At Hodinkee, we have always believed that watch collecting is a global language, but one that is spoken with many different local accents. From the paved paths of Geneva to the neon-lit boutiques of Ginza and the steamy streets of New York City, the love for a mechanical heartbeat remains the same, yet the way we live with our watches is shaped entirely by the world around us. Today, we are thrilled to announce the next chapter in our journey: the official launch of Hodinkee Australia & New Zealand.
The ANZ watch community has long been one of the most sophisticated and passionate in the world. For years, we’ve watched from New York as the Aussies and Kiwis became some of our communities’ most ardent enthusiasts, known for a taste profile that is as rugged as it is refined.
To bring Hodinkee to the region, we have partnered with Switzer Media + Publishing. With over 30 years of history, Switzer is one of Australia’s most trusted names in media, already stewarding iconic titles like Harper’s BAZAAR, Esquire, and Men’s Health. This partnership functions as a local element from day one.
Speaking from my own perspective, with the continued success of Hodinkee Japan, I’m thrilled to be working with Jamie and the team at Switzer Media to offer a more locally relevant and engaging edition of Hodinkee for watch enthusiasts across Australia and New Zealand. The watch community in Australia and New Zealand is engaged, highly knowledgeable, and always an active part of the global conversation surrounding watches, and we’re excited to be a more active part of what’s going on in watches Down Under.
Nicholas Hacko NH55.
Whether it’s the mainstream cultural crossover seen in Russell Crowe’s watch TikToks or the global influence of Marc Newson on modern design, watch culture is alive and well in Australia and New Zealand. But more importantly, we are seeing the emergence of a genuine local watchmaking scene. From Reuben Schoots, the self-taught George Daniels-method wunderkind in Canberra, to Nicholas Hacko’s aerospace-grade manufacturing in Sydney and Bausele’s uniquely Australian DNA, the region is no longer just consuming horology; it is creating it.
Melbourne F1 Circuit at Albert Park. Image courtesy of Getty Images.
The Sydney Hodinkee ANZ headquarters sit in the heart of the city’s financial district. The team has also established a dedicated brand office in Melbourne that sets a new benchmark for collector hospitality. Located adjacent to the iconic Albert Park Formula 1 circuit, this space (complete with a rooftop deck overlooking the city skyline) is designed to be a “living room” for the community. It is a physical expression of what Hodinkee ANZ represents: a place where horological culture meets a region that takes sport and style equally seriously.
Leading the charge is Jamie Weiss, who joins us with a deep respect for the Hodinkee story and a clear vision for its future in the Pacific – he joined us on the Hodinkee Podcast during Watches and Wonders, which you can listen to here.
Jamie Weiss – Editor, Hodinkee Australia & New Zealand
“We exist outside of the traditional worlds of European and American luxury,” Jamie says. “We are often more influenced by Asia, and the watches we collect often reflect our outdoorsy lifestyles. But there’s also a unique conception of luxury here, one that comes with a healthy disrespect for authority. It’s perhaps why Antipodean interest in high-end independent watchmaking has never been more robust.”
Reuben Schoots Series One. Image courtesy of Isamu Sawa.
Hodinkee Australia & New Zealand will be a mix of the global storytelling you know and love, alongside original, local content produced specifically for this market.
You can expect:
- Deep dives into local collections: Highlighting the incredible pieces hidden in safes from Perth to Auckland.
- Local watchmaking profiles: Shining a light on the artisans and innovators defining the “Aussie” style of watchmaking.
- Community events: Utilizing our Melbourne and Sydney hubs to host get-togethers, educational seminars, and more.
- A regular print presence: Bringing the tactile beauty of watches to the page through a dedicated local edition.
So, say g’day to Hodinkee ANZ!
Header image courtesy of Destination NSW.
