The 1916 Company Names New CEO
The retailer also has plans to open new locations.
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.
The Latest
Sales will be paused while the relocation takes place over the next few months.
“SIS x MISA Denim and Diamonds” is a collaboration between the designer and celebrity stylist Misa Hylton.
Gifts that are unique and thoughtful are top of mind this year, according to the annual survey.
Meet Ben Claus—grand prize winner of For the Love of Jewelers 2023 Fall Design Challenge.
The necklace is featured in the brand’s “Rebel Heart” campaign starring Adam Levine and Behati Prinsloo.
The two organizations will host a joint event, “Converge,” in September 2025.
Big changes appear to be on the horizon for the diamond miner and its parent company, Anglo American.
With Ho Brothers, you can unlock your brand's true potential and offer customers the personalized jewelry experiences they desire.
Padis succeeds Lisa Bridge, marking the first time the organization has had two women board presidents in a row.
Jesse Cole, founder of Fans First Entertainment, shared the “five Es” of building a fan base during his AGS Conclave keynote.
The Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar "John Mayer" was celebrated at a star-studded party in LA last week.
The announcement came as the company reported a 23 percent drop in production in Q1.
The three-time Pro Bowler continues to partner with the retailer, donating to a Detroit nonprofit and giving watches to fans.
A double-digit drop in the number of in-store crimes was offset by a jump in off-premises attacks, JSA’s 2023 crime report shows.
Inspired by the Roman goddess of love, the designer looked to the sea for her new collection.
The luxury titan posted declining sales, weighed down by Gucci’s poor performance.
The selected nine organizations have outlined their plans for the funds.
The mining company’s Diavik Diamond Mine lost four employees in a plane crash in January.
The crown introduced a dozen timepieces in Geneva, including a heavy metal version of its deep-sea divers’ watch.
Emmanuel Raheb recommends digging into demographic data, customizing your store’s communications, and retargeting ahead of May 12.
A 203-carat diamond from the alluvial mine in Angola achieved the highest price.
Ruser was known for his figural jewelry with freshwater pearls and for his celebrity clientele.
The “Rebel Heart” campaign embodies rebellion, romance, and sensuality, the brand said.
Editor-in-Chief Michelle Graff shares the standout moments from the education sessions she attended in Austin last week.
The overhaul includes a new logo and enhanced digital marketplace.
The money will go toward supporting ongoing research and aftercare programs for childhood cancer survivors.
A new addition to the “Heirloom” collection, this one-of-a-kind piece features 32 custom-cut gemstones.