WatchesOct 05, 2023
Why Retailers Should (and Shouldn’t) Be Concerned About Rolex’s Bucherer AcquisitionMajorsNov 02, 2023
WatchBox Merges with Independent Jewelers Under New Brand
The 1916 Company is a combination of Hyde Park Jewelers, Govberg Jewelers, Radcliffe Jewelers, and WatchBox.
Watch retailer WatchBox has merged with Govberg Jewelers, Hyde Park Jewelers, and Radcliffe Jewelers to create The 1916 Company.
Philadelphia—There’s a new watch and jewelry brand in town, created by combining a few familiar industry names.
Watch platform WatchBox and independent jewelers Govberg Jewelers (the parent company of WatchBox), Hyde Park Jewelers, and Radcliffe Jewelers have merged to form The 1916 Company.
Prior to the merger announcement, WatchBox founders Justin Reis, Tay Liam Wee, and Danny Govberg, third-generation owner of Govberg Jewelers, had acquired Hyde Park Jewelers and Radcliffe Jewelers.
By combining several prominent watch retailers, the new company aims to be a leading global platform and community for watch collectors.
It takes its name from the year Albert Govberg founded Govberg Jewelers, 1916.
Danny, Albert’s grandson, described the new company as a “107-year-old start-up.”
“The principles of our business are rooted in enduring relationships, while our commitment to innovation and transformative change drives us to anticipate the ever-evolving needs of discerning watch collectors today and tomorrow."
The rebrand will take place via a phased rollout, with all companies eventually being renamed The 1916 Company, a spokesperson confirmed.
WatchBox co-founder Reis will serve as global CEO, while John Shmerler of Hyde Park Jewelers and Damon Gross of Radcliffe Jewelers will lead the company’s authorized retail network. Govberg will serve as executive chairman.
The merger brings together “the strengths and legacies of the largest pre-owned platform with three independent jewelers. Hospitality, warmth, generations of experience, and long-standing partnerships with the most respected luxury watch brands, including Rolex and Patek Philippe, set the tone for this next chapter,” said the company.
The 1916 Company is also part of the official network authorized to sell Rolex-certified pre-owned watches.
Govberg Jewelers, Radcliffe Jewelers, and Hyde Park Jewelers were all authorized Rolex dealers prior to the merger.
While the rebranding is underway, these pre-owned Rolex watches will be available online via Govberg and Radcliffe’s websites and within official Rolex jeweler locations. Pre-owned Rolex watches will no longer be available on the WatchBox website.
The newly formed company has 13 locations, including eight multi-brand salons and five mono-brand boutiques in Philadelphia and Ardmore, Pennsylvania; Baltimore and Towson, Maryland; Newark, Delaware; Denver, Colorado; Newport Beach, California; and Scottsdale, Arizona.
It also operates lounges in New York, Los Angeles, Miami, and Boca Raton, Florida, as well as in Switzerland, Hong Kong, Singapore, Shanghai, and Dubai.
"We want collectors and enthusiasts to enjoy visiting us around the world [and] to feel part of our extended family and ‘Collector's Circle’ as they discover The 1916 Company's uniquely personalized approach to collecting and our extraordinary watch and jewelry collections," said Shmerler.
Related stories will be right here …
Watch platform WatchBox and independent jewelers Govberg Jewelers (the parent company of WatchBox), Hyde Park Jewelers, and Radcliffe Jewelers have merged to form The 1916 Company.
Prior to the merger announcement, WatchBox founders Justin Reis, Tay Liam Wee, and Danny Govberg, third-generation owner of Govberg Jewelers, had acquired Hyde Park Jewelers and Radcliffe Jewelers.
By combining several prominent watch retailers, the new company aims to be a leading global platform and community for watch collectors.
It takes its name from the year Albert Govberg founded Govberg Jewelers, 1916.
Danny, Albert’s grandson, described the new company as a “107-year-old start-up.”
“The principles of our business are rooted in enduring relationships, while our commitment to innovation and transformative change drives us to anticipate the ever-evolving needs of discerning watch collectors today and tomorrow."
The rebrand will take place via a phased rollout, with all companies eventually being renamed The 1916 Company, a spokesperson confirmed.
