The History of Rolex and Jack Lewis Jewelers Jack Lewis Jewelers was founded in 1927 and has been an Official Rolex Jeweler since 1969, distinguishing us as one of the longest-running Rolex partners in America among independent, family-owned retail jewelry stores. Given that our founder, Jack Lewis, was a master watchmaker himself, it's perhaps no surprise that a store founded on timepiece precision would inevitably intersect with a watchmaking brand synonymous with precision: Rolex. It's a natural partnership with a storied history.
Rolex and Jack Lewis Jewelers History
A Watchmaker's Craft & the Regional Railroad
The legacy of Jack Lewis Jewelers dates back to 1927, when Jack Lewis opened his shop in downtown Bloomington, IL. In those days, the bustling rail lines made Bloomington a natural hub between Chicago and St. Louis, which gave master watchmaker and hand-engraver Jack Lewis a brilliant idea. He knew railroad conductors were required to keep their pocket watches regulated each month, so he strategically located his store along the Chicago & Alton Railroad line. As he refined his craft, Mr. Lewis' reputation for accuracy and trust quickly spread, and his talent and commitment to precision came into high demand. His success not only established Jack Lewis Jewelers as a reliable stop for precision timepieces, but it also amplified Bloomington's profile as a regional destination, which helped grow the local economy by attracting out-of-town business. Both are legacies we still celebrate and develop today.
A Deliberate Destination
After becoming an Official Rolex Jeweler in 1969, a pivotal moment happened four years later when, in 1973, Jack Lewis hired John Wohlwend to be “a guy behind the diamond counter.” However, it quickly became clear that Mr. Wohlwend was destined for more than diamonds. His affinity for service, relationships, fine arts, storytelling, and precision craftsmanship made him a natural choice to become the store's lead ambassador for the Rolex brand, a role he embraced throughout the 70's and 80's. In 1993, with 20 years of success and experience, Wohlwend purchased the business from Jack Lewis, becoming only the second owner in its history.
Around the same time, the Bloomington-Normal community was rapidly expanding, with most traffic and residential areas shifting east. Wohlwend instinctively knew that continued success would mean moving the store to a new location. Wohlwend wisely selected a renovated bank on the growing east side of town. From this prominent spot on Eastland Drive, Wohlwend's love for the detail, luxury, and prestige of Rolex timepieces continued to flourish, and over the next 20 years, his genuine advocacy for the craftsmanship and culture of Rolex strengthened the bonds of the partnership and created the foundation we still build upon today.
From Salesman to CEO
John Carter's story is inseparable from watches. After getting his start at Jack Lewis Jewelers as a teenager in 1992, Carter left in 1997 to travel the country as a watch salesman. Those years on the road taught him the nuances of the luxury watch world. He saw firsthand what delighted clients, what disappointed them, and how a store could truly stand out. Crucially, through regular exposure to other watch brands, he also saw how Rolex is a leader in innovative, luxury timepieces.
When Carter returned as a partner in 2002 and eventually purchased the business from Mr. Wohlwend outright in 2011, his priorities as the new steward of the Rolex partnership carried the unmistakable influence of this watch-selling journey. With Rolex at the forefront, Carter blended heritage with innovation, modernizing the Jack Lewis Jewelers brand for a new generation.
A Modern Partner in Style
In 2016, Carter invited Missy Ranney to join the leadership team and accelerate the mission of elevating the roster of fashion and luxury jewelry. By continuing to shape the showcases and client experiences to mirror the standard set by Rolex, Missy extended that same aura of prestige to every corner of Jack Lewis Jewelers. Her work ensured that clients drawn to excellence would find a comprehensive, unified experience that reflected the same level of sophistication. Today, as Vice President, Missy guides the store with a vision rooted in serving discerning luxury clients who expect the very best.
Expanding Impact
From Jack Lewis regulating railroad pocket watches with steady hands in the 1930's and 40's, to John Wohlwend's natural alignment with Rolex values and genuine passion for Rolex culture throughout the 80's and 90's, to John Carter's watchmaking-inspired innovation and vision throughout the 2010's and beyond, the present-day Jack Lewis Jewelers is a bonafide luxury destination whose story is intertwined with the legacy of fine timepieces in general and Rolex in particular.
Nearly a century later, with Rolex as the crown jewel of our new 10,000 square foot store, Jack Lewis Jewelers continues to honor its watchmaking heritage and embrace a standard of modern luxury that promises to pave the way for the next hundred years of precision.
