Phillips Strengthens Watch Division with Strategic Appointment of Geoffrey Hess as Consultant

NEW YORK, NY – In a move poised to significantly bolster its esteemed Watch Department, Phillips in Association with Bacs & Russo proudly announced the appointment of Geoffrey Hess as a Consultant. Based in the vibrant heart of New York, Mr. Hess is set to play a pivotal role in enhancing the department’s strategic collaborations, orchestrating high-profile events, optimizing sourcing initiatives, and spearheading critical new business ventures. This appointment underscores Phillips’ unwavering commitment to attracting top-tier talent and solidifying its leadership position in the global luxury watch market.

A Distinguished Career: Unpacking Geoffrey Hess’s Diverse Expertise

Geoffrey Hess arrives at Phillips with a multifaceted background that seamlessly blends deep horological expertise with a proven track record in high-stakes business and strategic leadership. His reputation precedes him as a respected and influential member of the international watch community, cultivated over many years through an unwavering passion for timepieces and an exhaustive pursuit of knowledge across the spectrum of watchmaking.

A Lifetime Dedication to Horology and Collector Insight

Mr. Hess possesses a profound understanding of both vintage and modern timepieces, with a particular specialization and reverence for vintage sports watches. This niche, known for its passionate collector base and significant market value, is one where his insights are exceptionally valuable. His ability to discern authenticity, appreciate historical significance, and anticipate market trends within this specialized segment will be instrumental for Phillips’ curatorial and valuation processes. His engagement with Phillips follows a successful tenure as CEO of Analog/Shift, a prominent New York-based platform dedicated to vintage timepieces. During his leadership at Analog/Shift, Mr. Hess was at the forefront of shaping the vintage watch retail landscape, connecting discerning collectors with rare and historically important watches. This experience provided him with an unparalleled perspective on the dynamics of the secondary market, direct engagement with collectors’ needs and desires, and the intricate art of timepiece authentication and presentation.

From Law and Public Service to the Apex of Luxury

Beyond his horological acumen, Mr. Hess’s career trajectory reveals a unique blend of strategic and operational expertise forged in diverse, demanding environments. An attorney by education, his foundational training in law instilled in him a meticulous approach to detail, a keen analytical mind, and exceptional negotiation skills – all invaluable assets in the high-stakes world of luxury auctions. His early career saw him serve as a Senior Advisor to former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani from 2000 to 2002, a period marked by unprecedented challenges and transformative recovery for the city. This experience honed his abilities in crisis management, public relations, and navigating complex governmental and urban landscapes. Following this, as a Managing Partner at Giuliani Partners, he spearheaded strategic initiatives for major corporations across both the private and public sectors. This role further developed his capacity for high-level strategic planning, complex problem-solving, and forging impactful partnerships. These transferable skills, though seemingly disparate from the watch world, provide a robust framework for understanding market dynamics, fostering client trust, and executing sophisticated business strategies.

Leading Luxury Brands and Cultivating Global Collector Relationships

Subsequent to his work with Mayor Giuliani, Mr. Hess transitioned into the luxury sector, serving as CEO for a prominent luxury jewelry firm. In this significant leadership role, he oversaw all aspects of the brand’s growth and development, navigating the intricate nuances of high-end consumer markets, brand positioning, and global expansion. This direct experience in managing a luxury brand offers Phillips invaluable insight into the broader luxury landscape, cross-category marketing opportunities, and the psychology of the affluent collector. Furthermore, for many years, he has actively engaged with collectors and enthusiasts around the globe. This hands-on, international interaction has allowed him to develop a truly firm and nuanced understanding of collectors’ timepieces – not just their intrinsic value, but their sentimental worth, historical context, and the narratives that make each piece unique. His ability to connect with and understand the motivations of collectors is a cornerstone of his value to Phillips, enabling the auction house to better serve its discerning clientele.

Paul Boutros on the Strategic Vision for Collaboration

Paul Boutros, Phillips’ Head of Watches, Americas, expressed immense enthusiasm for Mr. Hess’s appointment, highlighting the profound impact his arrival is expected to have. “With his outstanding reputation, deep knowledge, and well-established network within the watch community, we are absolutely delighted to welcome Geoff as our consultant,” Boutros stated. “He will be an invaluable asset, working seamlessly with our international team of specialists to elevate every facet of our operations.”