WatchBox co-founder Reis will serve as global CEO, while John Shmerler of Hyde Park Jewelers and Damon Gross of Radcliffe Jewelers will lead the company’s authorized retail network. Govberg will serve as executive chairman.
The merger brings together “the strengths and legacies of the largest pre-owned platform with three independent jewelers. Hospitality, warmth, generations of experience, and long-standing partnerships with the most respected luxury watch brands, including Rolex and Patek Philippe, set the tone for this next chapter,” said the company.
The 1916 Company is also part of the official network authorized to sell Rolex-certified pre-owned watches.
Govberg Jewelers, Radcliffe Jewelers, and Hyde Park Jewelers were all authorized Rolex dealers prior to the merger.
While the rebranding is underway, these pre-owned Rolex watches will be available online via Govberg and Radcliffe’s websites and within official Rolex jeweler locations. Pre-owned Rolex watches will no longer be available on the WatchBox website.
The newly formed company has 13 locations, including eight multi-brand salons and five mono-brand boutiques in Philadelphia and Ardmore, Pennsylvania; Baltimore and Towson, Maryland; Newark, Delaware; Denver, Colorado; Newport Beach, California; and Scottsdale, Arizona.
It also operates lounges in New York, Los Angeles, Miami, and Boca Raton, Florida, as well as in Switzerland, Hong Kong, Singapore, Shanghai, and Dubai.
"We want collectors and enthusiasts to enjoy visiting us around the world [and] to feel part of our extended family and ‘Collector's Circle’ as they discover The 1916 Company's uniquely personalized approach to collecting and our extraordinary watch and jewelry collections," said Shmerler.
Its collection of watches, both in-store and online, are valued at $200 million, said the company, with a focus on “ultra-rare, collectible timepieces” and “artisanal, independent” watches.
WatchBox was founded by Govberg, Reis, and Wee to elevate the experience of collecting, selling, and trading watches while connecting watch enthusiasts.
This new company will continue that work, said Reis, by offering collectors a place for new and pre-owned watches and fine jewelry, as well as a network of lounges and boutiques and a media platform.
“Watches have the power to bring people together,” said Reis.
“Over the years, we’ve observed our collectors’ desire not only for digital connectivity, but the rich experiences of physical interaction – they value the bonds formed with our dedicated client advisors and the friendships they’ve made across our community.”
The new company is “a natural progression for us,” he said, informed by its clients.
“With The 1916 Company, we’re reinforcing the sense of community, rooted in our existing relationships, while eagerly embracing the opportunity to forge new ones. Our vision starts and ends with our customer.”
New and existing clients of WatchBox, Govberg, Radcliffe, and Hyde Park Jewelers will be introduced to The 1916 Company over the next six months, the company said.
More on Majors
The Latest
ColumnistsJul 28, 2026
Peter Smith: Why Your Job Postings May Be Working Against You Smith reveals the method The Retail Smiths use to help retailers and vendors write better job postings.
FinancialsJul 28, 2026
Tiffany & Co., Bulgari Lead the Way for LVMH in H1LVMH’s jewelry and watch brands outperformed the company’s other divisions in an environment the company described as “disrupted.”
CollectionsJul 28, 2026
Lionheart’s New Collection Unites Spiritual Iconography“Sacred Heart” features symbols like crosses, angel wings, the Star of David, and the evil eye as a representation of coexistence.
Brought to you by
Why More Jewelry Retailers Are Hosting Turnkey Estate Buying EventsRetailers are seeking new ways to attract customers, increase traffic, and create revenue – Estate buying events are a popular solution.
Events & AwardsJul 28, 2026
The Edge Funding 2 Scholarships Via 24 Karat Club SEUS The scholarships will go to early-career professionals looking to study gemology, bench work and jewelry design, or store operations.
Weekly QuizJul 23, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
SurveysJul 27, 2026
Jewelry Leads Luxury Market Amid Stabilization, Bain SaysBain & Company delved into the trends shaping the luxury market, the impact of AI, and more in its recent study.
