The Watches of Switzerland Group has announced the acquisition of Hodinkee, the world’s foremost digital platform for horology enthusiasts.
Founded in 2008, New York-based Hodinkee has become the global epicentre for luxury timepiece aficionados. The platform boasts an impressive reach, with 22.2 million annual unique visitors and a social media following exceeding one million. Its offerings span digital, print, and video content, alongside exclusive watch collaborations and specialised insurance services.
This strategic acquisition aligns perfectly with WOSG’s Long Range Plan, which emphasises leveraging growth opportunities and expanding online sector leadership. The integration of Hodinkee’s commercial activities into WOSG’s operations is set to provide the group with access to a highly engaged, captive audience of luxury watch enthusiasts.
The acquisition, funded through existing financing facilities, is not expected to significantly impact WOSG’s leverage position. It marks a significant step in the Group’s strategy to remain at the forefront of the luxury industry, particularly in the rapidly growing US market.
With this latest addition, the Watches of Switzerland Group’s has an impressive portfolio of luxury watch retail and media including Watches of Switzerland, Mappin & Webb, Goldsmiths, Mayors, Betteridge, Hodinkee, and Analog:Shift.
“I am thrilled to have Hodinkee join the Watches of Switzerland family. 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,” said Brian Duffy, CEO of the Watches of Switzerland Group.
“With the support of the wider Group, we will enable Ben and his best-in-class editorial team to keep doing what Hodinkee does best: further expanding its passionate and loyal community by being the most authentic and authoritative voice on the industry.
“Our strategy at WOSG is focused on staying at the forefront of the luxury industry, aligning with brands which inspire us and whose partnership offers a mutually beneficial outcome. The acquisition of Hodinkee directly supports our ecommerce business, driving traffic and brand awareness across our markets, and particularly in the US, further enhancing our sector leadership online.”