Chicago — Howard Frum, Legendary Rolex Dealer and Esteemed Community Leader, Remembered Following His Passing at 83

Chicago is paying tribute to Howard Frum, a legendary jeweler and world-renowned Rolex dealer who passed away at the age of 83, leaving behind a legacy that touched the luxury watch industry, his customers, and the community he proudly supported. For decades, Frum was a central figure in the watch and jewelry world, recognized for his expertise and his reputation as someone people trusted when it came to authentic and high-value timepieces.

Born and raised in Chicago, Frum built a career that grew beyond the city’s borders, attracting collectors and enthusiasts from around the country and even internationally. His expertise in Rolex watches made him a go-to figure for dealers, customers, and celebrities alike. Beyond his business success, those who knew him describe him as a warm, approachable individual who combined professionalism with a personal touch. His passing marks the end of an era for both Chicago’s jewelry community and the broader world of luxury timepieces.

Frum’s shop became a Chicago landmark for serious collectors. Over the years, it was not uncommon to find buyers traveling long distances just to seek his opinion or purchase rare pieces through his trusted network. While many jewelers focused strictly on sales, Frum developed long-lasting relationships with his customers. People came not just for watches but for his honesty, charm, and reputation for fairness, which he considered the cornerstone of his business.

Colleagues in the jewelry world praised his influence, noting that he played a significant role in shaping how Rolex dealers conducted business over the last several decades. His ability to adapt to market changes while maintaining his integrity kept him relevant in a highly competitive industry. Many jewelers entering the field looked to him as a mentor and inspiration, seeing his success as proof that integrity and expertise could go hand in hand.

Friends and family say Howard Frum was much more than a businessman. He was a devoted father, grandfather, and friend, who valued relationships above all else. His family described him as someone who worked tirelessly to provide but also took time to instill values of respect, kindness, and hard work in the next generation. These qualities helped make him admired not only in business but in his personal life.

The news of his passing has drawn heartfelt responses from across the country. Collectors, celebrities, and fellow jewelers have taken to social media to share stories of his generosity, his unique sense of humor, and his unmatched knowledge of Rolex watches. Many have referred to him as a “legend” in his field, but equally as someone who never let success distance him from those around him.

Within Chicago, his absence will be deeply felt, especially in the local business community where he was known for supporting other entrepreneurs and encouraging growth. He took pride in being part of the city’s economic fabric, while also contributing to charitable causes that helped improve lives in his community.

His funeral service is expected to draw a large turnout of family, friends, business colleagues, and longtime customers who wish to celebrate his life and the lasting impact he made. For those who cannot attend, many are honoring him by sharing personal stories and memories, a testament to just how far-reaching his influence was.

Chicago has lost not only a respected jeweler but also a figure who embodied professionalism, generosity, and community spirit. Howard Frum’s name will continue to be associated with integrity in the jewelry world, and his passing leaves a void that will not easily be filled. His legacy will live on through his family, his business, and the countless people he impacted throughout his remarkable life.