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The Watches of Switzerland Group has announced the acquisition of Hodinkee, a US digital content provider for watch enthusiasts.
With a history of stewarding brands, the Watches of Switzerland Group aims to utilise its leadership role in the industry to further Hodinkee’s mission in sharing “engaging, educational and entertaining” watch content.
In line with the group’s Long-Range Plan, the acquisition will impact its leadership position by providing insight to the global watch editorial entity as well as access to one of the “most developed” communities in the industry.
As part of the acquisition, Hodinkee founder, and former CEO Ben Clymer will return to his leading position for the company, for the first time since 2020.
Hodinkee’s New York City-based headquarters will continue in its current location, with all staff retained.
Moreover, Hodinkee will run independently as a leading editorial media organisation under the Watches of Switzerland Group umbrella.
Following the announcement, the Watches of Switzerland Group’s portfolio comprises the following prestigious brands: Watches of Switzerland, Mappin and Webb, Goldsmiths, Mayors, Betteridge, Analog:Shift and Hodinkee.
The group also owns the exclusive distribution rights for Roberto Coin in the USA, Canada, Central America and the Caribbean.
Brian Duffy, CEO of the Watches of Switzerland Group, said: “The Watches of Switzerland Group prides itself on its adeptness in the retail industry. From our now common practice of lifestyle-oriented showrooms, starting with the opening of our Watches of Switzerland SoHo flagship, to our expansion with the acquisitions of Analog:Shift, Betteridge, Roberto Coin and more, the Group stays at the forefront of the luxury industry.
“As part of this strategy, we align ourselves with brands who inspire us, and whose partnership offers a mutually beneficial outcome. Hodinkee distinguishes itself in the world of horology, and while our goal is to provide Hodinkee with a home to continue to flourish, we are proud to gain valuable insights from their groundbreaking team and operation.”
Clymer added: “At its core, Hodinkee was founded on a passion for watches that has never wavered. Brian Duffy and David Hurley, both of whom I’ve known for the better part of a decade, share the passion that launched Hodinkee. I’ve seen how they have disrupted the watch retail world at scale, and I am honoured to align Hodinkee with Watches of Switzerland. I genuinely can’t wait for the future.”
