Global Watch Leader E. Gluck Corporation to Launch WITHit Wearable Accessories to Duty Free and Travel Retail

NEW YORK, June 29, 2021 – E. Gluck Corporation, a leader in the global watch industry for over 65 years and maker of fashion watch brands such as Anne Klein, Armitron and Torgoen, will now offer wearable accessories from its newest brand, WITHit, to Duty Free and Travel Retail. WITHit is a wearable accessories brand that offers fashionable straps, bracelets and protective covers for smart watches and wireless earbuds for brands including Apple, Fitbit and Samsung.

WITHit is one of the largest wearable tech accessory manufacturers in the U.S. and has a loyal following of customers who trust the brand’s style, comfort, performance and durability. With over 500 million wearable devices in use globally, and the expectation of tremendous future growth in the global smart watch market, E. Gluck is positioning WITHit to be an international leader in the category.

E. Gluck plans to exhibit WITHit’s offerings at in-person events such as the TFWA World Exhibition and Conference scheduled to take place in Cannes, France from October 24-28, 2021.

Rob Robertaccio, SVP of Global & Travel Retail Sales, remarked: “We are so excited to have this new category of product to offer to Duty Free and Travel Retail. The best part of the WITHit brand is that it allows us to show a quality accessory for your Apple Watch or other wearable at prices starting at $14.99USD.”

E. Gluck plans to expand WITHit’s collection of wearable accessories under some of its other licensed brand names such as Armitron, Anne Klein and Vince Camuto. Robertaccio added: “The introduction of wearable accessories from WITHit also allows us to position several of our other brands in the category. For example, the loyal Anne Klein watch customer who has added a smart watch to her collection can now style that device with the same stylish, quality looks we offer for our traditional watches.”

E. Gluck has begun previewing its wearable collections with several key accounts and has received an overwhelming positive response.

“Given the early response we have received,” said Robertaccio, “we expect this category to be a huge success in Duty Free and Travel Retail.”

ABOUT E. GLUCK CORPORATION:

Founded over 65 years ago, E. Gluck Corporation is a major force in the watch industry — manufacturing, bringing to market and shipping timepieces worldwide. Brands include Armitron, Anne Klein, Torgoen, WITHit, Badgley Mischka, Juicy Couture, Nine West and Vince Camuto. E.Gluck’s design and production acumen, global distribution capabilities and strategic retail experience allow for ultimate efficiency in a fluid marketplace. Please visit our website at egluck.com.

ABOUT WITHit:

WITHit designs, manufactures and curates accessories that make wearable tech and reading experiences better. WITHit specializes in rapid development of creative product designs using a wide variety of techniques and materials allowing it to keep pace with quickly evolving technological advancements and customer trends. WITHit currently holds more than 30 patents and makes products under license for Star Wars, Disney, French Bull, Dabney Lee and Peanuts. Please visit our website at withitgear.com.

Global Watch Leader E. Gluck Corporation Acquires Controlling Interest in Leading Wearable Technology Accessories Company WITHit

NEW YORK, March 23, 2021 – E. Gluck Corporation, a leader in the global watch industry for over 65 years, announced today it has formed a strategic partnership with WITHit, a Las Vegas-based wearable technology accessories designer and manufacturer.

“In WITHit, E. Gluck Corporation has found a younger version of itself. A company driven and guided by its core values and a relentless dedication to customer satisfaction,” said Bobbie Weichselbaum, CEO of E. Gluck Corporation. “We are excited on a corporate level to be joining forces and even more so, to having these incredible individuals joining our EGC family.”

“On the surface, this deal is simply about two companies forging a bond to build a great business together,” said Adam Gelnick, CFO E. Gluck Corporation. “In actuality, it is a group of incredible individuals with complementary expertise, joining together to create a sum that is greater than its individual parts. This is an ideal that both groups aspire to and together we will hopefully achieve.”

 Founded in 2004, WITHit has amassed a loyal following of consumers attracted to the brand’s style, comfort, performance and durability — particularly when it comes to wearable technology device bands and protection. WITHit has become one of the largest wearable tech accessory manufacturers in the U.S.  WITHit is also a leading supplier of reading accessories, with a complete line of reading lights and magnifiers.  Its products are sold in over 8,500 U.S. retail stores.

With over 500 million wearable devices in use globally, the acquisition provides international and domestic growth opportunities for both E. Gluck and WITHit and will enable E. Gluck to expand its addressable market, offering both traditional timepieces and fashionable wearable tech accessories.

Anticipating tremendous future growth in the global smartwatch market, E. Gluck’s acquisition positions the WITHit brand for expansion by providing access to untapped distribution channels, international expansion opportunities, as well as operational synergies, scale and marketing.

“We are extremely excited to have this opportunity to continue our growth trajectory with E. Gluck,” said David Nelson, CEO of WITHit.  “Not only are our companies complementary from a pure business perspective, but E. Gluck and WITHit share core values and culture that make this combination special.”

