The Watches of Switzerland Group (WOS) has taken a significant step in strengthening its position in the luxury watch industry by acquiring Hodinkee, one of the most renowned online platforms for watch enthusiasts. Based in the U.K., Watches of Switzerland is a prominent name in the watch and jewelry retail sector. The acquisition of Hodinkee, based in New York, underscores WOS’s growing influence in the U.S. market and its commitment to expanding its global reach.

Hodinkee, which began as a humble blog in 2008 under the vision of its founder, Benjamin Clymer, has since evolved into a full-fledged multimedia platform. It is not just an online publication, but a community hub for watch aficionados. With a popular website, a print magazine, a specialized watch insurance service, and a retail operation offering limited edition products, Hodinkee has captured the attention of collectors and horology enthusiasts worldwide. The brand has earned a reputation for offering in-depth insights, reviews, and features on the finest timepieces, both modern and vintage.
In an era where information is at our fingertips, Hodinkee has become a central pillar in the world of horology. Its role in educating and entertaining watch lovers has turned it into a highly respected voice in the industry. However, the retail aspect of Hodinkee, particularly its partnerships with watch brands to create limited-edition products, has been met with some controversy. A segment of the Hodinkee community expressed concern that the platform’s commercial pursuits could undermine its editorial objectivity. As part of the acquisition, Hodinkee’s retail business will be phased out, allowing the company to refocus on its core strengths—its editorial content and community engagement.
Perhaps most significantly, this acquisition marks the return of Benjamin Clymer to the helm of the business he founded. Clymer, who stepped away from day-to-day operations in 2020, will now reclaim his position as the key decision-maker. In a heartfelt statement published on the Hodinkee website, he outlined his vision for the future, reaffirming his dedication to fostering a community of watch enthusiasts. Clymer emphasized that the acquisition would provide Hodinkee with the resources and freedom to focus on what it does best—creating content that informs, educates, and inspires.

The strategic move allows Watches of Switzerland to harness Hodinkee’s editorial expertise while providing Hodinkee with a new platform to expand its influence globally. Brian Duffy, CEO of Watches of Switzerland Group, made it clear that Hodinkee would continue to operate independently within the WOS group, ensuring the platform retains its editorial integrity. This acquisition aligns with WOS’s broader strategy of aligning itself with brands and platforms that inspire and create value for the company and its partners.
Duffy praised Hodinkee for its groundbreaking work in horology and noted that WOS would provide a home for Hodinkee to flourish while benefiting from the team’s insights. Under this new ownership, Hodinkee will maintain its editorial independence, continuing to cover a wide array of watch brands, including those not sold by Watches of Switzerland. This decision ensures that Hodinkee remains a trusted source for its global audience, offering unbiased reviews and features on the world of luxury watches.
As part of the acquisition, Watches of Switzerland has also taken control of Hodinkee’s watch and jewelry insurance business, which operates in partnership with Chubb, one of the world’s leading insurance companies. This aspect of Hodinkee’s operations complements WOS’s broader business objectives, offering a comprehensive service that caters to the needs of luxury watch owners.
The acquisition is part of a broader expansion strategy by Watches of Switzerland, which has aggressively entered the U.S. market over the past several years. WOS first made headlines in 2017 when it acquired Mayors, a luxury jewelry and watch retailer with a strong presence in the southeastern United States. Since then, WOS has expanded its footprint in the U.S., opening its first store in New York in 2018 and acquiring several key businesses, including the pre-owned watch company Analogand luxury retailer Betteridge, based in Connecticut. These moves have cemented Watches of Switzerland’s reputation as a leader in the luxury watch market.

The company has also pursued partnerships with major watch brands, opening mono-brand boutiques in key U.S. cities and enhancing its retail presence in the competitive luxury watch market. In addition to these ventures, WOS recently secured the U.S. distribution rights for Roberto Coin, an Italian luxury jewelry brand known for its fine craftsmanship.
This acquisition of Hodinkee is a continuation of Watches of Switzerland’s efforts to broaden its portfolio and strengthen its position as a dominant player in the luxury watch sector. It highlights the group’s vision of blending traditional retail expertise with modern, innovative platforms like Hodinkee, which engage a new generation of watch collectors and connoisseurs.
For Hodinkee, this partnership opens doors to new opportunities, including hosting events and activations at WOS’s over 230 boutiques and showrooms worldwide. This global network will allow Hodinkee to bring its community closer together, offering watch enthusiasts unique experiences in various corners of the globe. With the support of Watches of Switzerland, Hodinkee is poised to continue its legacy of excellence, ensuring that its influence in the horological world remains as strong as ever.

The acquisition of Hodinkee by Watches of Switzerland is a testament to the growing synergy between traditional luxury retail and modern digital platforms. As Hodinkee enters this new chapter, it will have the resources to continue educating, informing, and captivating the global watch community, all while maintaining its integrity and independence. For Watches of Switzerland, this acquisition strengthens its position as a global leader in the luxury watch market, blending heritage, innovation, and expertise to meet the evolving needs of discerning collectors and enthusiasts.
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