother of “Today” show host Savannah Guthrie, was abducted just as the Tucson gem shows were starting.
IndependentsFeb 13, 2026
97-Year-Old New Mexico Jewelry Store To CloseButterfield Jewelers in Albuquerque, New Mexico, is preparing to close as members of the Butterfield family head into retirement.
CollectionsFeb 13, 2026
A ‘Rosebud’ Necklace for Valentine’s DayPaul Morelli’s “Rosebud” necklace, our Piece of the Week, uses 18-karat rose, green, and white gold to turn the symbol of love into jewelry.
MajorsFeb 13, 2026
JFC Announces New BeneficiariesThe nonprofit has welcomed four new grantees for 2026.
MajorsFeb 12, 2026
These 8 Saks Fifth Avenue Stores Are ClosingParent company Saks Global is also closing nearly all Saks Off 5th locations, a Neiman Marcus store, and 14 personal styling suites.
CollectionsFeb 12, 2026
British Museum Raises $5M to Keep Jewel Linked to Henry VIII, Katherine of AragonIt is believed the 24-karat heart-shaped enameled pendant was made for an event marking the betrothal of Princess Mary in 1518.
SourcingFeb 12, 2026
‘Cotton Candy’ Necklace, 35-Carat Kunzite Win 2025 ‘Buyer’s Choice’ AwardsThe AGTA Spectrum and Cutting Edge “Buyer’s Choice” award winners were announced at the Spectrum Awards Gala last week.
Events & AwardsFeb 12, 2026
Kering Opens Entries for 2026 Sustainability-Focused AwardThe “Kering Generation Award x Jewelry” returns for its second year with “Second Chance, First Choice” as its theme.
TrendsFeb 11, 2026
Halle Berry’s Retro Engagement Ring Is a Sapphire-Set StunnerSourced by For Future Reference Vintage, the yellow gold ring has a round center stone surrounded by step-cut sapphires.
MajorsFeb 11, 2026
Francesca’s Files for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy AgainThe clothing and accessories chain announced last month it would be closing all of its stores.
