Friends of Cad: Hans Singer
A Conversation with Hans Singer, Team Leader at The 1916 Company NYC.
We visited our friend Hans at The 1916 Company showroom on Madison Avenue in New York City, an appointment-only boutique located in the landmark Fuller Building in Midtown Manhattan. It specializes in luxury and collectible watches, offering brands like Patek Philippe, Audemars Piguet, F.P. Journe, De Bethune, A. Lange & Söhne, and Vacheron Constantin.
Visitors praise the showroom for its curated selection, knowledgeable advisors, and seamless purchasing experience. The company is known for its expertise in fine watchmaking, and its Madison Avenue Watch Week event features exclusive timepieces, educational panels, and collector discussions
Q: Can you tell us a bit about your background and how you got started in your career?
A: I grew up in Burlington, Vermont, spending time outdoors and working on cars at our local Volvo shop. Mechanical things have always fascinated me. My love for watches solidified when I inherited a vintage Seiko chronograph from my father, he received it as a gift when he was younger. That moment sparked my journey in the watch world. I happened to meet the chairman of the 1916 board at the right time, and he offered me the opportunity to open our location in NYC. The rest, as they say, is history.
Q: Can you tell us a bit about your background and how you got started in your career?
A: I grew up in Burlington, Vermont, spending time outdoors and working on cars at our local Volvo shop. Mechanical things have always fascinated me. My love for watches solidified when I inherited a vintage Seiko chronograph from my father, he received it as a gift when he was younger. That moment sparked my journey in the watch world. I happened to meet the chairman of the 1916 board at the right time, and he offered me the opportunity to open our location in NYC. The rest, as they say, is history.
Q: What drew you to this particular field of work?
A: Watches have always intrigued me, both their mechanics and their history. The ability to preserve time and craftsmanship in a single piece is endlessly fascinating to me.
Q: What does a typical day look like for you at work?
A: The best part of my job is that no two days are the same. At its core, my work involves buying, selling, and trading watches, but the people I interact with make each day unique. I love working with collectors to build lifelong collections that extend beyond them and into future generations.
Q: Are there any current projects or initiatives that you're particularly excited about?
A: I’m thrilled to be working as De Bethune’s brand ambassador for the United States, and we’re currently opening a boutique within The 1916 Company space in NYC. Having a dedicated environment to showcase one of my favorite brands is exciting, and I look forward to introducing collectors to De Bethune in a truly tailored setting.
Q: Who or what inspires you in your work, and why?
A: My friends and coworkers inspire me every day. They’re often one and the same, and their success fuels my own. That positive energy drives me forward.
Q: What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
A: Cooking for friends is one of my favorite things to do. I also love painting and sculpture—art has always been a passion. And, of course, I appreciate a proper gin martini and a great dinner at classic NYC institutions.
Q: Have any personal hobbies or interests influenced your professional life?
A: My love for art history has absolutely shaped my perspective on watches. Collecting timepieces feels similar to curating an art collection—you develop an eye for craftsmanship, rarity, and historical significance
Q: What advice would you give to someone looking to enter your field?
A: Honesty and transparency will always lead to long-term success. Meaningful relationships built on trust are far more valuable than quick transactions.
Q: Can you share any valuable lessons you've learned throughout your career?
A: Always do the right thing—for your clients, your colleagues, and your reputation. Integrity is everything in this business.
Q: Looking back, what are you most proud of in your professional journey?
A: Opening the NYC office is a huge milestone. It represents years of hard work, learning the industry, and growing the brand both in the U.S. and internationally. Having a home base in the city I’ve lived in for a decade is something I’m grateful for every day.
Q: How do you think your work has impacted others or the industry?
A: I hope that, in my time in this industry, I’ve helped collectors acquire some of the best watches while making the selling process smooth and fair for them. More broadly, I hope 1916 continues to provide exceptional service and contribute to the legacy of watch collecting at the highest level.
Hans Singer’s journey is a testament to passion, craftsmanship, and integrity—qualities that resonate deeply with both 1916 and Cad & The Dandy. His dedication to curating exceptional timepieces and fostering lasting relationships in the watch world sets a high standard in the industry.
Hans, thank you for being a friend of Cad & The Dandy and for sharing your insights. We look forward to seeing how your work continues to shape the future of watch collecting.
