Watches of Switzerland Group has acquired the digital platform Hodinkee, saying it aims “to further Hodinkee’s mission in sharing the most engaging, educational, and entertaining watch content.”
Hodinkee founder and former CEO Benjamin Clymer will return to head the business, as Hodinkee’s president. Clymer had served as CEO until 2020.
“At its core, Hodinkee was founded on a passion for watches that has never wavered. Brian Duffy and David Hurley [Watches of Switzerland’s CEO and deputy CEO], both of whom I’ve known for the better part of a decade, share the passion that launched Hodinkee,” Clymer said in a statement. “I’ve seen how they have disrupted the watch retail world at scale, and I am honored to align Hodinkee with Watches of Switzerland. I genuinely can’t wait for the future.”
Hodinkee will continue operating out of its New York City headquarters, Watches of Switzerland said, with all of its staff maintaining their positions. Hodinkee will run independently as a media organization under the Watches of Switzerland umbrella, according to a company statement.
“In a decision based in protecting an integral component of the industry, both teams have a shared goal in growing the global watch community and continuing Hodinkee’s journalism, ensuring the entire watch industry can continue its faith in Hodinkee’s unique voice and lens in which they present unmatched editorial content,” the statement said.
Watches of Switzerland said it had “a natural synergy” with Hodinkee and promised “a seamless transition into this seminal moment for the watch industry.”
In the statement, Duffy said: “The Watches of Switzerland Group prides itself on its adeptness in the retail industry. From our now common practice of lifestyle-oriented showrooms, starting with the opening of our Watches of Switzerland SoHo flagship, to our expansion…the group stays at the forefront of the luxury industry.”
“As part of this strategy, we align ourselves with brands who inspire us, and whose partnership offers a mutually beneficial outcome. Hodinkee distinguishes itself in the world of horology, and while our goal is to provide Hodinkee with a home to continue to flourish, we are proud to gain valuable insights from their groundbreaking team and operation,” he said.
Watches of Switzerland will also acquire functions behind Hodinkee’s insurance. In partnership with insurer Chubb, Hodinkee offers protection for watches and jewelry.
The Watches of Switzerland Group comprises multiple brands, including Mappin & Webb, Goldsmiths, Mayors, Betteridge, and Analog:Shift. Earlier this year it purchased exclusive distribution rights for Roberto Coin in the U.S., Canada, Central America, and the Caribbean.
Top: Hodinkee’s limited-edition Porsche watch (photos courtesy of Watches of Switzerland)
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