Quality Gold Is Making Another Acquisition
It is buying Swiss Crown USA, a wholesaler that specializes in independently certified pre-owned Rolexes.
Founded by Daniel Marks and Scott Freberg, Swiss Crown USA has been distributing secondhand Rolex watches since 2013, a decade before Rolex announced it would begin certifying used watches and making them available via its official network of retailers.
The watches Swiss Crown USA distributes are not part of the Rolex Certified Pre-Owned program and are instead certified by an independent third-party company.
In the news release announcing the acquisition, Quality Gold noted: “Rolex and the model names mentioned are registered trademarks of Rolex Watch U.S.A. Inc.
“Quality Gold Inc. and Swiss Crown USA are not authorized dealers for, nor affiliated with, endorsed by Rolex Watch U.S.A. Inc. or any of its affiliates or subsidiaries.”
Quality Gold CEO Michael Langhammer said Swiss Crown USA is an “ideal acquisition” for the company because of its strong reputation and expertise in the market.
“The Swiss Crown team created a loyal retailer base, and we look forward to having the opportunity to leverage their industry expertise, product portfolio, and customer network as we continue to deliver value to our retail partners,” he said.
Quality Gold Chief Operating Officer Jason Langhammer added, “This acquisition accelerates our growth, particularly within the pre-owned Rolex watch segment. It is a smart and strong addition for us.
“We look forward to building upon their success and continuing to offer the Swiss Crown USA brand to retailers.”
The Swiss Crown USA business, which is based in Chicago, will relocate to its headquarters to the Cincinnati suburb of Fairfield. It will operate as a brand of Quality Gold.
Marks and Freberg will not remain with the company following the acquisition, but three key employees will, including Swiss Crown USA Brand Manager Jack Newton.
Freberg said they have “complete confidence” Quality Gold will uphold Swiss Crown USA’s reputation for service and quality.
“We’re incredibly grateful to the entire jewelry community that we’ve had the pleasure to work within,” he said.
“Over the years, we’ve developed relationships worldwide and learned so much from others with a passion for luxury watches and pre-owned Rolex timepieces.”
Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. Quality Gold’s acquisition of Swiss Crown USA is expected to close by the end of January.
The company said in early February it plans to release a 44-page catalog featuring more than 180 Swiss Crown brand independently certified pre-owned Rolex watches.
The pending purchase of Swiss Crown USA is the latest in a line of acquisitions by Quality Gold, which bought jewelry wholesaler Herco last January and IBGoodman Manufacturing Co. in June 2022, among others.
In October 2022, the company announced it would go public via a merger with a special purpose acquisition company called Tastemaker Acquisition Corp.
It later canceled its IPO, citing market conditions.
The Latest
Show your mother some love with a piece of fine jewelry.
The company’s Easton location will remain open.
Sponsored by the Las Vegas Antique Jewelry and Watch Show
Tradeshow risks are real. Get tips to protect yourself before, during and after and gain safety and security awareness for your business.
Tobak, author of “Ice Cold: A Hip-Hop Jewelry History,” shares how the exhibition came to be, and the pieces people may be surprised to see.
Stars adorned themselves in emeralds, platinum, and myriad bird motifs, writes Associate Editor Natalie Francisco.
M.S. Rau is set to open a seasonal gallery in the high-end resort town early next month.
Meet Ben Claus—grand prize winner of For the Love of Jewelers 2023 Fall Design Challenge.
The branded jewelry market is thriving, said Richemont Chairman Johann Rupert.
The six designers, all participants in the show’s Diversity Action Council mentorship program, will exhibit in Salon 634.
The highlight of his collection is the coveted Patek Philippe Grandmaster Chime, which could sell for up to $5 million.
The “Venetian Link” series modernizes the classic Veneziana box chain in its bracelets and necklaces.
The Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship will provide tuition assistance to two low-income students.
The Swiss watchmaker said the company’s plans to use a new version of the Hallmark crown on jewelry would confuse consumers.
The executive talked about the importance of self-purchasers and how fuel cell electric vehicles are going to fuel demand for platinum.
The Indian jeweler’s new store in Naperville, Illinois marks its 350th location, part of its ongoing global expansion plans.
It will award a graduating high school student with about $10,000 toward a GIA diploma and an internship with the Seattle-based jeweler.
Wheat Ridge, Colorado police took a 50-year-old man into custody Wednesday following a two-month search.
PGI partnered with four new and seven returning designers for its annual platinum capsule collection.
Nicolosi, president and CEO of The Kingswood Company, previously sat on WJA’s board from 2011 to 2018.
Karina Brez’s race-ready piece is a sophisticated nod to the horse-rider relationship.
The men are allegedly responsible for stealing millions in jewelry and other valuables in 43 burglaries in 25 towns across Massachusetts.
“Horizon” invites individuals to explore the limitless possibilities that lie ahead, said the brand.
The jeweler credits its recent “Be Love” campaign and ongoing brand revamp for its 17 percent jump in sales.
The co-founder of Lewis Jewelers was also the longtime mayor of the city of Moore.
Elvis Presley gifted this circa 1967 gold and diamond watch to Dodie Marshall, his co-star in “Easy Come, Easy Go.”