The 1916 Company's West Coast Gambit: Inside the New Luxury Hub Reshaping L.A.'s Collector Scene

MANHATTAN BEACH, CA – April 10, 2026 – The 1916 Company, a global powerhouse in luxury watches and jewelry, has officially opened the doors to its expansive new showroom in Manhattan Beach, marking a significant strategic push into the affluent Southern California market. The 5,800-square-foot destination in Manhattan Village is not just another luxury boutique; it represents the company's first entry into a new market under its consolidated brand, signaling a new chapter in its ambitious growth strategy.

Formed from the 2023 merger of pre-owned leader WatchBox and esteemed retailers Govberg, Radcliffe, and Hyde Park Jewelers, The 1916 Company has created a unified brand built on 110 years of heritage. While the company has rebranded existing locations, the Manhattan Beach showroom is a milestone—a purpose-built flagship in a territory chosen for its deep-seated appreciation for luxury.

"Manhattan Beach represents something we've been working toward for the last two years," said John Shmerler, CEO of The 1916 Company. "We're bringing The 1916 Company to a market that has long had a deep culture of collecting and a genuine appreciation for craftsmanship – and one that deserves a destination shaped by that."

Redefining the Collector's Experience

At the heart of the new location is a sprawling 1,350-square-foot Rolex space, designed to immerse clients in the world of the iconic Swiss brand. But the showroom's most significant feature may be the West Coast debut of the 1916 Collector's Lounge. This dedicated area is poised to become a nexus for serious enthusiasts, offering both the company's own extensive pre-owned collection and, crucially, Rolex Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) timepieces.

The Rolex CPO program has been a seismic shift in the luxury watch industry, legitimizing a secondary market estimated to be worth between $20 and $30 billion. By offering authenticated, Rolex-serviced watches with a two-year international warranty, the program provides a level of confidence previously unavailable. The 1916 Company has rapidly established itself as a dominant force in this space, and the new lounge provides a physical manifestation of its expertise, allowing clients to discover rare and collectible pieces in a relaxed, conversational setting.

This high-touch approach is central to the company's philosophy. "One hundred and ten years in, the way we connect with our clients hasn't changed; every visit, every conversation, every relationship matters," noted Melanie Chud, President of Retail. "Manhattan Beach is an opportunity to bring that to a new community, with a space clients can explore at their own pace, and the kind of personal service and care that's hard to find elsewhere."

A New Stage for Independent Horology

Beyond the established giants, the showroom carves out significant space for the artisans at the cutting edge of watchmaking. A dedicated 'High Horology' area serves as a showcase for independent brands, a segment of the market that has seen explosive growth in recent years as discerning collectors look beyond traditional names for unique craftsmanship and mechanical innovation.

Anchoring this space is De Bethune, a brand in which The 1916 Company is the majority investor, underscoring a deep commitment to independent watchmaking. De Bethune is joined at opening by other celebrated maisons including Daniel Roth, Gérald Genta, Greubel Forsey, and Bianchet. The company plans for this to be a dynamic space, with rotating presentations from its global network of watchmakers, ensuring a constant stream of fresh and compelling horology for the local community.

This focus taps directly into a growing collector trend. Enthusiasts are increasingly drawn to the limited production, unique designs, and personal stories behind independent brands, which often offer an artistic and technical purity that larger conglomerates cannot replicate. By dedicating prime retail space to these creators, The 1916 Company is not just selling watches—it's cultivating a deeper appreciation for the art of horology itself.

A Curated California Aesthetic

Complementing its world-class watch collection is an expansive jewelry offering curated specifically for its new locale. Reflecting the design-driven, expressive character of the West Coast, the assortment introduces several new brands to The 1916 Company's network. The showroom marks the company's first retail partnership with designers Jade Trau, Jenna Blake, and Melissa Kaye, known for their wearable yet distinctive fine jewelry.

These new collections join an impressive roster of established names, including Spinelli Kilcollin, Zoe Chicco, Roberto Coin, and Hoorsenbuhs, among others. This thoughtful curation demonstrates an intent to be more than just a retailer in the community; it aims to be a part of its fabric, reflecting a local aesthetic while offering global appeal.

As stated by CEO John Shmerler, the ambition is clear: "At our core, we're a company founded on relationships... We're here for the long term, and we're looking forward to earning our place in the South Bay." With its doors now open, The 1916 Company begins its mission to become the definitive destination for luxury collectors in Southern California, backed by a century of expertise and a clear vision for the future of retail.