Joseph Gann History

Joseph Gann opened his small watch repair shop in the Jewelers Building in downtown Boston in 1933, during the height of the Great Depression. His previous employer could no longer afford his $48 per week salary, but wanted to keep him at a rate of $15 per week. Joe thought he could do better on his own.

With his fine quality workmanship and his outward personality, he quickly built a large following of jewelers in the Boston area who brought in their customers’ watches for him to repair. Joe had to work seven days a week to complete all the jobs he had, and watches need constant winding to make sure they were running on time.

During World War II, watch production halted completely, and his reputation as a master watchmaker grew as he would take parts from old watches and rebuild them.

Joseph Gann’s repair shop expanded into wholesale jewelry. With eight watchmakers working for him, Joe took frequent buying trips to New York City and Philadelphia, returning with suitcases and duffel bags packed full of jewelry. Joe employed a staff of salesmen traveling around New England selling his merchandise.

During the 1950s, the business shifted from supplying regional stores to selling directly to consumers. During this time, Joe began selling the jewelry for which Joseph Gann Jewelers are known for today.

Overtime, Joseph Gann’s customers looking for fine quality jewelry and diamonds grew tremendously. He became known in the Boston area as the place that has it - from diamonds, fine jewelry, and watches, to fine china and crystal. Joseph Gann’s reputation and honesty in the jewelry business brought him more customers through word of mouth. The loyalty of his customers continues today with the next generations of customers.

Joe Gann loved the business he built and the customers who came to see him day in and day out. He worked until he was 98 years old when he retired full time. He worked side-by-side with his son Herb, who eventually took over the business from him, and his grandchildren, Elisa, Joshua, and Matthew who now own and operate the business.

Today, with a focus on quality and customer service, the third generation of family owners continues in the same tradition of fine quality and trust that Joseph Gann built his business on.