Watches of Switzerland has acquired New York-based media company Hodinkee, known for its editorial focus on wristwatches, as part of its strategy to boost online growth. The luxury watch retailer purchased the influential editorial and e-commerce site, which specialises in new and vintage wristwatches, for an undisclosed sum. Hodinkee boasts an engaged audience of 22.
2m unique annual visitors to its website and over a million social media followers. Watches of Switzerland stated that the acquisition aligns with its 'long range plan objectives' to expand its online presence and increase market share, particularly in the US, as reported by . Brian Duffy, CEO of the Watches of Switzerland Group, expressed admiration for Hodinkee, stating: "We have been avid followers of Hodinkee for many years and have long-respected Ben and his team's success in creating the undisputed destination for luxury watch enthusiasts," Ben Clymer, Founder of Hodinkee, reciprocated the sentiment, saying: " The Watches of Switzerland Group disrupted the watch retail world in the same way Hodinkee worked to create a new category for watch editorial coverage.
" Upon completion of the transaction, Hodinkee's existing commercial activities, including its exclusive luxury watch limited edition collaborations, will be integrated into the group, with all retail traffic directed to Watches of Switzerland's US ecommerce site. The deal aims to provide Watches of Switzerland with access to a highly engaged luxury wa.