Our History
Where it all began
Johan Engelbrecht Sr Founder & Owner
1960's
1968 - 1971
1980's
2001
2014
As a qualified Mechanical Engineer, Johan Sr was fascinated by all things mechanical, but especially so by watches. In the early 1960's he decided to follow his passion and started a new career by working with a qualified watchmaker, while at the same time completing several courses at ‘Watchmakers of Switzerland', and eventually became a master watchmaker.
Since 1968, he was involved fulltime in the repair and trading of watches and subsequently decided in 1971 to open his first store in a little town called Hendrina, in the Eastern Transvaal, aptly naming the new venture 'Hendrina Jewellers'.
In the early 1980s, the neighbouring town of Witbank was experiencing a big economic upswing of sorts, and Johan Sr decided to relocate the business there.
Then in 1988 he purchased a fruit farm and relocated ‘Engelbrecht Jewellers' to Naboomspruit. The business was very successful seeing that it was the only jeweller and watchmaker in the area. Apart from all things mechanical, Johan Sr was also drawn to the unspoilt beauty of the West Coast, an area which he visited frequently as his holiday destination of choice.
In 2001 he decided to permanently relocate to N1 City shopping centre in Parow.
As before, the business was a success, but the long hours at the shopping centre just became too exhaustive, so the decision was made to relocate the business to Melkbosstrand.
Johan Sr. was still actively involved in his business right up to the ripe old age of 80, but tragically and unexpectedly passed away on the 26th of April 2014, just 6 days after his 80th birthday, the very same day he and his eldest son, Kobus were to open the new bigger store in Birkenhead Centre in Melkbosstrand.
Kobus Engelbrecht Jr Owner
1979 - 1988
1988 - 2014
2014 - Present Day
After matriculating in 1979 from Hendrina High School, Kobus Engelbrecht decided to join the South African Defence Force as a conscript, where he spent two unforgettable years on active duty, something which fills him with immense pride.
After an honorable discharge from the Defence Force, Kobus headed for Pretoria where he completed his studies, majoring in Marketing & Sales Management.
Being of the opinion that he was not yet ready for the jewellery industry, Kobus decided to rather join Porsche SA, later moving onto Volkswagen SA. It is here that he believes he gained valuable business experience and acquired unique skills that he would not have had the opportunity for in the jewellery industry at that time.
At the same time, and true to Family tradition, Kobus’s sister, Retha decided to start a jewellery business, Engelbrecht Jewellers all on her very own, located in Witbank, the store was very well situated and also very successful. Eventually, due to the fact that she had other more pressing business interest, she decided to move on and thus sold the business to Kobus Engelbrecht in 1988.
After 26 years in Witbank, Kobus decided to join his Dad in Melkbosstrand. Father and son always had a very special relationship, and they planned to spend Johan Sr last years together.
In May 2014, they successfully achieved their aspiration as the new business in Melkbosstrand opened its doors. Regrettably, his father passed away on the very same day the new doors were set to open.
Marjorie Engelbrecht
1990 - 2003
2003 - 2014
2014 - Present Day
Born and raised in Witbank, the proud mother of two beautiful children and of course Sebastian – the apple of her eye.
It is this love for the kids, and a passion to make a difference in their lives that moved her to follow a career as an Educator for round 13 years from 1990 - 2003, as a Kindergarten teacher in Witbank, living her dream.
In mid-2003 it was time for a new challenge, and she joined her other half Kobus, as Assistant Manager for 'Engelbrecht Jewellers'.
Responsible for sales and good customer service, as well as, purchasing jewelry and watches. Her eye for fine detail and feel for the market made her perfect for the responsibility of store purchases. She lives up to her expertise by always giving the display window and the rest of the store a nice professional look. Furthermore, she is responsible for all administrative work. With her steady hands, she assists with engraving, watch repairs and jewelry as well as re-stringing pearls. It is her eye for detail and fine sensibility that comes in handy when she assists Kobus with the installation of clock mechanisms, batteries and clock glasses as well as the engraving for the company.
Since moving to her new home in 2014, the natural beauty and freedom of Melkbosstrand offers the perfect opportunity for Marjorie to relax after a hard days at work. A place where she can live out her love for the outdoors with Kobus - with trips along the sea and cycling in the nearby nature reserve and wine estates.
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