Watches of Switzerland’s strategic acquisition of Hodinkee marks a significant move to expand its influence in the luxury watch market.
- The acquisition includes Hodinkee’s media and e-commerce site, focusing on new and vintage wristwatches.
- Hodinkee’s substantial audience base includes over 22 million unique website visitors annually and a million followers on social media.
- Watches of Switzerland plans to integrate Hodinkee’s operations, including exclusive collaborations and insurance services.
- CEO Brian Duffy and Hodinkee Founder Ben Clymer express mutual respect and alignment of vision for the luxury watch market.
In a strategic move to bolster its online footprint, Watches of Switzerland has acquired the renowned New York-based media company Hodinkee. Known for its editorial expertise on wristwatches, Hodinkee’s acquisition strengthens the London-listed retailer’s position in the luxury watch market.
Hodinkee, celebrated for its influence in both editorial and e-commerce domains of new and vintage wristwatches, boasts a highly engaged audience. The platform attracts 22.2 million unique visitors annually and enjoys a substantial social media following of over a million, providing Watches of Switzerland substantial reach in its target market.
The consolidation of Hodinkee’s current operations will see its exclusive luxury watch collaborations and commercial activities absorbed into the Watches of Switzerland’s US e-commerce platform. This integration aligns with the company’s objective to capture a greater share of the luxury watch market, particularly in the United States.
Hodinkee also brings into the fold its insurance agency business, in collaboration with global insurance provider Chubb, offering specialized coverage for luxury watches and jewelry. This added dimension will complement Watches of Switzerland’s existing services.
Expressing admiration for Hodinkee’s success, CEO Brian Duffy remarked on the long-standing respect for the Hodinkee team, highlighting the alignment in vision. Similarly, Hodinkee’s founder, Ben Clymer, acknowledged the disruptive influence Watches of Switzerland has had in watch retail, akin to Hodinkee’s innovation in editorial coverage.
The acquisition of Hodinkee by Watches of Switzerland exemplifies a forward-thinking strategy to expand digital engagement and market share in the luxury watch sector.
