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In memoriam: Philipp Wolf (1936-2026)

March 2026


In memoriam: Philipp Wolf (1936-2026)

Philipp Wolf, a much-loved and colourful figure in the Wolf family boxmaking dynasty, has died peacefully at the age of 89.

B

orn in Malmö, Sweden, Philipp joined the family company Skandinaviska Etuifabriken in 1958 after completing national service. In 1960 he met Judith (Judie), proposed within days of knowing each other, and they married that same year.

This whirlwind romance brought him to the UK, where he founded Customline and built the British side of the business; opening the London offices at 35 Old Bond Street and building the largest factory of its kind in Wales in the late 1960s.

With his natural flair for product development and production techniques, plus his legendary charm and style, even when he could barely speak English, he won over retailers across the jewellery and watch industry both in UK and America before finally handing over the reins of WOLF to his son Simon Wolf in 1996.

In memoriam: Philipp Wolf (1936-2026)

A true legend who lived life to the full, Philipp learnt to fly his own plane, played guitar and piano, cycled every weekend and was always ready for a party. Nothing was ever too much of a problem and he was always quick to laugh.

He leaves behind his beloved wife Judie, son Simon, daughters Nina and Anna, and five grandchildren.

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