Watches of Switzerland’s acquisition of Hodinkee marks a strategic expansion in the luxury watch market.
- The acquisition aims to enhance Watches of Switzerland’s market share, particularly in the US.
- Hodinkee, a leading platform for luxury watch enthusiasts, will retain editorial independence.
- Ben Clymer returns to lead Hodinkee’s operations, reinforcing its authoritative voice.
- Watches of Switzerland integrates Hodinkee’s commercial activities to bolster ecommerce.
Watches of Switzerland has strategically acquired Hodinkee, a globally-renowned digital platform for luxury watch enthusiasts. This move is part of their broader plan to strengthen their presence in the competitive luxury market. The acquisition is expected to significantly enhance Watches of Switzerland’s ability to capture a larger market share, focusing particularly on the burgeoning US market.
Hodinkee stands as a pivotal platform founded in 2008, attracting a dedicated audience with its rich digital content spanning print, video, and exclusive watch collaborations. Every year, it draws 22.2 million unique visitors and boasts over a million followers across various social media platforms.
Watches of Switzerland plans to integrate Hodinkee’s existing commercial ventures, including its unique limited-edition collaborations, while directing all retail traffic in the US to their ecommerce site. This integration is set to augment their digital presence and drive brand awareness significantly.
Crucially, the acquisition ensures that Hodinkee retains its editorial independence, with its founder Ben Clymer stepping back into a leadership role. Having stepped down as CEO in December 2020, Clymer’s return is expected to strengthen Hodinkee’s position as a leading voice in the luxury watch industry.
Brian Duffy, CEO of Watches of Switzerland Group, expressed his long-standing admiration for Hodinkee, highlighting the mutual benefits of this acquisition. Duffy emphasised that the deal supports their ecommerce ambitions, particularly enhancing their online leadership within the US market.
This acquisition solidifies Watches of Switzerland’s position as a frontrunner in the luxury watch sector, achieving mutual benefits from Hodinkee’s integration.
