Hodinkee's Strategic Shift: Selling Crown & Caliber to a Boston Dealer

Hodinkee, the renowned watch blog and retailer, has recently announced the sale of its used watch site, Crown & Caliber, to a Boston dealer. This strategic move comes amidst a downturn in the watch market and a refocusing of Hodinkee's core editorial and event businesses. The sale has raised concerns about the future of Hodinkee's involvement in the secondhand watch market and its potential impact on the brand's image and customer loyalty.

The acquisition of Crown & Caliber by Hodinkee in 2021 was initially seen as a promising move, given the booming business of second-hand watches and Hodinkee's loyal audience. However, the subsequent erosion of reader trust and multiple rounds of layoffs have led to a reassessment of Hodinkee's strategy in this market segment.


The sale of Crown & Caliber to a Boston dealer is a significant shift in Hodinkee's approach to the secondhand watch market. This transaction allows Hodinkee to refocus on its core editorial and event businesses, which have been the backbone of the brand's success. By divesting from Crown & Caliber, Hodinkee can allocate resources more effectively to its primary operations and potentially enhance its brand image.


The sale of Crown & Caliber may have long-term implications for Hodinkee's brand image and customer loyalty. While some customers may appreciate the refocus on core businesses, others might view the sale as a sign of retreat from the secondhand watch market. It will be crucial for Hodinkee to communicate the strategic rationale behind this decision and maintain transparency with its customers to preserve their trust and loyalty.

In conclusion, Hodinkee's sale of Crown & Caliber to a Boston dealer represents a strategic shift in the company's approach to the secondhand watch market. This move allows Hodinkee to refocus on its core editorial and event businesses and potentially enhance its brand image. However, the long-term implications for Hodinkee's brand image and customer loyalty remain to be seen, and effective communication with customers will be essential in navigating this transition.