Rare Inventory
The boutique has rare pieces on display, while many more watches are available online.
The 1916 Company (WatchBox)
DIFC
The 1916 Company (WatchBox) is a DIFC pre-owned luxury watch store where you can buy, sell or trade timepieces. Reviews point to a strong selection of rare watches, clear appraisal conversations and reliable delivery for online purchases.
Reputation Score
4.5
★★★★★
129 ratings
Source: Google Maps
The Good Stuff
Clear Process
Several buyers and sellers describe the appraisal, offer and transaction process as transparent and well organised.
Watch Condition
A review specifically says the watches arrived in the condition described, including a serviced Rolex with its box and papers.
Trade-Ins
Customers mention part exchanges and trades, including a Grand Seiko purchase funded by two part-exchanged watches.
Online Delivery
The store has handled online purchases across the GCC, with one customer receiving a watch safely within a few days.
Watch Expertise
Collectors describe the advisors as knowledgeable about the watch market and able to answer detailed questions.
Tips for a Better Visit
Confirm Offers. If you are selling, ask for the appraisal and offer clearly before deciding; one customer found each step transparent.
Compare Quotes. Compare the selling offer with another Dubai dealer, as one Rolex seller found a better market-value result elsewhere.
Ask Directly. If you are browsing and need help, approach the sales desk directly; some visitors say they were not approached.
Check Condition. For an online or shipped purchase, confirm the watch's condition and included accessories against the listing before buying.
Allow Delivery. If ordering remotely, allow several days for delivery rather than expecting immediate collection.
Plan the visit
Practical details
DIFC - Gate Avenue, Unit 36 - Sheikh Zayed Rd
Trade Centre - DIFC, Dubai
Popular Mentions
Cartier Santos
A customer described a smooth purchase of a Cartier Santos.
H. Moser & Cie
One customer bought an H. Moser & Cie watch through the Dubai business.
1992 Rolex Sub Date 16610
A buyer found a serviced 1992 Rolex Sub Date 16610 with box and papers.
Common Concerns
Low Offers
Some sellers felt offers were well below market value, including for a new Rolex and a Rolex Sea-Dweller.
Buying Limits
One seller says the business advertised buying any watch but later said it only bought Rolex and Patek watches.
Uneven Service
Multiple reviews describe sales staff failing to acknowledge visitors or offer help while they browsed.
Rude Response
A customer asking about payment for an Aquanaut reported that a staff member responded rudely.
DXB
LOCAL
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The Bottom Line
The 1916 Company (formerly WatchBox) is a pre-owned luxury watch specialist in DIFC for buying, selling and trading timepieces. The reviews are strongest on rare inventory, organised transactions and knowledgeable guidance. Customers have bought Rolex, Cartier Santos, Grand Seiko and H.
Moser & Cie pieces, while others used the shop for part exchanges or outright sales. The selection is a real draw if you are hunting for something specific: one customer found dozens of rare watches in the boutique and many hundreds more online. Buyers also report watches arriving safely, with condition matching the description; one 1992 Rolex Submariner came serviced with its box and papers.
Online buying and selling has worked for customers across the GCC, including a four-day sale with funds transferred to the seller’s account. Selling deserves more caution. Some reviewers found the offers fair or better than other stores, but others called offers for Rolex and Tudor watches far too low and said they achieved closer-to-market prices elsewhere.
There are also contrasting reports about service: many describe careful, responsive help, while several visitors say sales staff did not acknowledge them. Ask directly for an appraisal, confirm which watches they currently accept, and compare the offer before committing.