Ben Clymer is the founder of Hodinkee, which began life as an online watch magazine but is now the leading platform for enthusiasts, collectors, novice buyers and anyone passionate about watch-making. In an industry dominated by heritage brands that are conservative by inclination and generally resistant to market challenges and disruption, Hodinkee has gained remarkable traction in the 14 years since its launch. Inspired by the receipt of his grandfather’s precious watch as a gift a few years earlier, Ben’s journey began in the midst of the financial crisis with a career change from finance to journalism. He shares the origin story of Hodinkee and tells us why, despite the lack of a business plan, it has grown, evolved and seamlessly integrated e-commerce to serve new and vintage watches to its audience, which now reaches the millions every month. Ben explains why he still lives and breathes the brand, even after stepping back from the day-to-day running of what’s become a multi-million-dollar business.

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