Watches of Switzerland sell *everything* they’re not going to do puff pieces for Richmont and LVMH solely as they’ve done for years, even before the investment in 2020
@@wandjulli1 Because WOS carries so many more brands...back when LVMH owned them, at least their biases were somewhat limited to TAG, Bulgari, Hublot, and Zenith. Now every watch article will be an ad for WOS...every review will be washed out with fluff and BS. Or maybe this is nothing new for Hodinkee...
One clear example of the level at which Hodinkee has fallen behind other watch sites was yesterday's Omega FOIS launch. Hodinkee had a few stock press photos, and no original content. Monochrome had an extended piece on the history of Omega in space, and the Fratello site had more than a dozen hands-on original photos up close of all parts of the watch, wrist shots, and bracelet details. What does Hodinkee bring that i can't see on the Omega site or all over my Instagram feed? Lately, not much.
Wow! This is really telling. The fact that they are just parroting the stock press release is symptomatic of the direction Hodinkee has been heading for some time.
It kinda feels like that. I hope it doesn't end up like that - but like I said, WOS isn't a charity. I don't think they made the acquisition to allow full independent journalism.
@@BrittPearceWatches but did you ever get the sense they Hodinkee was providing independent journalism. Can you cite to a single review where they heavily criticized a watch?
Hodinkee captured a moment in time. That time has passed. The watch collecting sub-culture has matured as all sub-cultures do. The short hand and dialog they created and fostered became commoditized.
Don't care much for the high fashion focus of Hodinkee in recent years, however the era of Hodinkee interviewing absurdly rich aristocrats in Monaco with a table full of vintage Pateks was equally as insufferable. IMO
Clymer spent half of his announcement bragging about his past glory from 5 years ago instead of addressing how he will be an objective journalist when he is owned by a retail outfit. Same fail when they tried sell watches and report on watches! This is simply an acknowledgment that they cannot make it as a stand alone watch journalist.
You could overthink the lack of journalism. I’m sure they will be positive in reviews, as they are selling watches. But if they are beholden to a generalist that’s sells many brands, they can still form opinions. So much UA-cam content is press releases mixed in with brand footage, or trips paid for by PR departments, not sure how much truly independent journalism there is. These are just watches. We are not asking for a political review of the Middle East.
I get my watch info from independent YT Watch Journalists like you and several others. I have rarely looked up anything on the establishment magazines. So, this acquisition is of little consequence to me. I think I am getting good information. 😎⌚️🍸
This has me INCREDIBLY apprehensive. It's impossible they won't see massive changes, as the WOSG shareholders will demand a return on their investment. It always happens, no matter what they say.
Congrats to Hondinkee execs on landing this deal (any deal) given their trajectory as of late. Just from an outsider looking in of course. WoS gaining SEO presence at value
Hodinkee’s “journalistic” credibility went away with their “culture” /“fashion” pieces. Jack Forster left some time ago when he felt the shift. He went to a watch merchant.
Congratulations to the only watch channel I’m subscribed to. I don’t usually post bad reviews but the rest have fallen into the gutter. Thanks Britt for sticking with your morals.🙏💯🎉
Watches of Switzerland's own share price has fallen pretty heavily over the last 3 years, I am surprised the senior management thought this was a good use of their funds
Of course we NEED your next video on Hodinkee. We are the outsiders, the common folk. We need all the info we can get. Watches are expensive and we can’t afford to err!
I'm not sure if this acquisition is a good or bad thing. But, I've always had a good buying experience with WoS. The employees overall are professional and friendly.
Well done thanks for sharing this update and nice summary! Well let’s all think about it: we tap into the forums and select YTers to get objective (and subjective) reviews, there is barely a single review on H that has negative or neutral sentiment. Plain and simple selling watches creates a conflict of interest with editorial. Theo and Harris is a prime example but that’s because they are keen on pitching to brands (“love letters to XXX”) so they can sell their communications and asset production services. Which sites do you feel are still maintaining integrity? Perhaps Monochrome, Fratello maybe, The truth about watches and ….?
Good move for WoS and Hodinkee. They have created an in-house magazine on the cheap. I agree with Britt - Hodinkee must have been sold at a fire sale price. My prediction - Ben will quit again. Hope he’s getting paid well because his original vision and the magazine were awesome. Bad for readers looking for independent journalism.
I'd love to see an 8 part documentary on the rise and fall. One episode could be made on just the travel clock fiasco. On the other hand I love Tony Traina and wish only the best for him
This might be positive in the end, Hodinkee was already a mouth piece for the Swiss industry so not much will change in that regard, what might be good is the more editorial focus instead of also trying to be a store alongside.
Watches of Switzerland can be rather frosty at times. Trying on a Speedmaster Dark Side of the Moon and Longines Avigation Big Eye was like I needed verified assets and M Level Security Clearance, whereas boutiques such as A. Lange & Söhne, Jaeger-LeCoultre, and Tourneau welcomed customers to try on inventory and ask questions. So, Hodinkee is going to remain constipated.
