Leicester-based luxury products retailer Watches of Switzerland has bought Hodinkee, the global digital editorial content provider and gateway for luxury watch enthusiasts.
Headquartered in New York City, and founded in 2008, Hodinkee offers digital print and video content, limited edition watch collaborations alongside watch and jewellery insurance services. Hodinkee attracts an audience of 22.2 million annual unique visitors to its website and has over 1 million social media followers.
Ben Clymer, Hodinkee’s founder, will return to lead the operations of the company for the first time since he stepped down from his role as CEO in December 2020. Hodinkee will continue to have editorial independence. Hodinkee’s New York City-based headquarters will remain in its current location, and all members of staff will move across to Watches of Switzerland.
Brian Duffy, CEO of the Watches of Switzerland Group, 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.
“Our strategy at WOSG is focused on staying at the forefront of the luxury industry, aligning with brands which inspire us and whose partnership offers a mutually beneficial outcome. The acquisition of Hodinkee directly supports our ecommerce business, driving traffic and brand awareness across our markets, and particularly in the US, further enhancing our sector leadership online.”
Ben Clymer, founder of Hodinkee, said: “At its core, Hodinkee was founded on a passion for watches that has never wavered. The team at Watches of Switzerland Group share the passion that launched Hodinkee, and value the content that continues to reinvent how watches are seen by the world.
“The Watches of Switzerland Group disrupted the watch retail world in the same way Hodinkee worked to create a new category for watch editorial coverage. I am honoured to align Hodinkee with Watches of Switzerland, and I am confident in our shared future.”