History and Origins

CJ Charles was founded in La Jolla in 1986 with a clear mission: Exceeding the Extraordinary. Nearly four decades later, that promise continues to guide everything we do — from the relationships we build to the timepieces and jewelry we’re trusted to provide. Still family-owned, CJ Charles has grown from a single boutique into one of Southern California’s most respected names in luxury. While our reach has expanded, our approach remains personal. Whether a client is discovering their first watch or selecting a piece to pass down, we’re here to make the experience thoughtful, transparent, and deeply memorable. Client cultivation is woven into the fabric of who we are — not just as a value, but as the way we operate every day. Our collection reflects the strength of our partnerships — with iconic global brands, celebrated artisans, and generations of loyal clients. We’re proud to be purveyors of the most exceptional jewelry and timepieces, but above all, we’re proud of the trust we’ve earned along the way.

 

 

 

Operations and Philosophy

At CJ Charles, our operations are guided by a simple philosophy: offer the very best — and make every detail count. What began as a single boutique in La Jolla has grown into a multi-location experience for collectors, connoisseurs, and those celebrating life’s most meaningful moments. Our flagship location remains at the heart of the village, home to our signature handmade Rivière jewelry Collection, exceptional estate jewelry, and rare gemstones sourced from around the world. In 2012, we opened the Panerai Boutique La Jolla, one of the first externally operated Panerai boutiques in the United States — a major milestone that expanded both our brand offerings and physical footprint. The boutique also houses our in-house watch service center, where expert watchmakers perform everything from routine maintenance to full restorations. In 2018, we expanded into Westfield UTC, one of Southern California’s most extensively transformed retail destinations. Once a traditional mall, UTC has evolved into a vibrant, open-air lifestyle center — offering world class shopping, chef-driven dining, and curated experiences. Our presence there reflects the same modern, elevated spirit we bring to every part of CJ Charles. In 2021, we deepened our relationship with IWC Schaffhausen by opening a dedicated boutique on Prospect Street, located next to our Panerai Boutique and just steps from our flagship. This expansion allowed us to offer an even more immersive IWC experience and broaden our offerings to loyal collectors. In June 2024, we introduced three new boutiques in the heart of the village, just moments from our flagship:


• The CJ Charles Lux Boutique, offering a curated selection of estate jewelry and vintage timepieces
• The Omega Boutique La Jolla
• The Jaeger-LeCoultre Boutique La Jolla