Reflections on a Dynamic 2025 and Anticipation for 2026 in the Watch World

As the curtains close on 2025 and a new year, 2026, beckons, the editorial team at Hodinkee is embarking on a series of contemplative essays. These pieces will not only revisit the vibrant, unpredictable, and event-filled landscape of the past year in horology but also cast an eye towards what promises to be a pivotal year for watch aficionados. As the Editor-In-Chief of Hodinkee, I feel it fitting to set the stage, endeavoring to be concise despite my natural inclination for detailed discourse.

A Retrospective on 2025: Growth, Innovations, and Challenges

The year 2025 unfolded in a whirlwind, a period characterized by rapid learning and significant team expansion for Hodinkee. Assuming the Editor-In-Chief role in late November 2024 felt akin to navigating a familiar yet vigorously flowing river, challenging but exhilarating. This demanding journey was made smoother by an exceptional and patient team, many of whom have been long-standing colleagues.

While my direct communications remained brief, this past year provided an invaluable opportunity for the team to evolve, strengthening our shared passions and defining our collective endeavors. The addition of Tim Jeffreys as Deputy Editor and Andy Hoffman as Senior Business Editor marked significant milestones. Tim quickly became an indispensable asset, while Andy, a seasoned expert in the watch industry, launched 'The Business of Watches Podcast' in September, offering profound insights into the industry's intricate workings.

Hodinkee Magazine also experienced a remarkable year, publishing two of its most outstanding issues under the creative direction of Malaika Crawford and Matt Thompson. These editions showcased the industry's vast scope with unparalleled elegance, stunning visuals, and profound enthusiasm, inviting readers to explore the captivating world of watches.

The continuous flow of engaging narratives from contributors like Mark Kauzlarich, TanTan Wang, and Andy Hoffman, coupled with compelling video content from David Aujero, Shota Akiyoshi, and the Hodinkee video team, enriched our platform. Not to be overlooked are the diverse voices of our contributors, including Jason Heaton, Cait Bazemore, Thor Svaboe, Eddie Huang, Troy Barmore, Tim Vaux, and Paul Engel, who brought a wealth of perspectives to our audience.

From prestigious events like Watches and Wonders to the innovative UBS House of Craft, discussions on tariffs, unique desk clocks, the Rolex Land-Dweller, and the Steel 222s, 2025 was undeniably a complex yet rewarding year. To every reader, we extend our heartfelt gratitude for being an integral part of this journey.

Anticipating 2026: A Vision for Depth, Connection, and Value

Looking ahead, 2026 is poised to be a pivotal year for watch enthusiasts. The digital age, particularly social media, has broadened the watch community but also, at times, diluted its personal essence. I believe that many of us seek a genuine connection with fellow enthusiasts. In an era where authenticity underpins relevance, especially as the fervor ignited by the pandemic wanes, the brands, timepieces, and narratives that truly resonate will be those that prioritize meaningful engagement.

It appears that 2026 will see watch enthusiasts becoming more discerning, particularly regarding the escalating prices of watches. The continuous price increases across all segments of the market have led many collectors to question the value proposition, potentially disengaging from brands that feel beyond their reach.

Regardless of whether we're discussing independent brands or larger enterprises, the financial considerations are relative, but the sustained interest and community building are paramount. This presents an exciting opportunity to foster a broader spectrum of enthusiasm, reminiscent of the watch world two decades ago.

The discerning enthusiast of 2026 will undoubtedly seek depth, genuine connection, and inherent value, not merely in the watches themselves but also in the narratives surrounding them. From Hodinkee's perspective, and for those who follow our journey, this means a renewed commitment to delivering unique stories and visuals that cannot be found elsewhere. This includes exhaustive explorations of significant timepieces, detailed historical accounts, immersive photo reports, incisive industry analyses, and the eagerly awaited return of 'Talking Watches,' with new episodes launching soon.

While we will continue to cover new releases, our focus will shift towards offering greater depth, fostering more personal engagement, and expanding our podcast and video content. Additionally, 'The Business of Watches Podcast' with Andy Hoffman will transition to weekly episodes, featuring conversations with prominent industry figures like Ilaria Resta, Georges Kern, and Sylvian Berneron.

We plan to enhance our presence across our website, Instagram, YouTube, and the Hodinkee App. Furthermore, we aim to increase community engagement through more frequent and accessible events, moving beyond New York City to connect with enthusiasts in various locations. Our goal is to experiment, innovate, and continuously improve, all in the pursuit of bringing you captivating, informative, and enjoyable stories about the watches we cherish.