Watches of Switzerland buys luxe watch enthusiasts’ “gateway” Hodinkee

Watches of Switzerland Group (WoSG) has acquired Hodinkee, the New York-based global digital editorial content provider for luxury watch fans. Terms weren’t divulged.

Describing the platform as “an influential editorial and e-commerce site for new and vintage wristwatches”, WoSG said the purchase was one of the group’s ‘Long Range Plan’ objectives “to leverage existing growth opportunities by growing sector leadership online”.

And core to the Hodinkee purchase will be helping the group “capture market share, particularly in the fast growing US market”.

Founded in 2008, Hodinkee has become a popular global destination for luxury watch enthusiasts offering digital print and video content, limited edition watch collaborations alongside watch and jewellery insurance services.

It claims a growing, engaged audience of 22.2 million annual unique visitors to its website and over one million social media followers.

On completion of the transaction, the group will integrate Hodinkee’s existing commercial activities, including its exclusive luxury watch limited edition collaborations, with all retail traffic directed to Watches of Switzerland’s US e-commerce site. 

“This will give the Group access to a captive and highly engaged luxury watch audience”, said WoSG. 

Meanwhile the group will also integrate the functions behind Hodinkee’s insurance agency business, which partners with global insurance provider Chubb.

Ben Clymer, Hodinkee’s founder, will return to lead the operations for the first time since he ceded his role as CEO in December 2020. 

At the same time, Hodinkee “will continue to have editorial independence as a leading editorial media organisation”.

Brian Duffy, CEO of the WoSG, said: “We have been avid followers of Hodinkee for many years and have long-respected Ben and his team’s success in creating the undisputed destination for luxury watch enthusiasts.

“With the support of the wider group, we will enable Ben and his best-in-class editorial team to keep doing what Hodinkee does best: further expanding its passionate and loyal community by being the most authentic and authoritative voice on the industry.”

He added: “The acquisition of Hodinkee directly supports our e-commerce business, driving traffic and brand awareness across our markets, and particularly in the US, further enhancing our sector leadership online.”