“We could not have imagined a better strategic partner than E. Gluck,” said Phil Grandinetti, CCO of WITHit. “Together, we are in an even stronger position to provide our customers around the world with innovative products.”

WITHit’s COO Bill Devaney echoed these sentiments: “Bobbie, Adam Gelnick and the entire team at E. Gluck have been amazing throughout this process and we are thrilled to become part of the family.” 

East Wind Advisors (www.eastwindadvisors.com) and Vinson & Elkins advised E. Gluck Corporation on the transaction.  Consensus (www.consensusadvisors.com) and Strategic Law Partners advised WITHit on the transaction.

ABOUT E. GLUCK CORPORATION:

Founded over 65 years ago, E. Gluck Corporation is a major force in the watch industry — manufacturing, bringing to market and shipping timepieces worldwide. Brands include Armitron, Anne Klein, Torgoen, Badgley Mischka, Juicy Couture, Nine West and Vince Camuto. E.Gluck’s design and production acumen, global distribution capabilities and strategic retail experience allow for ultimate efficiency in a fluid marketplace.  Please visit our website at egluck.com. 

ABOUT WITHit:

WITHit designs, manufactures and curates accessories that make wearable tech and reading experiences better.  WITHit specializes in rapid development of creative product designs using a wide variety of techniques and materials allowing it to keep pace with quickly evolving technological advancements and customer trends.  WITHit currently holds more than 30 patents and makes products under license for Star Wars, Disney, French Bull, Dabney Lee and Peanuts.  Please visit our website at withitgear.com. 

NEW YORK, August 1, 2020,-  Torgoen, an aviation inspired watch brand,  founded in 2010 by an elite group of manufacturers, and owned by E. Gluck Corporation is pleased to announce its expansion from a solely Ecommerce platform into the travel retail and duty-free segment. The company will make their retail debut at the upcoming TRMarketplace 2020, hosted by TR Business.

Torgoen, acquired by E. Gluck Corporation in 2019, is focused solely on offering aviation watches inspired by vintage cockpit instruments. Within the last decade, the company has built a loyal following among pilots, aviation enthusiasts and the like who appreciate the brand’s style, functionality and unique mid-luxury collections. While keeping an attention to detail, Torgoen is known for creating innovative aviation watches in a league of their own – mastering craftsmanship and design all at affordable prices.

“Luxury and quality are key factors in driving the travel retail industry and Torgoen’s DNA fuses premium watches with luxury style but at an accessible price point. Already a category leader in the direct-to-consumer space, we are excited to expand Torgoen’s distribution into the travel retail and duty free world, globally,”  said Rob Robertaccio, Vice President of Global and Travel Retai Salesl at E. Gluck Corporation. “We feel it is a natural integration based on our consumer demographic.”

The Torgoen collection, which features watches powered by both Swiss quartz and automatic movements, have an opening retail price starting from $250. The collection will be showcased during the virtual TRMarketplace September 28-October 3, 2020.

About Torgeon:

Founded in 2010, Torgoen offers a wide range of aviation watches. The brand was founded by an elite group of manufacturers with decades of experience producing the world’s most renowned precision timepieces who had one goal: to create a brand that could intersect unparalleled quality and design with accessibility. Recently acquired by E. Gluck Corporation in 2019, the brand has re-launched with a new tagline – Where the Earth Meets the Sky – aiming to expand its consumer base to those seeking adventures in the everyday.  With a pilot among its founders, the team drew design and functionality inspiration from the world of aviation, creating timepieces built to take on the world – no matter the adventure. The  watch collection features watches powered by both Swiss quartz and automatic movements. Torgoen has been featured in Forbes, The Wall Street Journal, JCK, WatchPro USA, A Blog to Watch among others. Most recently Torgoen formed an ongoing partnership with Miracle Flights, the nation’s leading medical flight charity, which provides free flights to those in need of life changing medical care not found in their local communities. Torgoen is now donating a portion of sale proceeds to the 35 year old non-profit.

NEW YORK, July 29, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — WHP Global (“WHP”) announced today that it has entered into a licensing agreement with E. Gluck Corporation to design, develop and distribute watches for the Joseph Abboud brand. New watch collections for the Joseph Abboud and JOE Joseph Abboud brands are slated to launch Winter 2020 and will be available at existing retail partners throughout the United States and internationally in 60 countries.

WHP Global Signs Deal with E. Gluck Corporation to Expand Joseph Abboud Watch Offering

“Joseph Abboud is one the most established and trusted designer brands in fashion, and we are thrilled to have the brand join the E. Gluck family,” says Bobbie Weichselbaum, CEO of E. Gluck Corporation. “We’re confident that our company’s classic watch design and manufacturing expertise, coupled with WHP Global’s management acumen, will enable the Joseph Abboud brand to continue its strong growth and reach its full potential. We look forward to the further expansion of our partnership.”

