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Swiss luxury group Richemont, controlled by South African billionaire Johann Rupert, has expanded its pre-owned watch business to the United States with a new Watchfinder & Co. boutique in New York’s SoHo district.
The store, at 152 Spring Street, covers 1,600 square feet and is the company’s largest retail space to date. It is also Watchfinder’s first permanent location in the U.S., giving customers direct access to its catalog of secondhand watches.
Shoppers gain access to rare watches
Inside, shoppers will find more than 600 authenticated pre-owned timepieces, making it the largest collection of its kind available in the country. The selection includes discontinued models, vintage designs, and in-demand watches often difficult to secure at retail because of long waiting lists. Brands on offer range from Cartier and Omega to A. Lange & Söhne, Tag Heuer, Panerai and Vacheron Constantin.
Each watch is inspected through Watchfinder’s 60-step authentication and servicing process carried out by accredited watchmakers. Alongside purchasing, customers can bring in their own watches to sell or trade, a service designed to keep inventory fresh while catering to collectors who see watches as both luxury items and assets.
Building a U.S. presence
“Opening our first dedicated storefront in the United States is an exciting landmark for Watchfinder & Co.,” said CEO Arjen van de Vall. “The U.S. has a deep appreciation for luxury watches, and establishing a permanent home in New York allows us to connect more closely with our clients here.”
Founded in the UK in 2002, Watchfinder grew into a global leader in the pre-owned luxury watch market before Richemont acquired it in 2018. Today, the brand operates across eight markets with 17 showrooms and boutiques worldwide.
Eduard Caumon, Watchfinder’s U.S. country manager, said the SoHo location is designed to make the buying experience more personal. “Purchasing a watch is both a passion and an investment. Our new boutique offers a trusted space to spend time with experts, get advice, and try on timepieces,” he said.
Expanding global footprint
Richemont has been strengthening its international presence across watches and jewelry. In Europe, Panerai — another Richemont brand — opened its first boutique in Stuttgart, Germany, in partnership with retail partner Gerhard D. Wempe GmbH & Co. KG.
In June, Richemont’s French high-jewelry maison Van Cleef & Arpels also launched a flagship store in Florence, Italy. The group is expanding in Asia as well. Its recently acquired Italian jewelry brand, Vhernier, will open a boutique inside Hong Kong’s Peninsula Hotel, known for its luxury clientele and prime location in Tsim Sha Tsui.
Johann Rupert’s oversight
Johann Rupert, South Africa’s wealthiest man, owns 10.18 percent of Richemont shares. He has long positioned the company as a home for heritage brands that emphasize craftsmanship and timeless design.
Richemont reported a 6 percent increase in sales at constant exchange rates in the first quarter of its fiscal year. Actual sales rose 2.73 percent to €5.41 billion ($6.29 billion) from €5.27 billion ($6.12 billion) in the same period last year, driven largely by growth in its jewelry division.
