WatchesMar 28, 2024
Peek Inside Jaeger-LeCoultre’s Revamped NYC FlagshipIndependentsApr 01, 2024
The 1916 Company Names New CEO
The retailer also has plans to open new locations.
John Shmerler is the new CEO of the 1916 Company, which formed late last year by combining watch platform WatchBox and independent jewelers Govberg Jewelers, Hyde Park Jewelers, and Radcliffe Jewelers.
Philadelphia—The 1916 Company has made changes to its leadership team.
The company was formed in late 2023 by combining watch platform WatchBox and independent jewelers Govberg Jewelers (the parent company of WatchBox), Hyde Park Jewelers, and Radcliffe Jewelers.
Justin Reis, the former global CEO of the 1916 Company and co-founder of WatchBox, will take on the role of chairman.
John Shmerler, who co-led the company’s authorized retail network alongside Damon Gross of Radcliffe Jewelers, is the new CEO. Gross will serve as president.
Danny Govberg, the third-generation owner of Govberg Jewelers who had acquired Hyde Park Jewelers and Radcliffe Jewelers prior to the merger, will “continue in a day-to-day role working on the vision and strategy,” said the company, after formerly serving as executive chairman.
With more than 30 years of experience in the watch and jewelry industry, Shmerler brings “a thoughtful style of leadership and an ever-evolving definition of what it means to be a customer-centric business,” said the company.
Shmerler shared his excitement, stating, “I am excited to engage in this new role, and to bring my industry knowledge to The 1916 Company. We are poised to grow, and more importantly, elevate and deepen our relationships with new and existing clients.”
The 1916 Company was formed by combining several prominent watch retailers with the goal of becoming a leading global platform and community for watch collectors.
Reis congratulated Shmerler on his CEO appointment and remarked on the company’s overall progress.
“Since we founded the company, it has grown from strength to strength, with over 500 employees and 20 locations worldwide. I am so proud of our team [for] delivering on a dynamic vision, with remarkable accomplishments along the way,” said Reis.
“John has an incredible passion for the industry and carries deep relationships with the leading watch and jewelry brands,” he said.
Related stories will be right here …
The company was formed in late 2023 by combining watch platform WatchBox and independent jewelers Govberg Jewelers (the parent company of WatchBox), Hyde Park Jewelers, and Radcliffe Jewelers.
Justin Reis, the former global CEO of the 1916 Company and co-founder of WatchBox, will take on the role of chairman.
John Shmerler, who co-led the company’s authorized retail network alongside Damon Gross of Radcliffe Jewelers, is the new CEO. Gross will serve as president.
Danny Govberg, the third-generation owner of Govberg Jewelers who had acquired Hyde Park Jewelers and Radcliffe Jewelers prior to the merger, will “continue in a day-to-day role working on the vision and strategy,” said the company, after formerly serving as executive chairman.
With more than 30 years of experience in the watch and jewelry industry, Shmerler brings “a thoughtful style of leadership and an ever-evolving definition of what it means to be a customer-centric business,” said the company.
Shmerler shared his excitement, stating, “I am excited to engage in this new role, and to bring my industry knowledge to The 1916 Company. We are poised to grow, and more importantly, elevate and deepen our relationships with new and existing clients.”
The 1916 Company was formed by combining several prominent watch retailers with the goal of becoming a leading global platform and community for watch collectors.
Reis congratulated Shmerler on his CEO appointment and remarked on the company’s overall progress.
“Since we founded the company, it has grown from strength to strength, with over 500 employees and 20 locations worldwide. I am so proud of our team [for] delivering on a dynamic vision, with remarkable accomplishments along the way,” said Reis.
“John has an incredible passion for the industry and carries deep relationships with the leading watch and jewelry brands,” he said.
The leadership changes come at an opportune time, said Reis, noting the company has plans to invest in its community-focused strategy, build its customer relationships, and unite the worlds of new and pre-owned watches and jewelry.
As several companies have merged together, the rebrand will take place via a phased rollout, with all companies eventually being renamed The 1916 Company.
The company will launch a unified website in the second quarter of this year.
“We’re excited to unveil The 1916 Company’s new online destination, delivering access to our full authorized brand portfolio, complemented by an unparalleled pre-owned inventory. The platform will serve as a destination for collectors to collect, sell, and learn about watches,” said Shmerler.
The company is also growing its U.S. store network, which includes multi-brand salons and mono-brand boutiques, starting with a new store in Baltimore. A new location in Philadelphia is planned to open later this year while a new multi-brand boutique is slated to open in Manhattan Beach, California in 2025.
More on Independents
The Latest
CollectionsMay 09, 2025
Pieces of the Week: Marie Lichtenberg’s Collaborations for Mother’s DayLichtenberg partnered with luxury platform Mytheresa on two designs honoring the connection between mothers and daughters.
SourcingMay 09, 2025
Gemfields Resumes Emerald Mining in ZambiaThe miner announced plans to recommence open-pit mining at Kagem.
