MajorsSep 05, 2024
Nordstrom Family Offers to Buy Namesake Retailer for $3.8BWatchesOct 04, 2024
Watches of Switzerland Clocks Another Acquisition—Hodinkee
The company said Benjamin Clymer will return to his role as head of the watch news website, which will maintain editorial independence.
Watches of Switzerland has acquired Hodinkee, the leading watch news website founded in 2008 by Benjamin Clymer, pictured left. The site will remain editorial independence, Watches of Switzerland said, and Clymer will rejoin Hodinkee full time as president.
New York—Watches of Switzerland Group has made another acquisition and this time, it’s an editorial website popular among watch enthusiasts.
The U.K.-based retailer announced Friday that it has acquired Hodinkee as well as Hodinkee’s Insurance, which offers protection for watches and jewelry in partnership with Chubb.
The financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.
The website’s founder, Benjamin Clymer, will return to his role as leader of the platform, a position he has not held since stepping back in late 2020.
His title will be president.
Hodinkee will remain in its New York City headquarters and retain all of its current staff, which totals about 35.
Watches of Switzerland said the platform will run independently as a “leading editorial media organization” under the Watches of Switzerland Group umbrella.
“In a decision based in protecting an integral component of the industry, both teams have a shared goal in growing the global watch community and continuing Hodinkee’s journalism, ensuring the entire watch industry can continue its faith in Hodinkee’s unique voice and lens in which they present unmatched editorial content,” the company said.
Clymer said he “genuinely can’t wait for the future” under Watches of Switzerland’s ownership.
“At its core, Hodinkee was founded on a passion for watches that has never wavered. [Watches of Switzerland Group CEO] Brian Duffy and [Watches of Switzerland Group Deputy CEO] David Hurley, both of whom I’ve known for the better part of a decade, share the passion that launched Hodinkee,” he said.
“I’ve seen how they have disrupted the watch retail world at scale, and I am honored to align Hodinkee with Watches of Switzerland.”
Related stories will be right here …
The U.K.-based retailer announced Friday that it has acquired Hodinkee as well as Hodinkee’s Insurance, which offers protection for watches and jewelry in partnership with Chubb.
The financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.
The website’s founder, Benjamin Clymer, will return to his role as leader of the platform, a position he has not held since stepping back in late 2020.
His title will be president.
Hodinkee will remain in its New York City headquarters and retain all of its current staff, which totals about 35.
Watches of Switzerland said the platform will run independently as a “leading editorial media organization” under the Watches of Switzerland Group umbrella.
“In a decision based in protecting an integral component of the industry, both teams have a shared goal in growing the global watch community and continuing Hodinkee’s journalism, ensuring the entire watch industry can continue its faith in Hodinkee’s unique voice and lens in which they present unmatched editorial content,” the company said.
Clymer said he “genuinely can’t wait for the future” under Watches of Switzerland’s ownership.
“At its core, Hodinkee was founded on a passion for watches that has never wavered. [Watches of Switzerland Group CEO] Brian Duffy and [Watches of Switzerland Group Deputy CEO] David Hurley, both of whom I’ve known for the better part of a decade, share the passion that launched Hodinkee,” he said.
“I’ve seen how they have disrupted the watch retail world at scale, and I am honored to align Hodinkee with Watches of Switzerland.”
The purchase of Hodinkee is the latest in a line of major acquisitions by Watches of Switzerland.
In 2021, the British retailer bought five jewelry stores, including the Betteridge stores in Greenwich, Connecticut, and Vail and Aspen, Colorado.
Earlier this year, the company paid $130 million for the distribution rights to Roberto Coin in the United States—by far the brand’s largest market—as well as in Canada, Central America, and the Caribbean.
It also acquired Analog Shift, a retailer of pre-owned watches, in 2020.
Clymer started Hodinkee nearly two decades ago, launching it in 2008 as a blog where he could share his personal love of watches.
In an article posted on the site Friday, he said Hodinkee started as a “passion project” to indulge his “four great loves”—writing, photography, the internet, and watches.
Over the years, Hodinkee grew into one of the internet’s most widely read sites among watch enthusiasts and collectors.
The company eventually began selling watch accessories and limited-edition watches created in collaboration with big brands like Grand Seiko, Hermès, and TAG Heuer.
In 2021, it acquired Crown & Caliber, a pre-owned luxury watch e-tailer.
Crown & Caliber is not part of the Watches of Switzerland acquisition, as Hodinkee announced this summer that it would no longer sell either new or secondhand watches, a decision Clymer referenced in his letter posted Friday.
“As I said in August,” Clymer wrote, “we’re gonna sit back from retail and let our partners at Watches of Switzerland do the selling. We’ll do the writing and the special things that only we can do.
“That means we will now have more time and energy to focus on what we believe truly makes us special—the ability to inform, educate, and entertain.”
More on Watches
The Latest
TrendsApr 17, 2026
New (Groundbreaking) Floral Jewelry for Spring 2026Flower motifs are the jewelry trend blooming amongst the new collections that debuted this spring.
MajorsApr 17, 2026
QVC Group Files for Chapter 11 BankruptcyThe retailer reported an 8 percent decline in annual sales as it struggles under the weight of billions of dollars of debt.