Over the last decade, the Joseph Abboud brand has grown its customer base, which ranges from its premium Made in the USA product manufactured in New Bedford, MA, to the broader reaching customer shopping the Joseph Abboud line, to the younger, more casual customer shopping JOE Joseph Abboud. With the expansion of the Joseph Abboud watch designs, the brand will continue to encompass the overall mission of helping every person look and feel their best.

“Discovering new ways to grow the Joseph Abboud brand is a priority for us,” said Effy Zinkin, WHP Global Chief Operating Officer. “Our partnership with E. Gluck Corporation, who has been a major force in the watch industry for over 65 years, enables Joseph Abboud to expand to new distribution channels around the world.”

An assortment of Joseph Abboud and JOE Joseph Abboud’s pieces from its new collection will be made available at retail partners, including Men’s Wearhouse, Jos. A Banks, K&G Stores and Moores. The brand will also expand its retail footprint globally across the travel retail, digital, and e-commerce spaces. The new collections will be diversified with robust features and styles including high-quality Japanese movements, multi-functional movements, solar movements, and three hand movements.

For more information on Joseph Abboud, please visit www.josephabboud.com or follow @JosephAbboud on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.

About the Joseph Abboud Brand

An iconic American menswear brand founded in 1987, Joseph Abboud offers a modern take on heritage ready-to-wear and customized menswear. Delivering on its mission of helping every man look and feel their best, Joseph Abboud combines decades of trusted productions with today’s best tailoring to offer timeless designs to fit every man. With two primary marks, Joseph Abboud and JOE Joseph Abboud, the brand currently generates over $700 million in global retail sales with product distributed by best-in-class partners including Tailored Brands in the U.S. and Onward Kashiyama in Japan.  Joseph Abboud products are sold in the U.S. and Canada at Men’s Warehouse, Jos. A Bank, K&G Stores and Moores banners and globally throughout Asia and Mexico. For more information, visit www.josephabboud.com.

About WHP Global

WHP Global is a New York-based firm that specializes in acquiring global consumer brands and strategically investing in high-growth distribution channels, digital commerce platforms, and global expansion. WHP Global owns the ANNE KLEIN and JOSEPH ABBOUD brands. For more information, visit www.whp-global.com.

About E. Gluck Corporation

Founded over 65 years ago, E. Gluck Corporation is a major force in the watch industry manufacturing, bringing to market and shipping timepieces worldwide. Brands include Armitron, Anne Klein, Badgley Mischka, Juicy Couture, Nine West and Vince Camuto. E. Gluck’s design and production acumen, global distribution capabilities and strategic retail experience allows for ultimate efficiency in a fluid marketplace.

NEW YORK, December 11, 2019 – E. Gluck Corporation, a leader in the global watch industry for over 65 years, announced today it has acquired Torgoen, a US-based direct to consumer aviation-inspired watch brand.

Since its inception in 2010, Torgoen has gained a large loyal following of customers attracted to the brand’s aesthetic inspired by vintage cockpit instruments. The developers, a group of aviation enthusiasts and watch manufacturers with decades of experience producing watches for some of the world’s most renowned brands, leveraged their knowledge of the industry to access the highest quality components from top manufacturers. Matched with its direct-to-consumer strategy, Torgoen is able to offer the best value for customers without compromising on quality and design.

“E. Gluck and Torgoen share many core values including developing high-quality watches at affordable prices,” said Bobbie Weichselbaum, CEO of E. Gluck Corporation. “We are excited to have them join our family of brands and look forward to applying our expertise to help Torgoen grow to its full potential.”

Given Torgoen’s strong DTC digital strategy, track record of growth and a large loyal customer base, the expansion of E. Gluck’s portfolio with this acquisition provides global and domestic growth opportunity for both companies. E. Gluck will lend their expertise to continue to grow the Torgoen brand with their manufacturing techniques, design acumen and strong worldwide relationships.

“We are thrilled to be working with one of the major forces in the watch manufacturing industry,” said Ziv Emmet eCommerce Manager, Torgoen. “We have long admired E. Gluck’s team of highly creative, passionate and talented individuals and feel they are the perfect group to help take our brand to the next level. We are excited to be a part of their expanding portfolio.”

About E. Gluck Corporation:

Founded over 65 years ago, E. Gluck Corporation is a major force in the watch industry manufacturing, bringing to market and shipping timepieces worldwide. Brands include Armitron, Anne Klein, Badgley Mischka, Juicy Couture, Nine West and Vince Camuto. E.Gluck’s design and production acumen, global distribution capabilities and strategic retail experience allows for ultimate efficiency in a fluid marketplace.

About Torgoen:

Established by a group of watch manufacturers and pilots with decades of experience, Torgoen manufactures aviation-inspired timepieces. The brand’s direct-to-consumer strategy ensures it is able to deliver watches that are high quality yet affordable. Each watch is made using top quality materials and components. As a mission, Torgoen believes in mastering its craft and feels confident that they have created the best value line of aviation watches – without compromising on the top design, materials and workmanship available in the watch industry.