WatchBox, Govberg Jewelers, Hyde Park Jewelers, and Radcliffe have united to form The 1916 Company, a new luxury watch conglomerate named after the founding year of Govberg Jewelers. The venture, fully owned by industry veterans Danny Govberg, Justin Reis, and Tay Liam Wee, now controls Radcliffe Jewelers in Maryland and Delaware, as well as Hyde Park Jewelers in Arizona, California, and Colorado. In a significant move, the company has also been approved as an official dealer for Rolex Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) watches.
A Different Vision from Watches of Switzerland
When asked if The 1916 Company aims to emulate Watches of Switzerland—a U.K.-based retailer aggressively expanding in the U.S.—Justin Reis emphasized a distinct approach. The company’s mission revolves around a 360-degree collecting experience, blending education, media, community, and global engagement.
“We wanted this business to be about more than just retail,” Reis told Robb Report. “It’s about creating a global customer journey where collectors can connect at our locations worldwide—like mini Soho Houses for watch enthusiasts.”
A Global Network with a Curated Selection
The 1916 Company’s footprint spans luxury lounges in Switzerland, Hong Kong, Singapore, Dubai, and major U.S. cities, including New York, Miami, and Los Angeles. With its expanded portfolio, the group now operates eight multi-brand salons and five mono-brand boutiques across the U.S.
Additionally, the company owns De Bethune and boasts an extensive inventory of rare pre-owned timepieces, including sought-after F.P. Journe watches.
Phased Rebranding and CPO Ambitions
The transition to The 1916 Company will be gradual, with websites currently displaying both old and new branding. A full rebrand is expected by Q1 2025. Meanwhile, WatchBox’s $200M+ pre-owned inventory remains accessible online and in-store.
Reis highlighted the company’s commitment to Rolex’s CPO program, with plans to establish a dedicated Rolex service center. “Our goal is to be the global leader in CPO,” he said. “This is a long-term play, and we believe it will be a game-changer.”
Building a Collector Community
Beyond retail, The 1916 Company aims to strengthen its collector network and solidify its position as a national player in the U.S. luxury watch market.
“If we keep our clients close, the community we’ve built will thrive,” Reis said. “The big idea is to plant a flagpole and become the premier platform for watch enthusiasts in America.”