CollectionsApr 17, 2026
Edina Kiss’ Earrings Are the Devil on Your ShoulderThe “Devil” drop earrings, our Piece of the Week, are part of designer Edina Kiss’ new namesake jewelry line that she will show at Couture.
Brought to you by
Discover Timeless Treasures: A Showcase of Antique Jewelry & Timepieces in Las VegasGain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.
CrimeApr 17, 2026
FBI Issues Warning to Refineries, Retailers Due to High Price of GoldThe alert states that burglary crews are targeting jewelry businesses and details how jewelers and refineries can protect themselves.
Weekly QuizApr 16, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
IndependentsApr 16, 2026
Edge Retail Academy Updates Leadership TeamAs demand for jewelry retail coaching grows, the company has established a dedicated business coaching leadership team.
MajorsApr 16, 2026
Stuller’s Latest Mountings Catalog Is Out NowThe “Mountings 2026-2027” catalog showcases Stuller’s largest and most diverse assortment to date with more than 400 new mounting styles.
Brought to you by
Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch Show: Showcasing the Most Collectible Merchandise from Across the GlobeGain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.
PodcastsApr 15, 2026
Episode 4: The Natural Diamond DilemmaSally Morrison and Mark Klein discuss De Beers’ first beacon in 16 years and the mistake the industry made with lab-grown diamonds.
MajorsApr 15, 2026
Spark Creations’ Randy McKenzie Dies at 72 McKenzie spent 45 years with Spark Creations and is remembered for being kind, dedicated, and hardworking.
FinancialsApr 15, 2026
Kering’s Jewelry Shines in Q1, Gucci’s Struggle ContinuesThe luxury giant discussed the Middle East conflict and its transformation plans, hinting at a stronger jewelry presence in North America.
SourcingApr 15, 2026
Diamond Club West Coast Names 2026 BoardKalpesh Jhaveri was re-elected as president for a third year.
TechnologyApr 15, 2026
This Jewelry Brand’s Video Series Is Up for a Webby Award“Diamond Divas,” a social media reality series by Shahla Karimi Jewelry, is nominated in the “Best Social: Fashion & Beauty” category.
SourcingApr 14, 2026
De Beers Expands ‘Desert Diamonds’ Beacon Into BridalThe campaign seeks to reignite desire for natural diamond engagement rings by highlighting the “distinct character” of warm-toned diamonds.
FinancialsApr 14, 2026
LVMH’s Q1 Sales Sink 6% Amid Middle East ConflictPlus, how Saks Global’s bankruptcy affected the luxury giant’s first quarter.
SourcingApr 14, 2026
International Jade Summit to Return to MontereyPresented by Mason-Kay Jade, the summit, in its second year, will again be held during the Monterey Bay Jade Festival.
Events & AwardsApr 14, 2026
CBG Releases Details for Las Vegas ShowThe group has announced its lineup of speakers and a new “Rising Stars” pavilion.
CollectionsApr 13, 2026
Uniform Object’s New Jewelry Collection Centers on the ‘Carbon Form’The “Carbon Form” collection explores the contrast between high and low materials, using rubber cord alongside 18-karat gold and gemstones.
Events & AwardsApr 13, 2026
JA Accepting 2026 Impact Initiative ApplicationsThe program provides essential funding to organizations for projects that enhance the jewelry industry.
Events & AwardsApr 13, 2026
Couture Announces New Show in MiamiThe jewelry trade show is launching its first open-to-the-public event in Coconut Grove this November.
CrimeApr 13, 2026
JSA Offers Reward in Oregon Jewelry Store Armed RobberyJSA is seeking information about the gunpoint robbery of a Kay Jewelers location in Oregon’s Washington Square Mall.
WatchesApr 10, 2026
These Watches Have Increased in Value the Most Since 2018, Says Chrono24The top-performing watch models may be surprising, with Rolex and several popular pandemic-era picks notably absent from the top 20.
CollectionsApr 10, 2026
Ophelia Eve’s Toggle Pendant Holds Your SecretsThe “Scroll” toggle pendant, our Piece of the Week, opens to reveal a hidden message, mantra, or love letter written on washi paper.
ColumnistsApr 09, 2026
Jewelry Demand Isn’t Stronger, Prices Are Just Higher Jewelers who misinterpret the state of the jewelry market risk employing the wrong retail strategy, cautions columnist Sherry Smith.
MajorsApr 09, 2026
Tiffany & Co. Promotes Nathalie Verdeille to SVP, Chief Artistic OfficerIn her newly expanded role, she will continue to oversee the jewelry category, as well as watches, home, and accessories.
WatchesApr 09, 2026
Jacob & Co. Rolls Out Its Sequel to ‘The Godfather’ Musical Watch“The Godfather II” watch plays two melodies from the mob film’s score, “The Godfather’s Waltz” and “The Godfather Love Theme.”
Events & AwardsApr 09, 2026
JCK Announces Jesse Itzler as 2026 Keynote SpeakerOrganizers have also introduced the new JCK Talks Signature Series, as well as an offering of watch-focused workshops and lectures.