We recently visited the A Lange & Sohne flagship (I think) store in Dresden and for the second time got stared at the whole time by a security guard they called in to stare at us through the window. (Must look dodgy 😂). By far the worse retail experience I’ve ever had.
@@watchpapiI literally got followed around a Bucherer once with my mum and aunt. It’s not like they don’t get clients wearing streetwear now, but they’re more classy and stylish than me! Even the manager clearly knowing me wasn’t enough. Watchfinder make you give ID before you can try on watches 😂
@@watchpapi Sorry to hear that. I suppose that the experience is not uniform at each location. I know that the same Watches of Switzerland I referenced had different experiences on different days on account of a different salesman. I am guessing that the region can also make a difference. Germans are usually cagey when foreigners enter their stores, or so my experiences have been. Southern California was a pleasant surprise when compared to the Midwest and Manhattan. Nonetheless, Watches of Switzerland is NOT my favorite retailer, and Hodinkee is going to be a mouthpiece for a subpar buying experience. Expect new articles for watches that constitute their entire inventory.
Great video but I be bullshiting if I said I was the least bit concerned about Hodinkee. I haven't followed them for years now but I did enjoy the early years of Hodinkee
Stopped watching Hodinkee a few years ago, besides some of their recent Talking Watches which I couldn't even finish. Thanks for your take Britt, it cleared a lot up for me. You know , when you can't quite put your finger on it.
I appreciate how you respectfully communicated your thoughts on this, Gringa. So many haters out there. That’s too easy. HODINKEE is complicated. Arguably none of this exists without their influence. While it’s certainly fair to criticize them on multiple levels, let’s keep it respectful and with perspective.
BP, T4YC: If WoS handle this well, and (as I suspect) didn't pay huge amounts, this is a genius move. Hodinkee still has a big presence, and everything went a bit wrong in the boom. Commerciality is always a creeping "tide", and basically shows the underlying success of the sector. Everyone, please give them a fair try.
I liked Jack ! It seems the more they grew the more distanced from their fans they got. The collectors who showed their collections were so wealthy I couldn't relate. Still , blessings to all .
Hi. "The Downfall of Hodinkee" would be a really good video that you could do. I'm sure you would do such a video in the right manner, and it would be interesting and respectful. Go for it. Or, at least think about it. Yes, we all love Hodinkee. Only you could do such a video and it would not be necessary all negative either. Real. Accurate. Do it creatively. It would be a great project for you and I'm sure a lot of work, yet in the end, you and all of us will be glad that you did it! Cha cha!
I'm probably cynical but as a freelancer, I assume that everyone is selling something whether it's obvious or not. How about a little Britt merchandise? Keep up the great work!
Everyone is biased . . . the question is one of honesty. Are you giving your opinion, which people (one hopes) respect, or are you flogging a product because you've been paid to do so? There are reviewers, and there are "influencers", and people really resent when the latter pretend to be the former. As for WoS, I think they'll be satisfied if Hodinkee more or less breaks even. What they want is an enthusiast publication/website that keeps people interested and excited about watches in general. Making people want what you're selling is never a bad idea, and WoS sells so many brands (not just Swiss - you can get a Grand Seiko or an A. Lange from them) that they'll benefit from 80% of Hodinkee's content, even if they don't exert editorial control. (In any event, the writers do need watches in hand ... and guess who's going to provide them?)
I have watched a Hodinkee podcast broadcast in the last two days. It includes three of their journalists and it sounded quite independent and honest at least to me. I have been collecting for a while and I own a significant collection, they have resonated with many of my hands on experience. I cannot however about for every podcast and publication they've had, but I have read quite a few that were really good.
Hodinkee articles were just some different photos from the brand PR articles and some specs in an easy spot. Don't read them. Checked them only for some more shots of a certain watch or because google led me there for the specs. Wouldn't miss them if they disappeared. And logically that they get the best access given that they are part of the PR team.
I’d voting yes - that I’d love to see a thorough breakdown of what Hodinkee is, what it stands for and what/how it all went wrong. I’m newish the watch enthusiast game (about a year), so I’m pretty out of context with Hodinkee’s *full* arc. As from what I’ve watched on their UA-cam channel has been awesome, so I must be missing a lot of things lol
Tbh I think ppl are overreacting a bit. H hadn’t been independent or unbiased since LVMH put in some money a few years ago. At least now with WoS, they can be biased towards more brands as opposed to just LVMH brands? Then again I bought most of my watches through WoS soho so I might be hella biased as well 😂
I wonder if WoS is doing this in reaction to Rolex buying Bucherer. Like if Rolex is going to buy up a lot of physical retail, WoS has to compete by moving further into online retail?
You, Watch Gringa introduced me to ‘Hodrinkee’ 🍸 in your early vids. And as such, always treated the ‘dinkee with a pinch of ‘high brow’ skepticism. Now they are swallowed up by ‘Scotches of Switzerland’. 😂 As always, love ur vids Brit. keep up the good, honest work. 😊
I wouldn’t make a video about Hodinkee Britt. There’s every possibility that they could sue. In doing what they’ve done, they have destroyed their credibility with genuine watch enthusiasts anyway!
