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.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Independents
The Latest
AuctionsMay 14, 2026
White Diamonds Lead Sotheby’s Auction, Blue Diamond Does Not SellA matching pair of 18.38-carat, D-color diamonds from Botswana’s Jwaneng mine sold for $3.3 million, the top lot of the jewelry auction.
Supplier BulletinMay 14, 2026
A Diamond Is Forever Continues Desert Diamonds – Bridal ReinvigoratedSponsored by A Diamond Is Forever
SourcingMay 14, 2026
State of Colored Stones: The Spirit of Young American Gemstone CuttersThe next generation of lapidarists are entrepreneurial, engaged online, and see the craft as a means for artistic expression.
Brought to you by
How Modern Training Is Becoming a Competitive Advantage for Jewelry RetailersWith the trade and customer trust in mind, GIA® developed NextGem™ – on-demand training designed specifically for retail.
AuctionsMay 14, 2026
‘Ocean Dream’ Makes Waves at Christie’s, Fetching $17MIt was the second auction appearance for the fancy vivid blue-green diamond, which sold for $7.8 million at Christie’s Geneva 12 years ago.
Weekly QuizMay 07, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
CrimeMay 14, 2026
Second Man Arrested in Florida Pawn Shop Shooting Members of the U.S. Marshals Task Force took a 22-year-old man into custody. He was charged with tampering with evidence.
CrimeMay 13, 2026
JSA’s 2025 Crime Report Shows ‘Concerning’ Rise in ViolenceWhile the overall number of crimes was down, there were more incidences in which robbers pulled out guns, mace, or rammed cars into stores.
Brought to you by
Discover Timeless Treasures: A Showcase of Antique Jewelry & Timepieces in Las VegasGain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.
SourcingMay 13, 2026
Smithsonian Acquires ‘Winston Red’ Diamond PaintingReena Ahluwalia’s painting of the rare red diamond is the first contemporary painting to join the National Gem Collection.
TrendsMay 13, 2026
State of Design: Only the Innovative Will SurviveThe price of gold has risen, affecting the number of pieces designers make, the materials they use, and how they position themselves.
ColumnistsMay 12, 2026
It’s Official: We’re Getting ‘Brain Rot’ From Watching Short-Form Videos Peter Smith gives tips on leading meetings, developing marketing, and making trade show appointments in the age of short attention spans.
CollectionsMay 12, 2026
Jessica McCormack Debuts Antique Coin-Inspired Medallions for SummerThe 11-piece “Medallions” capsule collection features five motifs: a crying eye, a heart on fire, a spiral, a flower, and a swallow.
Events & AwardsMay 12, 2026
The Tiffany & Co. x CFDA Jewelry Designer Award Is BackThe partners have announced the second cycle of the program, which has expanded to include a $25,000 student scholarship.
IndependentsMay 11, 2026
Kansas Jeweler Closing After 70 YearsThe owners of Staats Jewelers are heading into retirement.
TrendsMay 11, 2026
Former Macy’s CEO Joins Signet Jewelers BoardJeffrey Gennette, who retired in 2024 after 41 years with Macy’s, is the newest member of the jewelry retailer’s board of directors.
TrendsMay 11, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: Lucky May May babies are lucky to have emeralds, a gemstone admired for centuries, as their birthstone, writes Amanda Gizzi.
TechnologyMay 11, 2026
Clientbook’s New Tool Helps Jewelers Plan In-Store EventsThe new module allows retailers to plan, promote, and measure the success of events from a single dashboard.
Lab-GrownMay 08, 2026
NDC Publicly Criticizes Pandora Over ‘Misleading’ Natural Diamond ClaimsNDC said in an open letter that Pandora’s statements about the carbon footprint of lab grown versus natural diamonds are inaccurate.
SourcingMay 08, 2026
Ronnie VanderLinden Takes Over as WDC President The diamantaire and industry leader succeeds Feriel Zerouki and said he will focus on being a “champion” for natural diamonds.
TrendsMay 08, 2026
Rihanna Chooses ‘Desert Diamonds’ for 2026 Met GalaShe wore our Piece of the Week, Glenn Spiro’s “Old Moghul Golconda” earrings, featuring fancy brown-yellow diamonds totaling 51.90 carats.
Events & AwardsMay 08, 2026
JA Announces 2026 CASE Award WinnersTwo pieces were named “Best in Show,” one from the retail category and one from the supplier category.
FinancialsMay 07, 2026
Brilliant Earth Appeals to Higher-Income Shoppers in Q1The jewelry retailer noted resilience among its higher-end customers while demand softened for its lower-priced offerings.
AuctionsMay 07, 2026
‘Spectacular’ Kashmir Sapphire Headlines Heritage Spring Jewelry SaleLed by the 6.59-carat sapphire, the sale garnered $9.7 million, a record total for a Heritage jewelry auction.
MajorsMay 07, 2026
Gannon & Scott Names New Regional Account ExecutiveIn his new role, sales specialist Billy Welshoff will focus on the eastern United States.
WatchesMay 07, 2026
Chrono24 Names New CEOJosé Gaztelu has been promoted to the role, which has been vacant since last year.
Events & AwardsMay 07, 2026
JA Accepting Applications for 2026 Scholarship ProgramIt has also opened the application period for the Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship through June 30.
SourcingMay 06, 2026
Canada’s Oldest Diamond Mine Faces Uncertain FutureThe owner of the Ekati mine, which opened in 1998, has filed for insolvency protection amid the significant decline in diamond prices.