SourcingJul 27, 2026
‘Rubies’ Goes on Display at Harvard MuseumThe exhibition reveals the gemology, geology, and cultural history of the iconic red gemstone.
Brought to you by
Wedding Band Trends 2026: Personalization Takes Center StageColored gemstones, artisan finishes, mixed metals, and meaningful details are shaping demand in bridal jewelry.
Policies & IssuesJul 24, 2026
New Trump Tariffs: What They Mean for Jewelry The new sweeping slate of tariffs impacts 60 countries, including India, China, Thailand, Hong Kong, and the United Arab Emirates.
TrendsJul 24, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: Ode to ‘The Odyssey’From coin pendants to diamond shields, these old world-inspired jewels are the perfect accessory for an epic journey.
TrendsJul 24, 2026
Courtney Leidy’s Silk Cord Pendants Center Unexpected Pairings Our Piece of the Week pairs a checkerboard-cut amethyst with an ivy green silk cord.
PodcastsJul 23, 2026
Episode 7: Reinhold Jewelers on the Power of RelationshipsMildred Marcano Abrams and Yael Reinhold join the podcast to talk community connections, holiday plans, and preserving Reinhold’s legacy.
SourcingJul 23, 2026
De Beers’ Production Jumps 88 Percent in Q2 Production also was up in the first half of 2026 but is expected to “substantially” decrease in H2 as two key mines undergo maintenance.
CollectionsJul 23, 2026
Silvia Furmanovich’s New Collection Travels Back to the 1920s“Art Deco” fuses ancestral techniques, rare materials, and modern perspectives as a tribute to the optimism and curiosity of the movement.
IndependentsJul 23, 2026
Sissy's Log Cabin Opens Casino StoreThe jeweler’s newest store is inside Arkansas’ Saracen Casino Resort.
WatchesJul 23, 2026
Movado Inks Licensing Deal With Kate Spade New YorkThe watch company will design, manufacture, and distribute Kate Spade New York watches.
Policies & IssuesJul 22, 2026
Trump to Put 50% Tariff on Canadian Goods The higher tax is set to go into effect in August and will apply to loose polished diamonds as well as precious and base metals jewelry.
CollectionsJul 22, 2026
Monica Rich Kosann’s High Jewelry Is FruitfulThe “Enchanted Garden” series features a cherry, lemon, and pear that each hold a little secret inside.
IndependentsJul 22, 2026
Liljenquist Beckstead Opens Rolex New BoutiqueIt’s located in Tysons Galleria, an upscale shopping center in the Washington, D.C., metro area.
Events & AwardsJul 22, 2026
NY Now Returns in August Under New OwnershipThe show, recently acquired by Rockview Management Group, will be held at New York City’s Javits Center from Aug. 2-4.
ColumnistsJul 21, 2026
Sherry Smith: Shattering the Illusion of the ‘Either/Or’ Diamond MarketSmith offers retailers guidance on creating an environment where natural and lab-grown diamonds can both thrive.
Events & AwardsJul 21, 2026
Apollo Funds Completes Emerald AcquisitionFormer Emerald President and CEO Hervé Sedky has transitioned to the role of senior advisor.
CollectionsJul 21, 2026
Graff’s New Butterfly High Jewelry Brooches MetamorphosizeThe 12-piece capsule collection transforms from brooches to pendants.
SourcingJul 21, 2026
Anglo Reportedly Selects Gareth Penny’s Consortium as Top Bidder for De BeersA Botswana government official told lawmakers Anglo has selected The Global Diamond Consortium, an entity chaired by Penny, to buy De Beers.
Policies & IssuesJul 20, 2026
Tariffs on Brazil to Increase But Rough Gemstones ExemptThe new tariff, imposed after a Trump administration study, is 25 percent and will stack on top of existing tariffs.
CollectionsJul 20, 2026
Vhernier Transforms ‘Freccia’ Collection Into High JewelryThe collection from 2014 has been reinterpreted into high jewelry with its signature triangular-shaped elements.
Events & AwardsJul 20, 2026
TJS Accepting Speaker Proposals for 2027 EventOrganizers are looking for presentations on topics like manufacturing, technology and research, bench work, gemstones, and sustainability.
