Watches of Switzerland has acquired the luxury watch content platform, Hodinkee, marking a strategic move to bolster their presence in the luxury sector.
- The acquisition is anticipated to enhance Watches of Switzerland’s ability to capture market share, particularly within the rapidly expanding US market.
- Founded in 2008, Hodinkee has grown to become a premier online destination for luxury watch enthusiasts, boasting 22.2 million unique annual visitors.
- The integration will see Hodinkee’s commercial activities and exclusive collaborations directed to Watches of Switzerland’s US ecommerce site.
- Hodinkee will maintain its editorial independence, with founder Ben Clymer returning to lead operations.
Watches of Switzerland, a renowned luxury watch retailer, has strategically acquired Hodinkee, a digital platform dedicated to luxury watch enthusiasts. This acquisition is part of Watches of Switzerland’s broader strategy to remain at the forefront of the luxury industry. By acquiring Hodinkee, the company aims to enhance its market presence, particularly leveraging the substantial growth potential within the US market.
Hodinkee, established in 2008, has developed a dedicated following among luxury watch aficionados. The platform offers a range of digital content, including print and video, and attracts over 22 million unique visitors each year. Additionally, Hodinkee boasts a significant social media presence with more than one million followers. This established community provides Watches of Switzerland with a strategic opportunity to extend their outreach within the luxury watch sector.
The acquisition includes the integration of Hodinkee’s commercial initiatives. Exclusive luxury watch limited edition collaborations currently managed by Hodinkee will now direct retail traffic to Watches of Switzerland’s US e-commerce platform. This move is expected to not only drive online traffic but also increase brand awareness across multiple markets, most notably in the United States.
Despite the acquisition, Hodinkee will preserve its editorial independence. Ben Clymer, the founder of Hodinkee, will return to lead operations, ensuring that the platform’s content remains an authoritative and authentic voice in the luxury watch industry. This decision underscores the commitment to maintaining the essence of Hodinkee while expanding its community.
Brian Duffy, the Group Chief Executive of Watches of Switzerland, expressed his long-standing admiration for Hodinkee’s success. He emphasised the importance of supporting Hodinkee’s editorial team in continuing to expand its community by remaining the most authentic source of industry information. The acquisition aligns with Watches of Switzerland’s objective to drive e-commerce growth and strengthen sector leadership online, particularly in the US.
The acquisition of Hodinkee by Watches of Switzerland reinforces the latter’s strategic intent to lead within the luxury industry through enhanced market reach and e-commerce capabilities.