I view this as a necessary and positive step for Hodinkee. They needed a partner with deep pockets to help them get out of the muck and move forward. Ben being back at the helm is a good sign, even if he is accountable to WoS. Hodinkee will need to restore its credibility in order to succeed. Time will tell.
ben grabbed on to whats left of hodinkee. for some time it was a brand name in the watch world. but, ben let the fame and limelight get the best of him and he forgot about the core business. hence, where we are today...
Britt captured my apprehension with Watches of Switzerland buying Hodinkee this week. The first real test will be when/if Hodinkee can write a "negative" article about why they do not like a feature or model about Rolex which conflicts with Rolex retail sales at WoS. Tim Mosso used to be able to talk about Rolex on his Watches Tonight channel, until Tim shared with us that Rolex will not let him talk about Rolex because The 1916 Corporation signed a contract to remain an AD for Rolex. One thing I wish Hodinkee would improve is its podcasts. Maybe because of the job cuts, but having a panel of Hodinkee writers discuss watches is like watching paint dry.
I don't think your lane is to comment what Hodinkee is, was or should be. Your doing pretty good being who you are, stay on track and you'll be just fine.
Eh, Hodinkee. They so deserved their downfall! Trying to become a pretentious lifestyle brand. And hooking up with those two bubblegum singers Mayer (that pompous so and so!) and Sheeran 😬 that really was the last straw! Maybe now after this purchase, they’ll go back (yet again) to their unbiased roots (though being purchased by a company that sells watches, is not encouraging) And maybe I’ll start checking out their articles again…maybe 😒
Hopefully this means we’ll get the “hey hoe-drinkee” videos regularly now! Tbh I don’t see this changing anything or if it does it’ll be for the better. WoS won’t take bribes from LVMH/Richmont but will probably have to be diplomatic about everything a la Watchbox. (I refuse to call it “the 1916 company”)
I would be interested to hear what really happened behind the scenes here. Clymer's post today was interesting in what it said and how it was written, almost like a triumphant return. Given a part of this deal involves Clymer returning after having left, I wonder if it was almost a hostile takeover. Previous coverage suggested (unconfirmed) that Clymer cashed out (i.e. sold his shares to the new investors, rather than diluting as is typical) when they raised in 2020 and brought in a new CEO. I wonder if Clymer didn't like what happened to Hodinkee since he left, and approached WoS with an offer to orchestrate a takeover subject to him regaining control of it (or something like that).
It's true! Humans will NEVER be unbiased! BUUUUUT we are always trying to limit our biases. Being independent is always best - the least amount of conflict of interests. But you're so right - there isn't a single human out there who is unbiased! But... We try!
There's levels, though. Let's not pretend it's binary. I'd trust Britt's take any day over Hodinkee's at this point. Their reviews will be heavily washed out by WOS for any brand they carry.
maybe WOS is trying to steal H.Moser’s move? it doesn’t have to be unbiased, it can be upfront paid promotion… when Andrew Morgan reprised his talking hands for H.Mosier neither were pretending to be unbiased reviews but bringing a familiarity to the presentation of a product?
Ben Clymer is a fraud. Just last month he wrote that Hodinkee is getting rid of new and used watch sales for the good of their viewers. Bull!! They had to get rid of those so they can make the sale to the biggest Watch retailer
Sadly, I think it will be hard to get to the level of Hodinkee when I started in the hobby in late 2018. They had legends or future legends writing for them, on the podcast, etc. James Stacey is still there, and I would love to see Ben writing occasionally, but it just won't be the same. It truly was the dream team at one point. No shade thrown on current staff (Tony Traina is solid), but it's not got that same magic. I did not realize Ben had stepped so far away from the running of the business. I had hoped the exiting of their retail business (in hindsight, all leading up to this announcement) would lead to more objectivity in editorial. I don't think they're necessarily being biased, but it's hard to criticize quite everything when you're also trying to sell the watches. This change does jeopardize that a bit. Although Hodinkee is no longer a mom & pop website, I still feel a little like when my local enthusiast owned AD was purchased by WoS. It's still nice, but they lost a few enthusiast brands (gaining Doxa is great though). It's just not quite the same feeling when I go in there.
Whenever an independent media publication in any industry sells to a new owner, a great wringing of hands reliably ensues because we all assume that ownership drives editorial. It sometimes does and it can reduce the media company to being the propaganda arm of its new owner. When a hedge fund known for budget cuts bought Tribune Publishing, the talent headed for the doors and the quality suffered. But when billionaires bought the Atlantic, The New Republic, or the Washington Post, they invested in better journalism and the quality improved. Will WOS allow Hodinkee independence? Can Hodinkee criticize WOS? We'll see, but if WOS is smart, they will grow Hodinkee, out-Mosso Mosso and out-Baldasare Teddy, and monetize the resulting traffic. Fundamentally however, Hodinkee badly needed a new owner. I would be surprised if WOS paid much for them: 2.5m uniques/month is not that valuable a web property, even if many of its visitors are super devoted. After all, luxury mechanical watches are a niche, shrinking market despite our collective affection/addiction.
