Frequently Asked Questions

  • The 1916 Company is the leading global destination for collectors of luxury watches and jewelry. With more than 20 global locations, we are authorized dealers of the finest luxury watch and jewelry brands, including Rolex and Patek Philippe. The 1916 Company gives collectors access to the world’s best selection of collectible pre-owned watches — including Rolex-Certified Pre-Owned, Patek Philippe, F.P. Journe, Audemars Piguet, De Bethune, as well as other leading Independent Brands.  The 1916 Company Family also includes artisan independent brands De Bethune and Reuge.    

    The 1916 Company offers collectors more than a traditional retail transaction. Expert Client Advisors; resources to understand the value of their collection; the ability to trade and sell pieces; educational content and tools; events and experiences, including factory trips to Switzerland; and a dynamic inventory are all key ingredients that help set The 1916 Company apart. 

    Our philosophy for The 1916 Company is simple: we want to share our passion for collecting with enthusiasts and collectors around the world while delivering these services, as well as the very best in authorized primary luxury watches and collectible pre-owned inventory. 

  • The 1916 Company was created to meet the complete needs of the collector. From new to pre-owned, watch education to community and experiences, we are the complete home for the collector — globally. We also offer jewelry, from the basics to bridal and the finest brands.

    WatchBox is only one piece of the puzzle that makes up The 1916 Company, along with Govberg Jewelers and Radcliffe Jewelers. With the completion of the transition to The 1916 Company in mid-2024, the WatchBox and Govberg Jewelers brands will be retired and replaced by The 1916 Company.

  • The early 1900s was a fertile time for luxury, with brands such as Balenciaga, Chanel, and Prada all founded in the years around 1916. 1916 was also the year in which The New York Times declared with certainty that the wristwatch was more than a fad and was, in fact, here to stay.

    The 1916 Company honors this legacy and, perhaps more importantly, pays tribute to Albert Govberg, Danny’s grandfather, who founded Govberg Jewelers in Philadelphia in 1916. By renaming our company to celebrate this pivotal year, we honor our past while building a new future for collectors.

  • While the WatchBox name will be phased out in the coming months, you will still be able to find our world-class experts and industry-leading selection of pre-owned luxury watches, along with an impressive selection of new goods product, at The 1916 Company.

    We are very proud of what we built with the WatchBox brand around the world. WatchBox has emerged as an industry leader, earning recognition as an innovator and driver in establishing the secondary market for luxury timepieces and independent brands. Over the next year, as The 1916 Company shifts its focus to a more collector, client-centric model, the WatchBox brand will be retired while The 1916 Company rolls out its new website, app, and network of lounges around the world.

    We believe the future for Pre-Owned Rolex is certified, and with Rolex's support, Official Rolex Jewelers will be the best place to find Pre-Owned Rolex. Our objective is to be the leading Certified Pre-Owned Rolex retailer, delivering the highest standard in quality, integrity, and service. Effective immediately, WatchBox will stop all sales of pre-owned Rolex product and instead direct its customers to Govberg Jewelers and its inventory of Certified Pre-Owned Rolex. Upon completion of the brand transition next year, Rolex Certified Pre-Owned will be available on The 1916 Company website.

  • You will still be able to find all the industry-leading content you know and love through The 1916 Company, including video and editorial content from Tim Mosso and Jack Forster.

  • We know the relationship you have with your Client Advisor is unique and important. If anything, this change will allow that relationship to grow further, while also providing the opportunity to interact with the broader community of The 1916 Company.

    Through The 1916 Company, you will still be able to find the same amazing service you have come to know and expect — now with additional locations around the world and better access to pre-owned watches and jewelry.

  • All domestic WatchBox lounges are being rebranded as The 1916 Company as of November 1, 2023. International WatchBox lounges will be rebranded in the first quarter of 2024.

  • We have set a careful transition plan to enable clients, employees, and the industry to prepare for the change. US WatchBox locations will change names in the 4th quarter of 2023; Govberg locations and international WatchBox locations will change names in the first quarter of 2024; and the social media, website, and app will complete the transition in the second quarter of 2024.

  • Radcliffe Jewelers locations that have been serving the Maryland and Delaware communities for four decades will continue to operate as Radcliffe Jewelers, a part of The 1916 Company and will be fully re-branded at a later date. Hyde Park Jewelers stores in Colorado, Arizona, and California will also be rebranded at a later date. As Official Rolex Jewelers, they will now be expanding their offering to include Rolex Certified Pre-Owned inventory. Radcliffe and Hyde Park Jewelers clients will have increased access to the broader product, service, and community of The 1916 Company

    Govberg Jewelers locations in Philadelphia will all see their names change to The 1916 Company in early 2024. Govberg locations will continue to offer a wide selection of world-class primary brands and jewelry. As a Rolex Official Jeweler, we will now also offer Rolex Certified Pre-Owned Inventory through our website and in our Walnut Street location in Philadelphia.