David Wexler

David Wexler, a founder of Tourneau Corner, the preeminent luxury watch retailer, peacefully passed away at his home in Bal Harbour, FL on May 29, 2023, at the age of 94. He also maintained a residence in New York City.

David was born in New York City on November 13, 1928, to parents Morris and Eugenia Wexler. Eugenia and Morris, who was a watchmaker by trade, immigrated from Ukraine in 1923 with David’s two older brothers, Harry and Lou. From a young age, David had a passion for baseball and played for his team, The Red Birds. After attending Stuyvesant High School and New York University, David made the heartfelt decision to leave college during his sophomore year to assist his father and eldest brother, Harry, in managing the family jewelry business, M. Wexler & Sons, located on 34th Street at the corner of 7th Avenue in the heart of Manhattan.

In 1975, a transformative moment in his entrepreneurial journey arrived when David, together with his brother Harry and nephew Robert, acquired Tourneau, a modest jewelry store nestled on Madison Avenue. Their shared vision led to the birth of The Tourneau Time Machine, an iconic flagship establishment that graced the corner of Madison Ave and 57th Street in 1997. Boasting three floors of exquisite timepieces and a captivating watch museum, The Time Machine became a testament to the Wexler family's passion for horology.

A significant chapter unfolded in 2006 when the family made the difficult decision to sell a majority stake in the company to a private investor. At that juncture, Tourneau had blossomed into a prestigious enterprise comprising over 30 Tourneau and Tourneau Watch Gear stores across the United States, the Caribbean, and China.

David's personal life was a testament to love and devotion. He shared a blissful union of 52 years with his beloved wife, Phyllis (Michaels). In the face of Phyllis' challenging battle with chronic kidney disease, David selflessly dedicated countless hours to her care, rarely leaving her side. Together, they were blessed with two children and six cherished granddaughters. Outside of his professional endeavors, David found solace and joy in pursuits such as playing bridge, ardently supporting the New York Yankees, and indulging his lifelong passion for jazz. Louis Armstrong was his most esteemed musician.

David leaves behind a cherished legacy, survived by his adoring children, Drs. Eugene and Patricia Wexler, Fran and Brian Saltz; his granddaughters Melinda, Perri, Samantha, Jane, Bailey, and Katy; and two great-grandsons, Cooper and Harry, whose lives he enriched immeasurably. Additionally, he leaves behind his devoted wife and companion of 21 years, Sonya Fish Wexler, née Rubin, who brought light and love into his life during their shared journey.

Funeral to be held at gravesite in Mount Hebron Cemetery on Thursday June 1, 2023