Embodying Phillips’ Core Values

Boutros further emphasized that Mr. Hess’s personal and professional ethos perfectly aligns with Phillips’ foundational principles. “Geoff embodies the core values Phillips prides itself on – integrity, professionalism, and passion,” Boutros remarked. “These are not just words; they are the pillars upon which our success and the trust of our clients are built. I couldn’t be happier to have him partner with and advise our team, bringing his unique perspective and expertise to the forefront.” This alignment of values ensures that Hess will not only contribute strategically but also reinforce the ethical and client-centric approach that defines Phillips’ brand.

Anticipating Key Auction Seasons and Global Outreach

The timing of Mr. Hess’s appointment is particularly strategic as Phillips gears up for its highly anticipated upcoming auction seasons. The schedule includes the prestigious Geneva Watch Auction: NINE and the Hong Kong Watch Auction: EIGHT, both slated to take place in May. These auctions are cornerstones of the international watch collecting calendar, attracting a global audience of top collectors, dealers, and enthusiasts. “As we prepare for these pivotal events, we eagerly anticipate working with Geoff on our pre-auction exhibitions and valuation days,” Boutros added. “His involvement will undoubtedly enhance the experience for our consignors and buyers, bringing an additional layer of expertise and insight to our curated selections.” Beyond these immediate events, Mr. Hess is expected to play a crucial role in further developing Phillips’ client base, identifying new opportunities for growth, and fostering enduring relationships with both established and emerging collectors across the world.

Phillips’ Unparalleled Trajectory and Market Leadership

Mr. Hess’s consultancy not only adds a layer of unparalleled expertise but also powerfully underscores Phillips’ unwavering and ambitious commitment to the dynamic field of collectors’ watches. This commitment has been a driving force behind the department’s meteoric rise to prominence in the auction world, establishing it as a dominant force in a remarkably short period.

From Inception to Global Dominance: A Phenomenal Ascent

Since the department’s inaugural watch auction in 2015, Phillips has orchestrated a phenomenal ascent, soaring to a commanding market leader position. This rapid rise is a testament to its innovative approach, strategic partnerships, and a relentless focus on curating exceptional timepieces and delivering unparalleled service. Phillips distinguished itself by concentrating on quality over quantity, building a team of world-class specialists, and understanding the evolving desires of the modern collector. This deliberate strategy, coupled with its transparent practices and profound understanding of horological heritage, has resonated deeply within the collecting community, cementing its reputation as the go-to auction house for significant timepieces.

Record-Breaking Achievements and Market Impact

The auction house’s impactful presence in the market is further evidenced by its groundbreaking achievements. In 2017, Phillips made history by setting the world record for a wristwatch at auction – a landmark event that captured global headlines and redefined valuation benchmarks for rare timepieces. Such record-breaking sales not only highlight the exceptional quality of the watches consigned to Phillips but also affirm the confidence and trust that elite collectors place in the auction house’s expertise and global reach. This momentum continued robustly, culminating in an astounding global sale total of $108 million in 2018. This impressive figure not only solidified Phillips’ standing as a market leader but also reflected the buoyant health of the luxury watch market and the growing international appetite for unique and historically significant watches. Each successful auction and record-setting sale reinforces Phillips’ status as a formidable player in the horological world, capable of attracting the rarest and most desirable pieces and achieving extraordinary results for its consignors.

The Future of Horology at Phillips: Expertise, Innovation, and Growth

The addition of Geoffrey Hess to the Phillips team signals a profound commitment to not only maintaining but significantly expanding its leadership in the luxury watch market. His unique blend of deep horological passion, strategic business acumen, and extensive network of global collectors is expected to catalyze new levels of collaboration, drive innovative market strategies, and further enrich Phillips’ client engagement. As the luxury watch market continues to evolve, shaped by new trends and an expanding base of enthusiasts, Phillips remains at the forefront, leveraging unparalleled expertise and a forward-thinking approach to define the future of watch collecting. This strategic appointment is a clear indication that Phillips is investing in the very best talent to ensure its continued dominance and to offer an unrivaled experience for collectors and consignors worldwide.