Hodinkee tried some things that didn’t work out and made some decisions that alienated them from many of their most ardent supporters, including more or less attacking and/or shaming. Hodinkee is a victim of the sometimes very destructive business adage, “if you’re not growing, you’re dying”. You’ve gotta support all that growing overhead and the ballooning expectations. This all very sad. Perhaps they will be allowed to be functionally independent but time will tell.
I was late to Hoodinkee & never saw them as anything other than a gate keeping eliteist fashion steered marketing facade, Jack Fatty Foster in paticular comesacross as a helpless creep & psued. Not in print but in person, I think part of the problem was a time went on people like BEN & Jack became better known & bearing in mind their terrible personalities, more & more unpopular.
I am skeptical this ends up changing much for readers. They go from being a watch retailer to being owned by one. Watches of Switzerland wants something here and Hodinkee being purely objective doesn't seem to advance those wants in my view. I also don't see why Ben being in charge means much versus the decision (already made) to stop with all the lifestyle brand content.
When Jack Forster jumped to WatchBox, the writing was on the wall. Clymer is spinning. If he wanted to get back to Hodinkee’s editorial roots, he could have done that without a hostile takeover. Like many in watch journalism, Hodinkee was bought and paid for a long time ago.
britt what if WOS has a turn around by hoodinkee and they re able to bring about a positive change!!!! dont be such a pessimist!!!! its like caitlin clark in the wnba now may be even you as an independent creator could work simultaneously for lets say a big consortium or even a boutique selection of watchmakers ....
I am not a fan of watches of Switzerland and haven’t been a fan of hodinkee for a long time so it doesn’t really matter to me. I walked into a watches of Switzerland store and was followed around the whole time I was in there but nothing was for sale. No interest. Their preferred clientele is certainly not me.
Any journalistic integrity that Hodinkee MIGHT have had is certainly gone now.
Why tho? I rather have them in the Hands of a Watch retailer (WoS) then as actual watch brand (LVMH)
Watches of Switzerland sell *everything* they’re not going to do puff pieces for Richmont and LVMH solely as they’ve done for years, even before the investment in 2020
@@wandjulli1 WOSG has not much integrity anyway...
It's pretty concerning. It's too much of a conflict of interest.
@@wandjulli1 Because WOS carries so many more brands...back when LVMH owned them, at least their biases were somewhat limited to TAG, Bulgari, Hublot, and Zenith. Now every watch article will be an ad for WOS...every review will be washed out with fluff and BS. Or maybe this is nothing new for Hodinkee...
One clear example of the level at which Hodinkee has fallen behind other watch sites was yesterday's Omega FOIS launch. Hodinkee had a few stock press photos, and no original content. Monochrome had an extended piece on the history of Omega in space, and the Fratello site had more than a dozen hands-on original photos up close of all parts of the watch, wrist shots, and bracelet details. What does Hodinkee bring that i can't see on the Omega site or all over my Instagram feed? Lately, not much.
agree it is probably not a viable business model anymore, thus where we are...
Wow! This is really telling. The fact that they are just parroting the stock press release is symptomatic of the direction Hodinkee has been heading for some time.
Amazing that the guy who ran the ship onto the rocks is still the boss. Clymer/Climber.
founder privilege , not a bad thing IMO
Hodinkee becoming a branch of WoS’s marketing department then.
It kinda feels like that. I hope it doesn't end up like that - but like I said, WOS isn't a charity. I don't think they made the acquisition to allow full independent journalism.
Talking Watches is a just a sales pitch 🤮
@@BrittPearceWatches but did you ever get the sense they Hodinkee was providing independent journalism. Can you cite to a single review where they heavily criticized a watch?
They already were for different watch brands. Nothing changes thus
Hodinkee captured a moment in time. That time has passed. The watch collecting sub-culture has matured as all sub-cultures do. The short hand and dialog they created and fostered became commoditized.
I always felt like Hodinkee just commoditized the passion found in watch forums (PuristPro,TimeZone, WuS...).
This is perfectly said!
Harsh, but fair.
Capitalism’s inevitable race towards monopoly and less genuine choice for the consumer!
Commodified.
Don't care much for the high fashion focus of Hodinkee in recent years, however the era of Hodinkee interviewing absurdly rich aristocrats in Monaco with a table full of vintage Pateks was equally as insufferable. IMO
I stopped following Hodinkee somewhere around the time when they started selling that $5000 alarm clock.
For me it was article with wife sharing. It’s been a long time coming.
