Rolex and Paul Medawar Fine Jewelry History
A generational family business with roots that trace back to 1920.
An age-old craft in the hands of a master
Our story begins in a clock and watch repair shop in Lebanon, where Chakib Medawar practiced a craft that would define four generations. Chakib worked on the finest timepieces of his day, but one brand stood above the rest in his esteem—and more than a century later, Rolex remains at the center of our family’s work. Word of Chakib’s skill spread quickly, and Chakib soon became known throughout Lebanon for his exceptional watchmaking. His reputation led to a rare honor: he was summoned by the Swiss Academy in Lebanon to instruct a select few gifted students in the art of watchmaking. It was there that he had the privilege of working with the world’s most distinguished watch movements—and at the forefront was Rolex.
From his father’s bench to Grand Rapids
As a boy, Paul Medawar sat at his father’s side for hours, watching him work and learning the art of fine watchmaking along with many of life’s most enduring lessons. By age seventeen, he was a proficient watchmaker. His journey took him to New York and Switzerland, where he trained under Rolex. In 1989, he opened his first store in Grand Rapids, and in 2003, he opened the standalone showroom he had always envisioned: Paul Medawar Fine Jewelry.
Becoming an Official Rolex Jeweler
In 2006, after decades of working hands on with Rolex timepieces as a watchmaker, the Medawar family began their partnership with Rolex as an Official Rolex Jeweler. For Paul, the journey came full circle: the brand he had admired and trained under since boyhood was now entrusted to his own showroom in Grand Rapids.
Four generations at the bench
The story does not end with Paul. His sons, Daniel and David, began as he did—at their father’s side, hour by hour. Additionally, a fourth generation of Medawars is now stepping into the business to help carry on the legacy. It is with deep gratitude that our family serves as an Official Rolex Jeweler, presenting timepieces whose pursuit of perfection has always mirrored our own.
The Paul and Sons legacy continues today
The story does not end with Paul. His sons, Daniel and David, represent the next generation of the Medawar legacy — and their apprenticeship began just as their father’s did. As young boys, they went to work alongside Paul, learning the craft at his side, hour by hour, exactly as Paul had once learned at the side of Chakib.
Today, Paul, Daniel, and David carry three generations of watchmaking knowledge and experience into everything they do. And the story continues still: a fourth generation of Medawars is now stepping into the family business, learning the same craft, the same values, and the same devotion to excellence that began with Chakib more than a century ago.
It is with deep gratitude and pride that our family serves as an Official Rolex Jeweler — honored to present timepieces whose pursuit of perfection has always mirrored our own.
