The Watch World is Changing, and 2026 is Poised to be a Defining Year.
As we bid farewell to a whirlwind 2025, packed with surprises and seismic shifts in the watch industry, we at Hodinkee are excited to share our reflections and ambitions for the year ahead. Over the coming days, our editorial team will present a series of essays, some looking back at the dynamic and unpredictable nature of the past year, while others will cast a visionary eye towards 2026, a year that feels pivotal for watch enthusiasts everywhere. As Editor-in-Chief, I'll kick things off, striving to keep my natural tendency for verbosity in check.
A Year of Growth and Transformation
Looking back, 2025 was a blur of activity, marked by my appointment as EIC in late November 2024. It felt like diving into familiar waters, but choosing the most challenging, fast-flowing section of the river. The learning curve was steep, but I was fortunate to have an exceptional, patient team, many of whom I've had the pleasure of working with for years. While I've kept my editorial communications relatively light, this year provided an opportunity for the team to grow, strengthen, and refine our passions.
We were thrilled to welcome Tim Jeffreys and Andy Hoffman to the Hodinkee family. Tim, who joined us earlier in the year, quickly became an indispensable Deputy Editor. Andy, a seasoned watch industry veteran, brought his expertise to the table as our Senior Business Editor, delivering insightful industry reporting and launching the highly acclaimed The Business of Watches Podcast in September.
Hodinkee Magazine Shines Bright
2025 was also a landmark year for Hodinkee Magazine, with two of its most outstanding issues to date, thanks to the visionary leadership of Malaika Crawford as Editorial Director. Collaborating with our incredibly talented Creative Director, Matt Thompson, these issues showcased the breadth and depth of the watch industry with style, stunning visuals, and infectious enthusiasm. Experience it for yourself here.
A Wealth of Compelling Content
Our team of contributors delivered a steady stream of captivating stories, from Mark Kauzlarich's exploration of John Shaeffer repeaters to TanTan Wang's retrospective on 20 years of the FP Journe Chronomètre Souverain. Andy Hoffman's analysis of the luxury watch market's shifting dynamics and David Aujero and Shota Akiyoshi's exceptional video content further enriched our offerings. We're also grateful to our incredible roster of contributors, including Jason Heaton, Cait Bazemore, Thor Svaboe, Eddie Huang, Troy Barmore, Tim Vaux, Paul Engel, and many more, who shared their unique perspectives and expertise.
From Watches and Wonders to the UBS House of Craft, tariffs, desk clocks, Land-Dwellers, steel 222s, RD#5s, and my personal favorite watches of 2025, it's been a complex yet exhilarating year. To everyone who's been part of this journey, thank you.
2026: A Year of Depth, Connection, and Value
As I look ahead to 2026, I believe it will be a pivotal year for watch enthusiasm and enthusiasts alike. The internet, particularly social media, has transformed the watch world into a vast, polished, yet somewhat impersonal space. Yet, I believe that the personal connections forged among enthusiasts are what truly fuel our passion. As the COVID-driven hype begins to wane, authenticity and relevancy will become the defining factors for brands, watches, and stories that resonate.
But here's where it gets controversial... Will the escalating prices of watches become a barrier to entry for many enthusiasts? As mainline brands continue to push prices higher, will collectors start to write off certain brands as out of reach? And if so, what does this mean for the future of the industry?
I believe that 2026 will see enthusiasts becoming more discerning, not just about the watches they buy, but also about the content they consume. The search for depth, connection, and value will extend beyond the watches themselves to the stories, videos, and podcasts that surround them. This shift presents an exciting opportunity for Hodinkee to double down on what we do best: delivering unique, in-depth content that you won't find anywhere else.
What's Next for Hodinkee?
In 2026, you can expect more of the compelling stories, stunning photography, and industry insights that Hodinkee is known for. We're also excited to bring back Talking Watches, with a new season launching later this month. While we'll still cover the latest releases and trends, don't be surprised if we prioritize depth, personality, and multimedia content over traditional 'Introducing' posts.
Andy Hoffman's The Business of Watches Podcast will also return with weekly episodes, featuring incredible guests and insightful conversations. And with more content across our website, Instagram, YouTube, and the Hodinkee App, there's never been a better time to join the Hodinkee community.
But this is the part most people miss... We want to hear from you! What content would you like to see more of? Should we bring back Hodinkee Radio? Who's your favorite watch personality that we should collaborate with? Let us know in the comments.
Finally, we're committed to fostering more in-person connections among watch enthusiasts. With our partnership with Watches of Switzerland, we're excited to host more community events in various locations, not just New York City. Stay tuned for more details on these exciting developments.
As we embark on this new chapter, we're eager to experiment, learn, and grow, all while sharing the fascinating, useful, and entertaining stories about the watches we love. So, what do you think? Are we on the right track? What would you like to see more (or less) of in 2026? Let's start a conversation – we're all ears!