@@chateaubullion2560 it was their “Stalingrad”
But but goat skin! But seriously, same here
Clymer spent half of his announcement bragging about his past glory from 5 years ago instead of addressing how he will be an objective journalist when he is owned by a retail outfit. Same fail when they tried sell watches and report on watches! This is simply an acknowledgment that they cannot make it as a stand alone watch journalist.
It was clear from the beginning that Clymer would sell out the moment he got a sniff of real money. He wants to be "rich" so bad
There's no objective journalism, all are owned by someone (standfast the BBC to an extent)
Clymer will be able to buy another vintage Porsche. Congrats!
Welcome to the 2020s, where media companies get bought by the companies they report on 😑
Let’s be honest it used to happen through advertising before
You could overthink the lack of journalism. I’m sure they will be positive in reviews, as they are selling watches. But if they are beholden to a generalist that’s sells many brands, they can still form opinions. So much UA-cam content is press releases mixed in with brand footage, or trips paid for by PR departments, not sure how much truly independent journalism there is. These are just watches. We are not asking for a political review of the Middle East.
I get my watch info from independent YT Watch Journalists like you and several others. I have rarely looked up anything on the establishment magazines. So, this acquisition is of little consequence to me. I think I am getting good information. 😎⌚️🍸
This has me INCREDIBLY apprehensive. It's impossible they won't see massive changes, as the WOSG shareholders will demand a return on their investment. It always happens, no matter what they say.
Yup! I agree completely Jorge! I suppose you have a special insight into WOS as well!
@@BrittPearceWatches 100%! EVERYTHING is shareholder, profit and margin driven. All the time
Who cares. Watches is a business not a charity we are all customers 😭
@@robc8892 and the biggest media source being owned by the largest retailer is BAD
Hodinkee died with the $5,000 travel clock
Some consider it their pinnacle 😂
Fine example of deep horology
Congrats to Hondinkee execs on landing this deal (any deal) given their trajectory as of late. Just from an outsider looking in of course. WoS gaining SEO presence at value
Right?! It's been a bit.... Rocky lately. ;) They must have picked them up for a song!
Hodinkee is the TMZ of watch publications while Ben posts about his high-class lifestyle on Instagram and it's all just so gross.
Hodinkee’s “journalistic” credibility went away with their “culture” /“fashion” pieces. Jack Forster left some time ago when he felt the shift. He went to a watch merchant.
Congratulations to the only watch channel I’m subscribed to. I don’t usually post bad reviews but the rest have fallen into the gutter. Thanks Britt for sticking with your morals.🙏💯🎉
Still waiting on a Eight-day Travel Clock x Hublot collab 😎
I think this is a play by WOS to try and counter Bucherer/Tourneau being bought by Rolex & the whole Rolex CPO thing.
Watches of Switzerland's own share price has fallen pretty heavily over the last 3 years, I am surprised the senior management thought this was a good use of their funds
Of course we NEED your next video on Hodinkee. We are the outsiders, the common folk. We need all the info we can get. Watches are expensive and we can’t afford to err!
Hodinkee sounds like a rabbithole for watch enthusiasts and now, with the sell off, they have made it. Well done.
I'm not sure if this acquisition is a good or bad thing. But, I've always had a good buying experience with WoS.
The employees overall are professional and friendly.
Well done thanks for sharing this update and nice summary! Well let’s all think about it: we tap into the forums and select YTers to get objective (and subjective) reviews, there is barely a single review on H that has negative or neutral sentiment. Plain and simple selling watches creates a conflict of interest with editorial. Theo and Harris is a prime example but that’s because they are keen on pitching to brands (“love letters to XXX”) so they can sell their communications and asset production services. Which sites do you feel are still maintaining integrity? Perhaps Monochrome, Fratello maybe, The truth about watches and ….?
Good move for WoS and Hodinkee. They have created an in-house magazine on the cheap. I agree with Britt - Hodinkee must have been sold at a fire sale price. My prediction - Ben will quit again. Hope he’s getting paid well because his original vision and the magazine were awesome.
Bad for readers looking for independent journalism.
I'd love to see an 8 part documentary on the rise and fall. One episode could be made on just the travel clock fiasco.
On the other hand I love Tony Traina and wish only the best for him
This might be positive in the end, Hodinkee was already a mouth piece for the Swiss industry so not much will change in that regard, what might be good is the more editorial focus instead of also trying to be a store alongside.
Watches of Switzerland can be rather frosty at times.
Trying on a Speedmaster Dark Side of the Moon and Longines Avigation Big Eye was like I needed verified assets and M Level Security Clearance, whereas boutiques such as A. Lange & Söhne, Jaeger-LeCoultre, and Tourneau welcomed customers to try on inventory and ask questions.
So, Hodinkee is going to remain constipated.
We recently visited the A Lange & Sohne flagship (I think) store in Dresden and for the second time got stared at the whole time by a security guard they called in to stare at us through the window. (Must look dodgy 😂). By far the worse retail experience I’ve ever had.
@@watchpapiI literally got followed around a Bucherer once with my mum and aunt. It’s not like they don’t get clients wearing streetwear now, but they’re more classy and stylish than me!
