SJ

Sean Johnson

Consultant - Watches at The Fine Art Group

San Francisco, California

Overview 

Sean Johnson is a seasoned luxury watches expert and brand strategist based in Switzerland, with a background that includes roles at prestigious companies like Sotheby's and The RealReal. He has excelled in roles such as Head of Watches at Hindman Auctions and Valuation Manager - Watches at The RealReal, showcasing his expertise in the luxury goods industry and his ability to build strong relationships in the field. Sean Johnson has a strong educational background, including being a Watch Expert at FHH and a Graduate Gemologist at GIA, and has made significant contributions to the luxury goods industry through his roles at top auction houses and as the Founder of SJ Luxury Group Pte Ltd.

Work Experience 

  • Consultant - Watches

    2024 - Current

  • Watch Advisor

    2024

  • Business Development Specialist

    2025

  • Consultant

    2020

    Provide industry insights to drive growth through strategic partnerships, facilitated the opening of retail spaces throughout Japan, Saudi Arabia, Europe, and the US, and drove pivotal marketing initiatives with leaders in the watch industry

  • Angel Investor

    2021

  • Director, Head of Watches

    2021 - 2024

    Appointed as the company’s first Head of Department - achieving a 5x growth in 24 months and surpassing revenue targets, set multiple company records including highest hammer price in 2022 and 2023, sold the top 8 watches in company history, led strategic marketing initiatives including key partnerships and events, secured consignments from new private clients and dealers, delivered industry presentations to private collectors, wealth managers, estate planners, and insurance companies.

Hindman is a fine art auction house that auctions fine art, jewelry, modern design, books, and manuscripts.

  • Managing Director

    2018 - 2021

    Advised, developed, and managed C-suite strategic consulting business solutions for microbrands, startups, and established luxury firms, covering business plan creation, audits, market research, brand equity, storytelling, global expansion strategies, and consumer insights

  • Valuation Manager - Jewelry & Watches

    2016 - 2019

    Appointed to open and manage The RealReal's Flagship Jewelry and Watches Luxury Consignment Office, educated collectors on market dynamics, exceeded monthly revenue goals and velocity sales rate, successfully established new protocols and SOPs to streamline priorities, B2B price negotiation with dealers, manufacturers and wholesalers

The RealReal is an online marketplace for authenticated and consigned luxury goods.

Raised $356,874,359.00 from Patricof Co, Great Hill Partners, Greenspring Associates, Greycroft, GreyLion Capital, 3L Capital and Headline.

  • Jewelry and Watches Specialist (Ecommerce)

    2015 - 2016

    Responsible for the launch of Sotheby's jewelry and watches online platform, curated auctions based on global market demand, helped develop Ecommerce business plan and growth strategy, facilitated internal operations plan and streamlined communications between departments, directed digital sales strategies with consultants

Sotheby’s conducts auctions and private sales of fine art, antiques, and decorative art, jewelry, and collectibles.

  • Jewelry and Watches Buyer

    2013 - 2015

    Authenticated, consigned, and purchased all types of pre-owned jewelry, watches, and diamonds, negotiated merchandise sales prices with dealers, approved B2B prices for overstock goods, developed strong repeat business and referral network

CIRCA is an international buyer of pre-owned fine jewelry, diamonds, and watches.

Raised $5,750,000.00.

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