MajorsJun 09, 2025
RDI Diamonds Partners With LavalierMajorsJul 28, 2025
The 1916 Company Partners with ‘Shark Tank’ Star’s Watch Insurance Platform
The retailer will refer its customers to WonderCare, founded by venture capitalist and watch collector Kevin O’Leary.
The 1916 Company has partnered with WonderCare, an insurance platform founded by “Shark Tank” star Kevin O’Leary, seen here with George Mayer, president of e-commerce, international, and pre-owned watches at The 1916 Company.
Philadelphia—The 1916 Company has a new watch insurance option to offer its customers.
The retailer has partnered with WonderCare, a watch insurance platform founded by venture capitalist, watch collector, and “Shark Tank” star known as “Mr. Wonderful,” Kevin O'Leary.
WonderCare, which launched in partnership with the retailer, is powered by Chubb Studio, the digital integration platform developed by insurance giant Chubb.
The partnership gives collectors and watch enthusiasts a streamlined option for insuring their timepieces.
The fully digital process lets customers receive quotes, activate coverage, add and remove timepieces to/from their policy, and update valuations.
This can be done either at the moment of purchase or later on. Coverage can include watches purchased from The 1916 Company and from other retailers.
"WonderCare offers a simple and effective way to safeguard your watch collection," said John Shmerler, CEO of The 1916 Company.
"As the luxury watch market continues to grow, the need for a tailored, easy-to-access insurance solution has never been more critical. We're excited to bring this valuable service to our clients, addressing the gap in the market, and ensuring that the process of protecting luxury timepieces is as smooth and seamless as possible."
Related stories will be right here …
The retailer has partnered with WonderCare, a watch insurance platform founded by venture capitalist, watch collector, and “Shark Tank” star known as “Mr. Wonderful,” Kevin O'Leary.
WonderCare, which launched in partnership with the retailer, is powered by Chubb Studio, the digital integration platform developed by insurance giant Chubb.
The partnership gives collectors and watch enthusiasts a streamlined option for insuring their timepieces.
The fully digital process lets customers receive quotes, activate coverage, add and remove timepieces to/from their policy, and update valuations.
This can be done either at the moment of purchase or later on. Coverage can include watches purchased from The 1916 Company and from other retailers.
"WonderCare offers a simple and effective way to safeguard your watch collection," said John Shmerler, CEO of The 1916 Company.
"As the luxury watch market continues to grow, the need for a tailored, easy-to-access insurance solution has never been more critical. We're excited to bring this valuable service to our clients, addressing the gap in the market, and ensuring that the process of protecting luxury timepieces is as smooth and seamless as possible."
O’Leary said he created the platform to address the challenge collectors faced in finding an insurance product suited to their needs.
"I founded WonderCare to ensure that timepieces are accurately appraised and covered for their replacement value, not a depreciated figure," said O'Leary.
He noted that many policies don’t cover an item's replacement value, which could exceed the retail price.
"WonderCare offers a nuanced solution to this issue, providing a tech-enabled process that meets the needs of collectors. Through our partnership with The 1916 Company and Chubb's digital protection platform, we aim to equip collectors with the best tools and services to help protect – and truly enjoy – their collections,” he said.
Shmerler added, "Kevin's profound love for watches and his understanding of the collector's mindset were key drivers for us to establish this partnership.”
O’Leary recently visited the retailer’s lounge in New York City and had a conversation about his watch collection with George Mayer, president of e-commerce, international, and pre-owned watches at The 1916 Company.
The two spoke about the “extraordinary pieces in his collection – from vintage to modern, priceless to attainable – including the most established houses and beloved independent brands, his signature red straps, and so much more,” said Shmerler.
The 1916 Company will refer its customers to the WonderCare platform while the insurance services will be directly managed by WonderCare and its licensed agents.
The 1916 Company formed in 2023, when watch retailer WatchBox merged with Govberg Jewelers, Hyde Park Jewelers, and Radcliffe Jewelers.
To learn more about The 1916 Company's WonderCare offering, visit the website.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Majors
The Latest
SourcingJul 15, 2026
1,305-Carat Diamond Recovered from Mine in BotswanaThe yet-to-be named stone is the 10th diamond weighing more than 1,000 carats to come out of Lucara’s Karowe mine.
IndependentsJul 15, 2026
New Jersey Jeweler Barry Berman Dies at 81The founder of Fords Jewelers, Berman is remembered for his love of connecting with his community.
FinancialsJul 15, 2026
Watches of Switzerland’s US Sales Jump 18%, Declines to Comment on Sale Report The watch and jewelry retailer had a strong fiscal year despite what its CEO described as a “complex operating backdrop.”