Even the manager clearly knowing me wasn’t enough.
Watchfinder make you give ID before you can try on watches 😂
@@Cull_Obsidian 🤦🏻🤦🏻🤣🤣
@@watchpapi
Sorry to hear that.
I suppose that the experience is not uniform at each location.
I know that the same Watches of Switzerland I referenced had different experiences on different days on account of a different salesman.
I am guessing that the region can also make a difference.
Germans are usually cagey when foreigners enter their stores, or so my experiences have been.
Southern California was a pleasant surprise when compared to the Midwest and Manhattan.
Nonetheless, Watches of Switzerland is NOT my favorite retailer, and Hodinkee is going to be a mouthpiece for a subpar buying experience.
Expect new articles for watches that constitute their entire inventory.
@@Swiss_Army_Knife1780 to your last point… absolutely!…. This is the way.
Great video but I be bullshiting if I said I was the least bit concerned about Hodinkee. I haven't followed them for years now but I did enjoy the early years of Hodinkee
Stopped watching Hodinkee a few years ago, besides some of their recent Talking Watches which I couldn't even finish. Thanks for your take Britt, it cleared a lot up for me. You know , when you can't quite put your finger on it.
But...Isn't almost every editorial watch platform doing paid reviewing?
Once again, the industry is chasing Tim Mosso. Next LE will come with lime green cycling shades
Britt, Your video was informative. Dink on the brink? TBD. I'm wondering what will happen to the insurance. Best part imo.
I appreciate how you respectfully communicated your thoughts on this, Gringa. So many haters out there. That’s too easy. HODINKEE is complicated. Arguably none of this exists without their influence. While it’s certainly fair to criticize them on multiple levels, let’s keep it respectful and with perspective.
As Ben Clymer put it in his article on the Dink’ : people, this is not a charity.
BP, T4YC: If WoS handle this well, and (as I suspect) didn't pay huge amounts, this is a genius move. Hodinkee still has a big presence, and everything went a bit wrong in the boom. Commerciality is always a creeping "tide", and basically shows the underlying success of the sector.
Everyone, please give them a fair try.
Beautiful honest episode unlike most chanels in the scene. many thanks for not belonging to the herd .
With huge appreciation
Nizar
I liked Jack ! It seems the more they grew the more distanced from their fans they got. The collectors who showed their collections were so wealthy I couldn't relate. Still , blessings to all .
Hi. "The Downfall of Hodinkee" would be a really good video that you could do. I'm sure you would do such a video in the right manner, and it would be interesting and respectful. Go for it. Or, at least think about it. Yes, we all love Hodinkee. Only you could do such a video and it would not be necessary all negative either. Real. Accurate. Do it creatively. It would be a great project for you and I'm sure a lot of work, yet in the end, you and all of us will be glad that you did it! Cha cha!
I'm probably cynical but as a freelancer, I assume that everyone is selling something whether it's obvious or not. How about a little Britt merchandise? Keep up the great work!
I’d trust Timepiece Gentleman more than Hodinkee.
🤣🤣🤣
Everyone is biased . . . the question is one of honesty. Are you giving your opinion, which people (one hopes) respect, or are you flogging a product because you've been paid to do so? There are reviewers, and there are "influencers", and people really resent when the latter pretend to be the former.
As for WoS, I think they'll be satisfied if Hodinkee more or less breaks even. What they want is an enthusiast publication/website that keeps people interested and excited about watches in general. Making people want what you're selling is never a bad idea, and WoS sells so many brands (not just Swiss - you can get a Grand Seiko or an A. Lange from them) that they'll benefit from 80% of Hodinkee's content, even if they don't exert editorial control. (In any event, the writers do need watches in hand ... and guess who's going to provide them?)
I have watched a Hodinkee podcast broadcast in the last two days. It includes three of their journalists and it sounded quite independent and honest at least to me. I have been collecting for a while and I own a significant collection, they have resonated with many of my hands on experience. I cannot however about for every podcast and publication they've had, but I have read quite a few that were really good.
Hodinkee articles were just some different photos from the brand PR articles and some specs in an easy spot.
Don't read them.
Checked them only for some more shots of a certain watch or because google led me there for the specs.
Wouldn't miss them if they disappeared.
And logically that they get the best access given that they are part of the PR team.
Hoe Dinky
I’d voting yes - that I’d love to see a thorough breakdown of what Hodinkee is, what it stands for and what/how it all went wrong. I’m newish the watch enthusiast game (about a year), so I’m pretty out of context with Hodinkee’s *full* arc. As from what I’ve watched on their UA-cam channel has been awesome, so I must be missing a lot of things lol
The conflict of interest is laughable and Hodinkee’s downfall began years ago. Indeed, they had potential but succumb to poor decisions and greed.
