FROM A LINEAGE OF JEWELERS, NEEL IS TAKING THE FAMILY BUSINESS TO NEW HEIGHTS WORKING WITH SOME OF THE BIGGEST NAMES IN THE INDUSTRY, INCLUDING RAPPER 6ixNine.
TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF & YOUR BRAND?
NEEL: As the 4th generation in a family of jewelers and fine timepiece salesmen, I have grown up around watches and diamonds my whole life. My family’s stores, Shiva’s Gold and Gems, are some of the oldest and most renowned jewelry and watch stores in St. Maarten and Aruba and are the only jewelry boutiques that have qualified for membership to the “Leading Jewelers of the World” in these regions. In 2018, I took the risk of moving to Miami to develop the idea even further. I moved into a small apartment with my younger brother, Hirthik, and worked out of my living room. After years of hard work, I am now proud to say that we have grown to become a recognized and well-established company with customers and connections worldwide. Today, our team of 13 works out of a 3,000 square foot office where we sell not only luxury timepieces like Richard Mille, Patek Philippe, Audemars Piguet, and Rolex, but also diamond jewelry.
Timepiece Trading, under the leadership of Neel, made a significant leap into the luxury market thanks to an influential first client: SteveWillDoIt. “The first client that put us on the map is SteveWillDoIt from the Nelkboys,” Neel recalls. Meeting Steve in mid-2021 proved pivotal, establishing a strong relationship that has since evolved into both a valuable client and a close friend. This connection helped elevate Timepiece Trading’s presence in the competitive world of luxury watches and jewelry.
In the ever-evolving landscape of luxury timepieces, Neel highlights the brands currently at the forefront of the market. “We have a large array of watches in our inventory, including Richard Mille, Patek Philippe, Audemars Piguet, and Rolex,” he notes. These brands remain exceptionally popular and sought after, reflecting ongoing trends in the luxury watch game. Timepiece Trading’s inventory showcases these high-performing timepieces, ensuring they stay ahead of the curve in a dynamic and rapidly changing market.
WHO IS YOUR INSPIRATION / HUSTLE & ART COME FROM?
NEEL: My inspiration and hustle come from my family who has taught me that working hard will always pay off and to love what you do.
In the competitive realm of luxury watch trading, Neel, the driving force behind Timepiece Trading, exemplifies what it means to be a visionary leader. “My secret to success is envisioning this company in the future,” Neel states with conviction. His forward-thinking approach has been a cornerstone of the company’s impressive growth trajectory. Since its inception, Timepiece Trading has expanded its inventory from fewer than 10 watches to a remarkable collection of over 200 pieces, underscoring Neel’s commitment to scaling the business.
Neel’s leadership philosophy is deeply rooted in ambition and strategic foresight. “Thinking about where this company will be if we continue working at the pace we are right now motivated me to work harder every day,” he explains. His methodical approach to hiring further reflects his leadership values. By prioritizing drive and past performance, Neel ensures that each new team member shares a strong work ethic and ambition. “An individual’s past behavior is the best predictor of future job performance,” he notes, highlighting the importance of a proven track record in his hiring decisions. This blend of visionary thinking and rigorous talent acquisition continues to propel Timepiece Trading toward its goal of becoming one of the largest watch dealers in the United States.