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As Robin in the Grove prepares to relocate to historic Commodore Plaza in October, we take a closer look at the family-owned and operated fine jewelry and watch store that has been a Central Grove success story for over 30 years.
Readying now for the big move from their long-time location on Main Highway, the father-son duo of Henri and Phillipe Azoulay assure loyal customers that their plan is to “keep on tickin’” for many more years to come – right around the corner at 3162 Commodore Plaza (Unit 2G). And that’s good news!
So, what’s the story behind our Robin in the Grove? Join us as we discover the multi-generational journey of the Azoulay family, their passion for classic timepieces and jewelry, and their role in preserving the Grove’s character. In this conversation, we delve into their history, the significance of their name, and how tradition meets modernity in Coconut Grove.
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BID: Selling and maintaining classic timepieces and jewelry has long been a multi-generational venture for your family. Please share with us how your family got started in the business?
PHILIPPE: Excellent place to start. My father Henri, opened a jewelry store at the Seybold building in downtown Miami roughly 50 years ago. Though now the location is primarily known for jewelry stores, back then it was booming with a wide range of businesses. Eventually he wanted to expand so they looked at opening a second storefront in Coconut Grove. After plenty of time and thought he chose to concentrate on this Grove location on Main Highway where we remain to this day.
BID: An excellent decision by the way! Out of curiosity, why did he choose to focus on the Grove as opposed to staying downtown?
PHILIPPE: Well, I must hand it to him. My father is someone with excellent foresight. He knew the business landscape in downtown was changing plus he was frequenting the Grove for dinners and spending plenty of time here. Another reason is that my brother, who went to the University of Miami, used to hang out in the Grove a lot. They both saw the potential and took the plunge.
BID: Why does your store carry the name “Robin?
PHILIPPE: Well, Robin is actually my older brother’s name. He worked at the store with my father for many years. It saddens me to say, but he passed away from heart complications at a young age. But, though he may be gone, he is not forgotten — and through the name of our family’s business among many things his beloved spirit lives on.
BID: Judging from our conversation thus far, family seems to be a common thread. Seeing that this is a family-run operation, how did you get involved in the business?
PHILIPPE: My involvement started after my brother’s passing. Oddly enough however that was not always the case. You can easily say I specifically avoided the family business for quite some time. I always felt it was well-covered to be honest. My brother was involved as were my sister and my mother! When Robin passed away of course it drove me closer to my family and in turn the business. Of course, you need to have skill and passion to last. It’s safe to say that I’ve inherited my father’s love of working with his hands and this industry is all about that!
BID: What are the main changes you’ve seen in the Grove since you first got here?
PHILIPPE: Well, Robin has been here for some time now so we’ve definitely seen the evolution of our beloved neighborhood and all signs seem to be trending upward! There was always music blasting and a good time to be had here, but I feel nowadays that spirit is waning, as it’s more suited for business and higher-end clientele than in the past. Just an observation!
BID: Please tell us about the services and merchandise you provide.
PHILIPPE: Robin services a whole spectrum of time pieces. Whether you have a $10 Swatch to a $50,000 Rolex, we’ve got you covered for everything except digital watches. Aside from watch repair we also manufacture custom jewelry from scratch and specialize in the repair of both.
BID: Speaking of digital watches and the steady rise of technology, do you believe watches will be phased out or become a thing of the past?
PHILIPPE: Excellent question. While it’s true that a ton of people nowadays are switching to smart watches, there is also an increase of people that are seeing traditional watches as something fine as an investment, especially since the pandemic. The major luxury brands increase in value if you keep them long enough and I believe their owners are taking this into account. The beauty of these so-called “investments” is that they are something you can enjoy as opposed to being numbers on a page. Vintage watches are something you can pass onto from generation to generation.
BID: If you could craft a slogan for Robin what would it be?
PHILIPPE: Where old-world craftsmanship means modern style and taste.
BID: Where do you see the Grove headed in the future? How do you see it benefiting businesses such as those in the BID in years to come?
PHILIPPE: I’m an optimist so I hope the neighborhood charm which makes the Grove what it truly is retained. Just the right blend of modernity with that traditional charm. The perfect word to describe the Grove is “charming.” I believe it will always be that way. The business in turn, reflect that the people are what give it the charm beyond anything else!
ABOUT ROBIN IN THE GROVE
Robin in the Grove is an intimate family-owned and operated jewelry store that’s been in the heart of the Grove for more than 30 years, selling fine jewelry and new and certified pre-owned high end watches, plus onsite repair services on jewelry and watches of all makes and models.
In stock are such brands as Rolex, Omega, Breitling, Tag Heuer Seiko, Casio, G-Shock, Cartier, and Piaget to name a few. The skilled and knowledgeable staff will guide you through the selection process, ensuring that you find the perfect timepiece that suits your style and needs.
In addition to watches, Robin In the Grove also boasts a stunning collection of fine jewelry, including diamond rings, bracelets, necklaces, and earrings. Be it 14kt, 18kt, platinum, or diamond jewelry, each piece is carefully selected and handcrafted by skilled artisans to ensure exceptional quality and beauty.
The store also offers watch repair services, ensuring that your treasured timepiece is always in top condition. Whether you need a battery replacement or a new strap while you wait, or a complete overhaul, polish, or parts replacement, Robin in the Grove’s expert watchmakers will provide the highest level of service and care. They also buy gold and watches.
Robin in the Grove is located 3162 Commodore Plaza, Unit 2G, Coconut Grove, FL 33133. For information, call 305-460-4444 or visit https://www.robingrove.net/.
