PHILADELPHIA, PA — The 1916 Company, a leading name in luxury timepieces, has announced a new strategic alliance with WonderCare, the digital watch insurance platform founded by entrepreneur and Shark Tank personality Kevin O’Leary. The collaboration aims to provide collectors with a seamless way to insure their timepieces at the point of purchase, backed by Chubb, the top personal lines insurer for high-net-worth individuals in the U.S.
WonderCare is integrated through Chubb Studio, the insurer’s digital platform that enables frictionless access to coverage directly within a partner’s customer journey. This integration allows clients of The 1916 Company to obtain quotes, activate policies, and manage coverage for their watch collections—all online and in real time.
“The thrill of acquiring a new timepiece should be seamlessly matched by the ease of insuring it,” said Amy McNeece, Head of Digital Consumer for Personal Risk Services at Chubb. “We are pleased to collaborate with WonderCare and The 1916 Company to provide their clients with tailored coverage built into a digitally curated purchase experience.”
The partnership supports The 1916 Company’s broader mission of enhancing the customer experience around fine watches and jewelry. With access to WonderCare, clients can insure new purchases immediately or from home, make policy adjustments, and update valuations—all through a streamlined digital platform.
“For us, Kevin’s profound love for watches and his understanding of the collector’s mindset were key drivers for this partnership,” said John Shmerler, CEO of The 1916 Company. “As the luxury watch market continues to expand, so does the need for a fast, reliable, and tailored insurance solution.”
O’Leary, who founded WonderCare to address longstanding frustrations in traditional insurance coverage, emphasized the importance of valuation accuracy. “I founded WonderCare to ensure that timepieces are accurately appraised and covered for their replacement value, not a depreciated figure,” he said. “This relationship is a perfect match, combining my passion for the art of watchmaking and the excitement of collecting.”
The 1916 Company will continue to focus on delivering its core services and expertise while referring customers to WonderCare for insurance needs. Policy management, claims, and customer support will be handled by WonderCare and its licensed agents.
With a growing luxury watch market and increasing consumer demand for personalized services, this partnership positions The 1916 Company, WonderCare, and Chubb at the forefront of innovation in both retail and insurance.
