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The 1916 Company begins nationwide rebrand with new Pennsylvania store

June 2025


The 1916 Company begins nationwide rebrand with new Pennsylvania store

This marks a milestone for the global retailer following the 2023 merger of Govberg Jewellers with WatchBox, Radcliffe, and Hyde Park. The new showroom in Ardmore, PA, is the first retail site to bear The 1916 Company name on the storefront, as the brand fully transitions across the US this year.

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he 1916 Company, the premier global destination for collectible watches and fine jewellery, announces the grand opening of its new showroom in Ardmore, Pennsylvania. This opening marks a significant milestone as the company’s first multi-brand location to feature the newly unified The 1916 Company name. Located just 300 feet from its previous home as Govberg Jewellers, the expansive showroom represents the company’s rich legacy and bright future.

Spanning over 7,500 square feet, The 1916 Company’s new location nearly doubles the size of its predecessor, offering a sophisticated yet welcoming environment for established collectors, new enthusiasts, and anyone seeking exceptional watches and jewellery. Designed by Eric Lewis of Baltimore’s E/Line Architecture, the space harmonises luxury with warmth, ensuring an immersive, community-focused experience for all who visit. With dedicated areas for personalised service and relaxed browsing, this space is not just a retail destination but a place for meaningful connections, where exquisite wares take centre stage.

“Our new showroom is a monumental milestone for The 1916 Company and a symbol of our enduring relationship with the Philadelphia community,” said Danny Govberg, Co-Founder of The 1916 Company. “We’ve created a space where people can connect over life’s significant moments, forging lasting memories, and acquiring pieces that can be cherished for generations. And we are honoured to expand our longstanding relationship with Rolex and bring the brand to the Main Line, offering our clients a new experience in a setting that reflects the precision and excellence Rolex represents.”

John Shmerler, Global CEO of The 1916 Company, added, “This location reflects our dedication to offering a personalised experience to everyone who walks through our doors. From the moment you arrive, we aim to make an impact – from the landscaping to the lighting, and of course, the collections and services we provide. We’re more than just a store; we’re a part of the community; a place where our clients can celebrate the milestones that matter most, all while feeling comfortable and welcomed.”

The showroom’s exterior commands attention with its breathtaking façade, framed by meticulously designed landscaping and stonework. Inside, the design is a masterful blend of materials, incorporating stone, wood, marble, and mosaics to evoke a sense of timelessness with a modern touch. A mesmerising lighting installation composed of decorative chain elements dances across the ceiling, casting warm, golden hues upon the displays. Comfortable seating areas are thoughtfully woven throughout the floorplan, fostering an inviting atmosphere for visitors to engage with The 1916 Company’s sales professionals and deepen their understanding of the collections.

The store’s portfolio includes collections by leading watchmakers and jewellery designers, presented in branded environments and streamlined showcases, anchored by a dedicated Rolex space. Rolex’s presence is highlighted with an elegant showroom, VIP lounge, and private salon, incorporating signature hallmarks of the Genevan manufacture and the brand’s instantly recognsable green hues. Additional buildouts for Tudor, Breitling, IWC, Chopard, H. Moser & Cie., and Mikimoto outfit the perimeter of the store, while an intimate ‘Horology Lounge’ showcases independent watchmaker De Bethune.

Beyond its role as an authorised retailer for these prestigious brands, The 1916 Company also offers an exclusive selection of rare and collectible pre-owned timepieces, including the renowned Rolex Certified Pre-Owned collection. As a proud partner in the Rolex CPO program, The 1916 Company adds a dynamic new dimension for the local watch community, offering clients the opportunity to explore exceptional pre-owned Rolex timepieces with the confidence of Rolex’s exclusive certification.

Traversing the heart of the showroom is over 100 feet of jewellery displays, balancing classic and contemporary designs, and showcasing exquisite craftsmanship and style. The curated selection includes exclusive pieces by The 1916 Company, along with some of the world’s most renowned designers and jewellery houses. Collections from Dinh Van, Gumuchian, Kwiat, Nikos Koulis, Norman Silverman, Nouvel Heritage, Phillips House, Rahaminov, Roberto Coin, Temple St. Clair, and more are complemented by a distinctive bridal offering, including engagement rings, wedding and anniversary bands, custom design services, and wedding day jewels.

With the opening of this new location, The 1916 Company reaffirms its commitment to the legacy of Govberg Jewellers, founded in 1916 in Philadelphia and earning international recognition as a trusted name in fine watches and jewellery. In 2023, Govberg Jewellers merged with WatchBox, Radcliffe Jewellers, and Hyde Park Jewellers to form The 1916 Company, embarking on a new era that blends heritage with innovation, bringing passion and knowledge to collectors and enthusiasts worldwide.

With the Ardmore showroom now open, clients and friends are invited to experience the impeccable service, expert craftsmanship, and collections on Tuesdays through Saturdays, 10am – 5pm. A calendar of exclusive watch and jewellery events will be presented throughout the summer for the upcoming season.

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