Evan Zimmermann

Evan Zimmermann is an American businessman, investor and philanthropist.[1] He was the president and CEO of Antiquorum, a Swiss auction house, established in 1974, that specializes in watches.[2][3]

Evan Zimmermann
Evan Zimmermann
Born
New York City
NationalityAmerican
Occupation(s)Businessman, investor and philanthropist

Career

Zimmermann is known for developing and implementing brand growth strategies. In 2008, he purchased Antiquorum, an international auction house based in Switzerland, in a $30 million deal.[4] He subsequently strengthened the company's principal expertise streamlining the company's irrelevant business lines and finances.[5]

Over the next 10 years, the company experienced growth in its auction sales from $37 million to $90 million. Zimmermann was instrumental in solidifying Antiquorum's position as the largest watch auction house in the world.[6][4]

Under his management, Antiquorum sold Mahatma Gandhi's pocket watch for just under $2.1 million,[7] Steve McQueen's Rolex Submariner for $234,000 (more than 20 times its estimate), setting a new world record for its reference,[8][9] and Albert Einstein's Longines wristwatch for $596,000 (over 2000 percent of its estimate).[10][7] In February 2014 Zimmermann expressed his delight about the fervent participation of Asian clients in a Hong Kong auction of a Platinum Patek watch which sold for $800,000.[11]

In 2018, after an initial minority investment in the company's European operations, FIDES Business Partner, a private equity firm based in Zurich, Switzerland, bought Antiquorum from Zimmermann for $154 million.[1][4]

Zimmermann's significant investment in December 2018 in Moderna, one of the first COVID-19 vaccines approved by FDC, paid off at the end of 2020 with share price increases of 250%.[5]

Zimmermann has been recognized by Forbes as an important collector of vintage Rolex watches[12] and as one of the major investors in fashion industry startups.[4] He developed an interest in the fashion industry through his family brand Zimmermann, and has made investments in numerous companies, including Farfetch, Rent the Runway, and Glossier.[4]

Being interviewed by CBS television
With artist John "Crash" Matos

Following the sale of Antiquorum, Zimmerman visited 13 Asian countries and took time out to refocus.[5]

Philanthropy

In 2021, Zimmermann, through his foundation Zimmermann Family Charitable Trust, donated $3 million to University of California to back initiatives focused on the causes and consequences of the Holocaust and the study of human rights, protection of minority rights and reparations for historical wrongs and injustices.[13]

References
  1. Mago, Karishhma (June 25, 2021). "What Would You Do With $154 Million? Inside Financier Evan Zimmermann's Amazing Journey Around the Globe". Maxim. Retrieved July 29, 2021.
  2. Antiquorum source: www.antiquorum.com
  3. Chan, Stephanie (December 16, 2014). "Elvis watch leaves the building for $45K". Jeweller. Retrieved July 29, 2021.
  4. "Top Three Investors Who Take Chances On Startup Fashion Brands". VMan. July 20, 2021. Retrieved July 29, 2021.
  5. Krishhma Mago (June 25, 2021). "What Would You Do With $154 Million? Inside Financier Evan Zimmermann's Amazing Journey Around the Globe". maxim.com. Retrieved May 16, 2023.
  6. "Art & Photography news and auction sales". Paul Fraser Collectibles. Retrieved May 5, 2017.
  7. Lankarani, Nazanin (March 24, 2011). "Collectors' Items Bring Spectacular Returns". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved July 29, 2021.
  8. "Steve McQueen's Rolex Brings Record $234,000". WatchTime. June 12, 2009. Retrieved July 29, 2021.
  9. Solomon, Michael. "Exclusive: The Secret History of Steve McQueen's Rolex Submariner". Forbes. Retrieved July 29, 2021.
  10. "Auction: Einstein watch Sells for Over 2000% of its Estimate & Patek Philippe Watch Sells for Over $1.5 Million Dollars! – Watchluxus". November 9, 2013. Archived from the original on November 9, 2013. Retrieved July 29, 2021.
  11. Michelle Graff (February 25, 2014). "Platinum Patek sells for $800K in Hong Kong". nationaljeweler.com. Retrieved May 23, 2023.
  12. "Collections: Vintage Rolexes". Forbes. February 29, 2008. Retrieved July 29, 2021.
  13. "American Businessman and Investor Evan Zimmermann Contributes $3 Million Grant Towards Philanthropic Projects in UCLA". Yahoo!.
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