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.
Events & AwardsJul 15, 2026
Hamptons Jewelry Show to Return in JulyThe open-to-the-public luxury jewelry and timepiece show, in its second year, is slated for July 23-26.
Weekly QuizJul 09, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
CollectionsJul 15, 2026
Pomellato’s New High Jewelry Is LiberatingBold color, expressive gem-setting, and sculptural form define the three chapters that make up “Stile Libero.”
IndependentsJul 14, 2026
Foundrae Opens First Standalone Store Outside USThe New York-based jewelry brand has expanded overseas, opening a store in London’s Mayfair district.
Brought to you by
Building the Future of Jewelry Retail: DCA Expands Education, Leadership Development, and Workforce SolutionsDCA is preparing the next generation of professionals by supporting workforce development, leadership growth, and career advancement.
ColumnistsJul 14, 2026
Sherry Smith: What Today’s Jewelry Consumer Is Telling Us Rising revenue does not automatically mean a healthy business, particularly in the current economic landscape, Smith writes.
TrendsJul 14, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: Shoulder Dusters These long, fluid drop earrings are sure to catch the eye.
CrimeJul 14, 2026
Man Charged in $1M Jewelry Store Heist Lands on FBI Most Wanted ListAlberto Perez-Elias is one of four men charged with robbing a Cape Coral, Florida, jewelry store and is the only one still at large.
Events & AwardsJul 14, 2026
Conference on Mining, Sustainability Kicks Off in NYCInitiatives in Art and Culture is hosting its 16th annual Gold and Diamond Conference, with the theme of “Resilience.”
Lab-GrownJul 13, 2026
Stephanie Gottlieb Changes Her Mind on Lab-Grown DiamondsThe designer, who once said she’d never sell lab-grown diamonds, debuted two capsule collections designed to be fun and easy to wear.
SourcingJul 13, 2026
De Beers Announces Potential Layoffs, 2-Year Production Pause at VenetiaThe diamond miner and marketer is undergoing another round of cost-cutting measures ahead of its sale by Anglo American.
Events & AwardsJul 13, 2026
Registration Opens for JIS Fall 2026 ShowThe annual trade-only buying event is slated for Oct. 16-19 in Miami Beach, Florida.
Events & AwardsJul 13, 2026
AGTA Accepting Entries for Spectrum 2026AGTA also has announced the lineup of judges for the colored gemstone cutting and jewelry design contest’s various categories.
TechnologyJul 10, 2026
There’s a New Blind Box for Luxury Watches Collectibles platform Arena Club’s new Time Boxes could contain a Rolex or Patek Philippe watch.
TrendsJul 10, 2026
Jade Trau Creates a Constellation of DiamondsThe “Constellation Plié” collar, our Piece of the Week, features diamonds arranged in a constellation of shining stars.
SourcingJul 10, 2026
CFO of De Beers’ Consumer-Facing Division Leaves Company Shaun Wills joined the company in 2024 and was chief financial officer of the De Beers Brands and Consumer Markets division.
WatchesJul 10, 2026
Brilliant Earth Expands Into WatchesIn honor of its 20th anniversary, the jewelry brand has released a limited-edition collection of Swiss-made timepieces.
CollectionsJul 09, 2026
Boucheron’s New High Jewelry Collection Is an Ode to the Human Touch“Human Being” highlights the similarities and differences between us through five sets of jewelry that celebrate fine craftsmanship.
WatchesJul 09, 2026
Damiani Group Finalizes Acquisition of Baume & MercierRichemont will continue to provide operational services for the watch brand for a period while the group prepares to integrate it.
AuctionsJul 09, 2026
Pharrell Williams’ Joopiter Hires Former Bonhams Exec to Head New Watch DivisionNate Borgelt will lead the digital auction house and content platform’s new division as head of watches.
Events & AwardsJul 09, 2026
Halstead Names 2026 Grant WinnerEnoch Platero, founder and designer behind Enoch Michael, is the first Native American jeweler to win the award.
Events & AwardsJul 09, 2026
AGS, GIA Name 2026 Beatrice Shipley Scholarship WinnerAGS also announced the recipient of its “Women in Leadership” scholarship.
SurveysJul 08, 2026
Signet Jewelers Falls 5 Spots on NRF’s ‘Top 100’ Retailers ListPlus, why retailers should be ready to adjust as the U.S. population may decline this year for the first time since the Great Depression.
CrimeJul 08, 2026
Here’s What Thieves Stole From the Lalique Museum René Lalique’s “Woman Dragonfly With Open Wings” pendant, the first piece the museum acquired, was one of the jewels taken.