CrimeMay 08, 2025
Former NYC Jewelry Store Employee Arrested in 2017 Choking Death of Boss Michel Desalles allegedly murdered Omid Gholian inside World of Gold N Diamond using zip ties and then fled the country.
Brought to you by
Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch Show: Showcasing the Most Collectible Merchandise from Across the GlobeGain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.
EditorsMay 08, 2025
5 ‘Superfine’ Met Gala Jewelry MomentsAssociate Editor Lauren McLemore shares her favorite looks from a night of style inspired by Black dandyism.
Weekly QuizMay 08, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Supplier BulletinMay 08, 2025
Instappraise Introduces Game-Changing Trifold Appraisal FormatSponsored by Instappraise
FinancialsMay 08, 2025
Brilliant Earth Notes an Uptick in Engagement Ring Sales in Q1CEO Beth Gerstein discussed the company’s bridal bestsellers, the potential impact of tariffs, and the rising price of gold.
Brought to you by
Watch: The Winston Red: GIA Examines the Smithsonian’s Newest AdditionSupplier Spotlight Sponsored by GIA
IndependentsMay 08, 2025
Verragio Announces New Regional Sales ManagerCathy Marsh will lead the jewelry company’s efforts in the upper Midwest and western United States.
FinancialsMay 07, 2025
Pandora Posts Strong Q1, Plans for TariffsThe company has multiple strategies for dealing with tariffs, though its CEO said moving manufacturing to the U.S. is not one of them.
ColumnistsMay 07, 2025
The Smart Lab: Building a Seasonal Marketing Strategy for Mother’s Day and BeyondConnecting with your customers throughout the year is key to a successful holiday marketing push.
SourcingMay 07, 2025
Gemfields Says Emerald Sales Improved in Latest AuctionIts commercial-quality emerald sale held last month totaled more than $16 million, up from about $11 million in September 2024.
TechnologyMay 07, 2025
Punchmark’s Latest Podcast Features a Very Special Guest National Jeweler Editor-in-Chief Michelle Graff joined Michael Burpoe to talk tariffs, consumer confidence, and the sky-high price of gold.
AuctionsMay 06, 2025
Harwell Godfrey Reimagines 10-Carat Blue Diamond for Met Gala-Ready BroochDesigner Lauren Harwell Godfrey made the piece as an homage to the 2025 gala’s theme, “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style.”
Events & AwardsMay 06, 2025
Here’s Who Made Jewelers of America’s New ‘20 Under 40’ ListExpanded this year to include suppliers, JA’s 2025 list honors 40 up-and-coming professionals in the jewelry industry.
IndependentsMay 06, 2025
Sissy's Log Cabin Opens New StoreLocated in Fort Smith, it’s the Mid-South jeweler’s first store in Northwest Arkansas.
IndependentsMay 06, 2025
Gunderson’s Jewelers to Be Featured on ‘World’s Greatest’ TV SeriesThe episode about the family-owned jeweler will premiere May 17.
IndependentsMay 05, 2025
Zadok Jewelers Opens Store in AustinThe Houston-based jeweler’s new 11,000-square-foot showroom will include a Rolex boutique.
AuctionsMay 05, 2025
Nancy Astor’s Cartier Tiara Heads to AuctionThe turquoise and diamond tiara hasn’t been on the market since it was purchased by Lord Astor in 1930.
SourcingMay 05, 2025
Crater of Diamonds Yields 4-Carat Brown Diamond“The Duke Diamond” is the largest diamond registered at the Arkansas park so far this year.
TrendsMay 02, 2025
Ring Concierge, Kraft Partner on Mother’s Day Macaroni Necklace The childhood craft of making dried pasta necklaces for Mother’s Day is all grown up as the 14-karat gold “Forever Macaroni” necklace.
CollectionsMay 02, 2025
Piece of the Week: Angely Martinez’s Emerald Promise RingSet with May’s birthstone and featuring an earthworm, this ring is a perfect celebration of spring.
MajorsMay 02, 2025
Stuller’s New Bridal Catalog Is Here“Bridal 2025–2026” includes popular styles and a dedicated section for quick pricing references of lab-grown diamond bridal jewelry.
SourcingMay 01, 2025
Tariffs & Colored Gemstones: Relying on Stock, Considering the Ripple EffectThough currently paused, high tariffs threaten many countries where gemstones are mined. Dealers are taking measures now to prepare.
MajorsMay 01, 2025
Peek Inside David Yurman’s New Miami Flagship StoreLocated in Miami’s Design District, the 4,000-square-foot store is an homage to David and Sybil Yurman’s artistic roots.
TrendsMay 01, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: 20 Pieces of Emerald Jewelry for MayMay babies are lucky indeed, born in a month awash with fresh colors and celebrated with one of the most coveted colored gemstones.
MajorsMay 01, 2025
Jewelers of America Opens Applications for 2025 ScholarshipsThe deadline to apply for the Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship is June 12.