Tbh I think ppl are overreacting a bit. H hadn’t been independent or unbiased since LVMH put in some money a few years ago. At least now with WoS, they can be biased towards more brands as opposed to just LVMH brands? Then again I bought most of my watches through WoS soho so I might be hella biased as well 😂
I wonder if WoS is doing this in reaction to Rolex buying Bucherer. Like if Rolex is going to buy up a lot of physical retail, WoS has to compete by moving further into online retail?
You might as well have titled the video: Watches Of Switzerland adds marketing branch.
Maybe we should start paying for our watch content, or keep the discussions person-to-person on forums.
Awesome reflection. Thank you, Britt. And yes, you should make that video!
You, Watch Gringa introduced me to ‘Hodrinkee’ 🍸 in your early vids. And as such, always treated the ‘dinkee with a pinch of ‘high brow’ skepticism. Now they are swallowed up by ‘Scotches of Switzerland’. 😂
As always, love ur vids Brit. keep up the good, honest work. 😊
I wouldn’t make a video about Hodinkee Britt. There’s every possibility that they could sue. In doing what they’ve done, they have destroyed their credibility with genuine watch enthusiasts anyway!
I view this as a necessary and positive step for Hodinkee. They needed a partner with deep pockets to help them get out of the muck and move forward. Ben being back at the helm is a good sign, even if he is accountable to WoS. Hodinkee will need to restore its credibility in order to succeed. Time will tell.
ben grabbed on to whats left of hodinkee. for some time it was a brand name in the watch world. but, ben let the fame and limelight get the best of him and he forgot about the core business. hence, where we are today...
Another case of if you can’t control them,buy them..
Bigger question is:
Has WoS made any offers for the Hoe-Drinky brand???
L O L. They can’t afford Hoe-Drinkee!
How did you manage to make this video sound simultaneously as scripted but also so disorganized?
It’s a skill.
Awesome 👏 Your thumbnail says it all 😅
Britt captured my apprehension with Watches of Switzerland buying Hodinkee this week. The first real test will be when/if Hodinkee can write a "negative" article about why they do not like a feature or model about Rolex which conflicts with Rolex retail sales at WoS. Tim Mosso used to be able to talk about Rolex on his Watches Tonight channel, until Tim shared with us that Rolex will not let him talk about Rolex because The 1916 Corporation signed a contract to remain an AD for Rolex. One thing I wish Hodinkee would improve is its podcasts. Maybe because of the job cuts, but having a panel of Hodinkee writers discuss watches is like watching paint dry.
You’re not the riff-raff anymore Britt, especially at 246k subscribers… Let’s go 250k!
I share your feelings about Hodinkee a hundred percent 💯
Great nuance and complete video Britt!
Once the content is that of the publication, all should be well. But we all know what comes from the top is what will be published.
I don't think your lane is to comment what Hodinkee is, was or should be. Your doing pretty good being who you are, stay on track and you'll be just fine.
Eh, Hodinkee. They so deserved their downfall! Trying to become a pretentious lifestyle brand. And hooking up with those two bubblegum singers Mayer (that pompous so and so!) and Sheeran 😬 that really was the last straw! Maybe now after this purchase, they’ll go back (yet again) to their unbiased roots (though being purchased by a company that sells watches, is not encouraging) And maybe I’ll start checking out their articles again…maybe 😒
Hopefully this means we’ll get the “hey hoe-drinkee” videos regularly now!
Tbh I don’t see this changing anything or if it does it’ll be for the better. WoS won’t take bribes from LVMH/Richmont but will probably have to be diplomatic about everything a la Watchbox. (I refuse to call it “the 1916 company”)
I would be interested to hear what really happened behind the scenes here. Clymer's post today was interesting in what it said and how it was written, almost like a triumphant return. Given a part of this deal involves Clymer returning after having left, I wonder if it was almost a hostile takeover. Previous coverage suggested (unconfirmed) that Clymer cashed out (i.e. sold his shares to the new investors, rather than diluting as is typical) when they raised in 2020 and brought in a new CEO. I wonder if Clymer didn't like what happened to Hodinkee since he left, and approached WoS with an offer to orchestrate a takeover subject to him regaining control of it (or something like that).
Blows my mind to see how ablogtowatch is thriving despite its clunky and old fashioned style. Old school publication is still the best I guess.
Two not particularly likable brands - huh
There are NO unbiased reviewers out there. Including you Britt. Its human nature.
It's true! Humans will NEVER be unbiased! BUUUUUT we are always trying to limit our biases. Being independent is always best - the least amount of conflict of interests. But you're so right - there isn't a single human out there who is unbiased! But... We try!
There's levels, though. Let's not pretend it's binary. I'd trust Britt's take any day over Hodinkee's at this point. Their reviews will be heavily washed out by WOS for any brand they carry.
maybe WOS is trying to steal H.Moser’s move? it doesn’t have to be unbiased, it can be upfront paid promotion… when Andrew Morgan reprised his talking hands for H.Mosier neither were pretending to be unbiased reviews but bringing a familiarity to the presentation of a product?
Hodinkee will simply never be able to criticise Rolex again.
