Watches of Switzerland has acquired global digital content platform Hodinkee as part of its strategy to be “at the forefront of the luxury industry”.

The luxury watch specialist said it expects the deal to enhance “its capability to capture market share, particularly in the fast growing US market”.

Hodinkee, founded in 2008, has become a global destination for luxury watch enthusiasts offer digital print and video content. It attracts 22.2 million annual unique visitors and has over 1 million social media followers.

Watches of Switzerland said it will integrate the platform’s existing commercial activities, including its exclusive luxury watch limited edition collaborations, with all retail traffic directed to Watches of Switzerland’s US ecommerce site.

Hodinkee will retain its editorial independence and the platform’s founder Ben Clymer will return to lead the operations after stepping down as CEO in December 2020.

Watches of Switzerland Group chief executive Brian Duffy said: ” 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.

“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.”

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