In the world of Western watch enthusiasts, the name Hodinkee is nothing short of iconic. What began as a humble blog quickly became a full-fledged authority in the horological world, offering deep dives, sharp insights, and an accessible voice that brought mechanical watches to a younger, digital-savvy generation. But in early October 2024, the watch industry witnessed a headline-worthy shift: the UK’s largest luxury watch retailer, Watches of Switzerland Group, officially acquired Hodinkee.
At first glance, it sounds like a classic tale of corporate expansion. But a closer look reveals something more nuanced—a convergence of two worlds undergoing their own transformations: one steeped in physical retail tradition, the other born in digital storytelling.
What makes this acquisition particularly intriguing is that Hodinkee will continue to operate as an independent editorial platform. Its headquarters will remain in New York, and perhaps most importantly, founder Ben Clymer is returning as CEO after stepping down in 2020.
Clymer isn’t just the man behind Hodinkee—he’s long been considered one of the key voices in making watch collecting culturally relevant again. In his statement, he emphasized, “Hodinkee was founded out of a genuine passion for watches, and that passion has never wavered. I’ve known Brian Duffy and David Hurley [from Watches of Switzerland] for nearly a decade. I’ve watched them disrupt the retail side of this industry with precision and vision. I’m honored to align Hodinkee with them and incredibly excited for what’s next.”
It’s not just corporate speak. For over a decade, Hodinkee has evolved into more than just a place to read about watches. Its interviews, videos, podcasts, and even limited-edition collaborations helped shape a lifestyle-oriented ecosystem around horology. In one notable example, New York-based ad executive Kate Morris fell in love with watches after watching Hodinkee’s “Talking Watches” series—she found her grandfather’s old Omega and never looked back. Or take artist and collector Phil Toledano, whose poetic approach to collecting was first shared widely thanks to a Hodinkee feature, inspiring thousands.
But not all moves paid off. After the pandemic boom in luxury goods, Hodinkee tried to shift more aggressively into retail. In 2021, it acquired pre-owned watch dealer Crown & Caliber, hoping to break into the secondary market. Yet by 2023, the business was quietly spun off. According to the Wall Street Journal, the company struggled with scalability and faced the familiar tug-of-war between editorial purity and commercial ambition.
This is where Watches of Switzerland enters the picture—not to absorb, but to amplify. The retail group, which oversees six major brands including Goldsmiths, Mappin & Webb, Mayors, and Analog:Shift, also holds exclusive distribution rights for Roberto Coin jewelry across the Americas. Now, with Hodinkee under its umbrella, it’s aiming to deepen its access to the next generation of watch lovers through a trusted editorial voice.
Group CEO Brian Duffy explained: “We partner with brands that inspire us and where we see mutual value. Hodinkee stands out in the horological landscape, and while our role is to give them the freedom to keep flourishing, we’re excited to learn from their team and their innovative approach to storytelling.”
Hodinkee also runs a successful watch and jewelry insurance business—a clever offshoot of its content platform—which will now be integrated into Watches of Switzerland’s broader strategy. It’s a move that hints at a seamless luxury ecosystem, where discovery, purchase, and aftercare live under one thoughtful umbrella.
What might seem like a surprising acquisition is actually in line with a broader trend in the luxury space: content and experience are fast becoming the true differentiators. While traditional media struggles to pivot and influencer culture grows chaotic, Hodinkee’s editorial tone—equal parts expertise and warmth—remains refreshingly credible.
In the years ahead, it’s easy to imagine Hodinkee editors appearing at watch events, hosting intimate talks at Mayors stores in Miami, or curating collaborative showcases in London’s Bond Street. Picture a group of collectors sitting in a warmly lit boutique, not talking about resale value or brand hype, but swapping stories about a vintage Universal Genève or a family heirloom Omega passed down from a Parisian grandfather. That’s the real romance of watches—and that’s the world Hodinkee helped revive.
Yes, this is business. But more than that, it’s the continuation of a shared belief: that watches aren’t just about telling time—they’re about telling stories. And in joining forces, Hodinkee and Watches of Switzerland might just be writing the next great chapter in that story.