The 1916 Company, a distinguished luxury goods retailer, has significantly expanded its presence with the inauguration of a new showroom in the vibrant coastal city of Manhattan Beach, California. This strategic move marks the first new market entry for the company since its establishment in 2023, following the successful merger of esteemed entities including Hyde Park Jewelers, Radcliffe Jewelers, WatchBox, and Govberg Jewelers. The new facility, spanning an impressive 5800 square feet, is meticulously designed to offer an unparalleled retail experience, catering to discerning clients with a passion for exquisite timepieces and fine jewelry. It features meticulously curated spaces for world-renowned Swiss watch manufacturers like Rolex, Breitling, De Bethune, Panerai, and Tudor, alongside a diverse array of high-end jewelry collections. Beyond retail, the showroom incorporates dedicated zones conceived for engaging discovery, insightful conversations, and exceptional hospitality, underscoring the company's commitment to creating a comprehensive and memorable customer journey.
A notable highlight of this new Manhattan Beach location is its expansive 1350-square-foot Rolex area, meticulously crafted to mirror the iconic brand's refined aesthetic while providing a unique and personalized atmosphere for patrons. John Shmerler, the Chief Executive Officer of The 1916 Company, articulated the profound significance of this development, stating that the Manhattan Beach venture represents a culmination of two years of dedicated effort. He emphasized the company's ambition to serve a market renowned for its sophisticated collecting culture and profound appreciation for artisanal excellence, asserting that the new destination is expressly tailored to meet these elevated expectations. This expansion further solidifies The 1916 Company's physical footprint, which now includes seven multi-brand showrooms and six exclusive boutiques for brands such as Breitling, Hublot, IWC, Omega, and Tudor across the United States. Furthermore, the company maintains a presence in approximately a dozen international locations spanning Switzerland and Asia, with future plans to standardize all its multi-brand showrooms under The 1916 Company brand.
The Strategic Expansion of The 1916 Company
The 1916 Company has strategically broadened its geographical reach by opening a new showroom in Manhattan Beach, California. This expansion is a key milestone for the company, formed in 2023 through the integration of prominent luxury jewelers and watch retailers. The 5800-square-foot space is designed to be a premier destination for luxury watches and jewelry, featuring dedicated areas for high-end Swiss watch brands like Rolex and Panerai, along with an extensive jewelry selection. The showroom emphasizes customer engagement through discovery zones, conversational spaces, and hospitality services, aiming to provide an immersive and personalized shopping experience in a market known for its appreciation of luxury and fine craftsmanship.
This new California location is a testament to The 1916 Company's vision of catering to a sophisticated clientele. The facility's design and offerings reflect a meticulous approach to luxury retail, with a significant portion dedicated to the iconic Rolex brand, embodying its elegant heritage and offering a bespoke experience. CEO John Shmerler highlighted the two-year journey to establish this presence, underscoring its importance in tapping into a community that values intricate artistry and high-quality collectibles. The expansion contributes to the company's growing network, which currently comprises multiple multi-brand showrooms and single-brand boutiques across the U.S., Switzerland, and Asia, signaling a robust growth trajectory and a commitment to consolidating its brand identity globally.
A Curated Experience in Luxury Timepieces and Jewelry
The new showroom by The 1916 Company in Manhattan Beach offers a meticulously curated experience for enthusiasts of luxury watches and fine jewelry. Spanning 5800 square feet, the location is segmented into distinct environments for revered Swiss watchmakers such as Breitling, De Bethune, and Tudor, ensuring that each brand's unique ethos is celebrated. Complementing these dedicated watch spaces is an expansive collection of exquisite jewelry, alongside specially designed areas that foster exploration, dialogue, and a warm, inviting atmosphere. This thoughtful layout is intended to elevate the client journey, making each visit an opportunity for personalized discovery and appreciation of exceptional craftsmanship.
Central to the showroom's appeal is an impressive 1350-square-foot section exclusively for Rolex, embodying the brand's distinguished elegance and offering an intimate setting for clients to explore its collections. This dedicated space underscores The 1916 Company's commitment to delivering a unique and tailored experience, reinforcing its position as a leading purveyor of luxury. The CEO, John Shmerler, articulated the strategic importance of this venture, noting that Manhattan Beach's discerning market, with its rich culture of collecting and deep appreciation for quality, is an ideal fit for the company's offerings. This new showroom enhances The 1916 Company's existing portfolio of seven multi-brand showrooms and six specialized boutiques for premium watch brands across the U.S. and internationally, further solidifying its reputation as a comprehensive luxury destination.