The Team

Ally is JN Shapiro’s office manager. She handles customer communications and workshop visits, supply ordering, and behind the scenes things that keep the company running. It’s her first time working in the watchmaking industry but she is enjoying learning all about the process of manufacturing watches. She received a degree in Hospitality and Tourism Management with a minor in Business Administration from SF State University. When she is not at work she enjoys going on adventures with her family like hiking, camping, or having park picnics.

Artur Akmaev is a watchmaker and jewelry artist based in Los Angeles. Artur was introduced to jewelry as an art student at Carl Fabergé College of Arts and Crafts in Moscow. After graduation Artur received his first job at Moscow watch atelier, where he was learning fundamental aspects of watchmaking and was able to practice his engraving skills on watches.In 2023 Artur trained with renowned engraver Jeff Park of Arizona and in 2024 he participated in an anlage class with Philippe Narbell. At JN Shapiro watches Artur specializes in all hand engraving related tasks and high end finishing of parts.

Brian came to us from Canada. His education was completed at WOSTEP in Neuchâtel, Switzerland through their complete 2-year watchmaking program. JN Shapiro Watches is Brian’s first experience in the industry where his primary roles include fabrication, finishing, and assembling of watches at the workshop. His current hobbies include skateboarding and astrophotography.

Brian Furutani graduated from Cal State LA with a degree in Engineering technology and operations management.  He spent 23 years in the automotive industry designing special tools and managing production departments for an OEM and an automotive accessories manufacturer.  At JN Shapiro Watches, Brian works in the CNC department programming and setting up machines, and is also responsible for checking part quality using manual and automated measuring tools.  During his time off he enjoys photography, gem cutting, and hiking with his dog June.

Chris left with two things from Syracuse University: a Masters Degree in Mechanical Engineering and a love for mountain sports as a member of the university outdoors club. Chris says his time at Syracuse very much shaped his life. During his studies he took an interest in industrial design which led to a path of working in consumer packaged goods as a product development engineer throughout his career. At JNS, Chris works with our talented team of watchmakers to bring their ideas and concepts to life by understanding the great intricacies of what it takes to make a million of something. Making one beautiful watch is an extremely difficult endeavour and Chris is truly blown away by the raw talent on this team. But making 50, 60, 70+ watches is a whole other world and that’s where Chris steps in. When he is not in the mountains rock climbing, backpacking, hiking, snowboarding, or mountain biking, he usually is trying to look for a concert or comedy show to hit up in LA or is weaving through lanes of traffic on his bicycle.

Daniel Gonzalez offers a solid foundation in precision machining with over 7 years of experience working with both manual and CNC machine tools. He holds an Associate’s Degree in Machine Tool Technology from Midlands Technical College, where he gained a comprehensive understanding of the field. In his role as a Senior Machinist and Lead Programmer, Daniel is involved in managing projects and developing programming solutions aimed at improving manufacturing processes. His blend of technical knowledge and practical skills contributes to the smooth execution of machining tasks. In his spare time, Daniel enjoys collecting tropical plants and exploring different varieties, as well as playing ping pong, which allows him to unwind and stay active. Daniel’s blend of experience and interests supports his ongoing contributions to the machining industry and reflects his dedication to both his professional and personal pursuits.

Ryan was born and raised on the East Coast in a crafty family, fostering a passion for making things from an early age. After graduating from the Lititz Watch Technicum, he moved to Los Angeles, initially working in a service role, but after a while, he felt the need for more challenging and creative work. Ryan then joined J.N. Shapiro as a watchmaker, specializing in case finishing and working with materials like tantalum.

Spencer, born and raised in Hilliard, Ohio received his watchmaking education from the Lititz Watch Technicum in Pennsylvania. Though the school predominantly teaches watch service and after sales care, Spencer took a liking to the manufacturing and finishing processes of watch components – skills that would be greatly needed once he joined the team right out of the two year program of LWT. Although, in school Spencer took on extra work on the weekends and learned valuable lessons in Rolex servicing by working for Drew Zimmerman of Zimmerman Watch Repair in York, PA. Following His passions from watchmaking school, Spencer continues to do what he loves at JNS watches by making and decorating watch components for the Resurgence series- all by hand. Spencer’s hobbies include volunteering with teens at Vintage church in Santa Monica, hanging out with friends at the beach, and listening to some of his favorite artists such as John Mayer, Billy Strings and Anderson Paak.

Will received his Bachelor’s degree in Nanoengineering from UCSD and is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Materials Science and Engineering at UCLA. With 1.5 years of experience in the medical device industry and two years in scientific research, working at J. N. Shapiro Watches marks Will’s first foray into the world of watchmaking. As an engineer at J. N. Shapiro Watches, Will focuses on 3D design and process development, aiming to enhance the robustness of the Resurgence line and manufacturing processes. Outside work, Will enjoys playing billiards and guitar.