Govberg Jewelers
Philadelphia's premier destination for fine watches and designer jewelry.
The Govberg Jewelers legacy began in 1922, when young watchmaker and diamond expert Albert Govberg opened a specialty, family-run jewelry store along Philadelphia’s historic Jewelers Row. Close to 90 years later, Govberg Jewelers is celebrated as a true Philadelphia icon, committed to bringing exquisite and exclusive wares to the people of a city rich in history and tradition. Under the dynamic leadership of Albert’s grandson Danny Govberg, the seasoned jeweler has garnered a reputation far beyond the Philadelphia city limits for its outstanding selection of fine timepieces, its knowledgeable staff and lively event calendar.
Govberg Jewelers underwent a tremendous transformation over the past three generations, and today it boasts three exquisite locations—two in the heart of Philadelphia’s Center City and the third in the neighboring suburb of Bala Cynwyd. One of the Center City stores is located in the Marketplace at the Comcast Center—the city’s newest high-rise, and home to one of the largest Philadelphia employers—Comcast. High-profile executives, Philadelphians and tourists cross the Comcast Center’s threshold each day, and come across Govberg’s elegant boutique, where Rolex timepieces are available exclusively.
The other Center City locale, currently located within the historic Boyds department store, is at the threshold of a great change. In just a few short months, Govberg will move its flagship store to the heart of Philadelphia’s exclusive Rittenhouse Square neighborhood, adjacent to the city’s elite boutiques and eateries on Walnut Street. The new Govberg location will stand three stories tall, comprising an exquisite sales floor and the Govberg corporate offices, which include the Internet, inventory and marketing departments. The entire Govberg Jewelers extended family is eagerly anticipating the ensuing move. “The design of our new store will encourage company growth as we streamline our daily operations,” adds Danny. “Plus, we will be able to enhance the customer experience, with the creation of a discrete and intimate atmosphere for luxury shopping.”
In addition to the abovementioned Rolex, Govberg Jewelers’ collection of esteemed timepiece brands represents one of the largest selections of Swiss and German timepieces on the entire East Coast. The list of brands truly encompasses the full spectrum, representing all price points, and certainly, an incomparable assortment of styles and complications. Brands range from the prestigious and internationally renowned Patek Philippe, Vacheron Constantin, and A. Lange & Söhne to Hublot, Audemars Piguet, IWC, Cartier and quite literally, dozens more.
Govberg Jewelers’ Managing Director Lisa Muracco speaks to current buying patterns and trends ascertained through the stores she manages. “We have noted a resurgence in the demand for classically styled timepieces. Customers who once adhered to the ‘bigger is better’ mentality are returning to ‘tried and true’ designs of well-established brands.”
Whereas fine timepieces represent the core of Govberg’s business, an exquisite selection of beautiful jewels serve as the perfect complement. The Govberg Jewelers showcases display a stunning assortment of jewelry, with an emphasis on classic and elegant designs, crafted with diamonds, pearls, precious metals and gems. In addition, Govberg offers watch winders, fine writing instruments, and the sophisticated mobile phones by Vertu.
In order to properly address the inquiries and horological desires of a discerning clientele, the Govberg Jewelers sales team is extensively trained. Close relationships are maintained with brand representatives, who regularly conduct in-store training sessions to impart pertinent product news. Industry publications are studied, websites are scoured, and sales associates eagerly travel to Switzerland for in depth factory tours and trainings. In addition to the dedicated sales associates, Govberg Jewelers employs a Swiss-trained watchmaker, certified by the most elite brands to ensure that customers’ watch needs are met with the utmost standards and care.
Danny shares, “The typical Govberg Jewelers watch customer owns upwards of five timepieces, and is always on the lookout for the next great piece to add to their collection. It is our job to help them navigate our extensive inventory.” That said; the well-informed sales team is one of Govberg’s greatest assets.
The Philadelphia-based retailer hosts a variety of events throughout the year in the social, lifestyle and philanthropic realms, always eager to reach out into the community through different channels. Despite changes in the economic climate, Govberg Jewelers continued to be one of the leading donors to several organizations. Among the many groups supported by Govberg this past year were the Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation for Childhood Cancer, Living Beyond Breast Cancer, the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia, the Philadelphia Police Survivor’s Fund, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, the Philadelphia Orchestra, and many more.
Collectors’ dinners represent a highlight of Govberg Jewelers’ event calendar, and among the esteemed brands to co-host such events in 2009 were Breitling, to celebrate the launch of the B01 Chronograph, Patek Philippe, IWC, Hublot, Audemars Piguet and Vacheron Constantin. And to officially mark the addition of Rolex to its repertoire, Govberg Jewelers hosted a grand “Rolex Festival” during the fall season of 2009. Collectors and enthusiasts of the renowned brand enjoyed an exquisite celebration, which benefited the Philadelphia Police Survivor’s Fund, established not only to remember the sacrifice of each fallen police officer, but also to acknowledge the sacrifice made by each of the surviving families.
Two thousand and nine was quite significant in the Govberg Jewelers timeline for reasons beyond hosting some of the region’s most unique events and purveying the finest luxury goods. Danny Govberg welcomed his two oldest sons into the business, marking the foray into the fourth generation of Govberg Jewelers. Danny takes immense pride in working alongside his sons Brian and Marc, who assist with various company operations, and represent the future of this family’s enterprise. With Govberg’s time-honored tradition of service, a sincere appreciation for horology, and a commitment to supporting and bettering the Philadelphia community, Govberg Jewelers is well on its way to achieving another four generations of success.
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