RIP Hodinkee
Does unbiased watch journalism exist? 🤔
Ben Clymer is a fraud. Just last month he wrote that Hodinkee is getting rid of new and used watch sales for the good of their viewers. Bull!! They had to get rid of those so they can make the sale to the biggest Watch retailer
No clue who Hodinkee is.
Sadly, I think it will be hard to get to the level of Hodinkee when I started in the hobby in late 2018. They had legends or future legends writing for them, on the podcast, etc. James Stacey is still there, and I would love to see Ben writing occasionally, but it just won't be the same. It truly was the dream team at one point. No shade thrown on current staff (Tony Traina is solid), but it's not got that same magic. I did not realize Ben had stepped so far away from the running of the business. I had hoped the exiting of their retail business (in hindsight, all leading up to this announcement) would lead to more objectivity in editorial. I don't think they're necessarily being biased, but it's hard to criticize quite everything when you're also trying to sell the watches. This change does jeopardize that a bit. Although Hodinkee is no longer a mom & pop website, I still feel a little like when my local enthusiast owned AD was purchased by WoS. It's still nice, but they lost a few enthusiast brands (gaining Doxa is great though). It's just not quite the same feeling when I go in there.
Only this channel is independent ❤❤
Yeah ehm no, there are others. And the greatest one is Urban Gentry
I would love to see a video on the downfall of Hodinkee
I’m interested in more Hodinkee stuff!
Good move. Consolidate and innovate. Good luck Hoodikee. Find your niche again!
Keep your "Keen Eye" on Hodinkee Britt, even when your Burpin' the Baby ......lolol
They are not even Swiss, so zero confidence in them. 😁
PS i'm Swiss made ^^
Whenever an independent media publication in any industry sells to a new owner, a great wringing of hands reliably ensues because we all assume that ownership drives editorial. It sometimes does and it can reduce the media company to being the propaganda arm of its new owner. When a hedge fund known for budget cuts bought Tribune Publishing, the talent headed for the doors and the quality suffered. But when billionaires bought the Atlantic, The New Republic, or the Washington Post, they invested in better journalism and the quality improved.
Will WOS allow Hodinkee independence? Can Hodinkee criticize WOS? We'll see, but if WOS is smart, they will grow Hodinkee, out-Mosso Mosso and out-Baldasare Teddy, and monetize the resulting traffic. Fundamentally however, Hodinkee badly needed a new owner. I would be surprised if WOS paid much for them: 2.5m uniques/month is not that valuable a web property, even if many of its visitors are super devoted. After all, luxury mechanical watches are a niche, shrinking market despite our collective affection/addiction.
Too many people in the watch influencing/journalism sphere become too pompous and full of their own self importance.
Hodinkee tried some things that didn’t work out and made some decisions that alienated them from many of their most ardent supporters, including more or less attacking and/or shaming. Hodinkee is a victim of the sometimes very destructive business adage, “if you’re not growing, you’re dying”. You’ve gotta support all that growing overhead and the ballooning expectations. This all very sad. Perhaps they will be allowed to be functionally independent but time will tell.
I was late to Hoodinkee & never saw them as anything other than a gate keeping eliteist fashion steered marketing facade, Jack Fatty Foster in paticular comesacross as a helpless creep & psued. Not in print but in person, I think part of the problem was a time went on people like BEN & Jack became better known & bearing in mind their terrible personalities, more & more unpopular.
I am skeptical this ends up changing much for readers. They go from being a watch retailer to being owned by one. Watches of Switzerland wants something here and Hodinkee being purely objective doesn't seem to advance those wants in my view. I also don't see why Ben being in charge means much versus the decision (already made) to stop with all the lifestyle brand content.
Seems like you cannot escape the constant selling, on TV, websites, influencers, etc. Sometimes I just want information without persuasion.
When Jack Forster jumped to WatchBox, the writing was on the wall. Clymer is spinning. If he wanted to get back to Hodinkee’s editorial roots, he could have done that without a hostile takeover. Like many in watch journalism, Hodinkee was bought and paid for a long time ago.
britt what if WOS has a turn around by hoodinkee and they re able to bring about a positive change!!!! dont be such a pessimist!!!! its like caitlin clark in the wnba now may be even you as an independent creator could work simultaneously for lets say a big consortium or even a boutique selection of watchmakers ....
We need Hoedrinkee to return.
You must stay on the vino, it brings out your sassy side...
They did buy them indeed because they were not unbiased. At least now the king is naked. There's no covering any more. In some way, it is better.
People wondering if Hoe-Dinkee is still an unbiased source 😂😂 Guess they slept the last years
I am not a fan of watches of Switzerland and haven’t been a fan of hodinkee for a long time so it doesn’t really matter to me. I walked into a watches of Switzerland store and was followed around the whole time I was in there but nothing was for sale. No interest. Their preferred clientele is certainly not me.
I’m surprised Mayer didn’t buy it
The Hod has been flakey for a few years now. Jadedness warranted. 👍.
Soo, no more articles on Grand seiko then?