g_schroder
318
So, why are folks convinced that Hodinkee is passionless about watches all of a sudden?
Jul 12, 2019,08:42 AM
I'm really not following the comments here suggesting that Hodinkee's staff aren't passionate watch enthusiasts, just because their company also sells watches. I (like I'm sure most people here), read most things I can get my hands on around horology, including many different websites, blogs etc. I can't say that I feel like other sites write with more passion or interest about watches than Hodinkee. In fact, I'd argue that Hodinkee holds its own on this front, and has the added benefit of hiring talented writers on staff, as opposed to the droves of "writers" on other sites that have no training on how to write, but who just happen to be "enthusiasts".
As for the conspiracy theory that Hodinkee staff are somehow hoarding the LE watches they release, I'm dubious at best. The company has been fairly transparent in the past that staff pay retail for the LE's they offer, and aren't given preferential access to watches in advance. Also, have you met the folks that work at Hodinkee? Many of them are in their early 20's and don't make the kind of money necessary to afford 90% of the LE's the company has released.
I don't have any particular interest or stake in Hodinkee beyond just reading the site from time to time, but I do think if we're going to be critical about companies and individuals in the watch industry that we should at least support that criticism with facts and not just wild conjecture.