About Us

The story starts in Philadelphia in 1916, when Albert and Sam Govberg opened a jewelry store built on experience, care, and a standard that would outlast the name above the door. In the decades that followed, Hyde Park Jewelers opened its first store in Denver and expanded across the West, while Paul Winicki founded Radcliffe Jewelers in Maryland. Danny Govberg and John Shmerler would later invest in the business – John relocating to Baltimore to lead it – weaving connections across families and generations. Each business built its reputation on deep relationships with clients, families, and brand partners, rooted in an enduring commitment to service.

A pivotal shift came in the early 2010s, when Danny Govberg recognized a growing movement among collectors: they weren't just buying new watches, they were trading and selling pieces from their existing collections. This insight sparked investment in the pre-owned category and laid the groundwork for a new kind of business model. In 2017, WatchBox launched with a radical idea: that the secondary market could be reimagined, built on trust, quality standards, pricing transparency, and global connection. Backed by the strategy honed at Govberg and joined by Tay Liam Wee and Justin Reis, WatchBox brought together global perspective, digital fluency, and deep industry expertise – expanding across Europe, Asia, and beyond. It became about something more lasting: a shared love for collectible watches.

The 1916 Company is the result of decades of evolution. A story shaped by multiple generations, distinct perspectives, and the belief that tradition and innovation can move forward together. Today, we are a unified house operating across the primary and secondary markets – authorized retailer for the most revered names in watches and fine jewelry, global leader in pre-owned, and proud partner in the Rolex Certified Pre-Owned program. Twenty-five locations across the United States, Asia, and Switzerland. Under the leadership of CEO John Shmerler, we continue to evolve, blending the legacy of each founding business with a long-term view of what it means to serve our clients and communities around the world.