Watch Gossip: The Best of 2024

From unexpected scandals to strategic moves by the biggest brands, this article brings you the best gossip from the watch world. Because yes, even in the world of luxury, there are dramas, unexpected twists, and unexpected protagonists.

When we think of watches, we usually imagine luxury, precision, and elegance. But behind those steel and gold cases lie stories that could be the script for a TV series. This past year has been no exception: scandals, bold business strategies, and unexpected collectors have shaken up the industry. Here, we'll tell you the juiciest gossip, the kind that goes beyond dials and calibers. So settle in, adjust the strap of your favorite watch, and get ready to enjoy this journey through the more human—and entertaining—side of watchmaking.

The Fallen Giant: Hodinkee in Trouble

Hodinkee, the undisputed king of watch blogs, appears to be in troubled waters. This site, responsible for popularizing watches among the masses, drew criticism for its excessive closeness to brands. What began as an honest and passionate blog ended up being seen as a marketing catalog. To top it all off, the pandemic hit hard: gigantic inventories, inflated prices, and mass layoffs. Even key figures, like Jack Forster, jumped ship. Now, Ben Clymer returns to take the helm. Will it be enough? Although Hodinkee tried to regain its independence, many wonder if it will once again be the benchmark it once was or if its time has passed.

What's interesting here is how this crisis reveals the delicate balance between authenticity and commercialization in the watch industry. Hodinkee bet big, acquiring Crown & Caliber and launching exclusive collaborations, but underestimated the risks. It's a reminder that, in the watch world, appearances aren't everything. Now, with Clymer back at the helm, enthusiasts are hoping for a return to basics. Will he regain the trust of his audience? Only time will tell, but if one thing is clear, it's that the clock is ticking for Hodinkee.

The Frankenmaster Scandal

Omega was the subject of one of the biggest rumors of the year when it acquired a "perfect" Speedmaster at auction, only to discover it was a Frankenwatch . This watch, assembled from parts of different models, went unnoticed even by experts. The most curious thing is that the perpetrator of the fraud was an employee of the Omega Museum itself. Coincidence? Hard to believe. The controversy erupted when Perescope , the Sherlock Holmes of watchmaking, revealed the truth. Although the watch was beautiful, its authenticity was tainted, and Omega came under scrutiny. Was it an honest mistake or a miscalculated publicity stunt?

What makes this case fascinating is the duality between visual perfection and historical integrity. If something seems too good to be true, it probably is. Omega tried to defend itself, but the damage was done. Despite everything, the Frankenmaster became an icon, a reminder that even the biggest brands can stumble. Will Omega learn from this lesson, or will we see more "coincidences" in the future? In the meantime, the gossip has become legendary in the watchmaking community, leaving everyone wondering what other secrets the museum holds.

Rolex and its master plan

Rolex continues to make waves with its vertical integration strategy. First, it acquired key suppliers, then Bucherer, and now it appears to be consolidating its distribution network. Everything points to a future where Rolex controls every aspect of its business, from manufacturing to final sale. This could mean closing authorized dealers in large markets, centralizing sales in its own stores. In smaller markets like Chile, everything will likely remain the same, but in places like Asia or the United States, Rolex is taking the reins.

While this strategy makes good business sense, many collectors fear that Rolex's exclusivity will be diluted. However, it's undeniable that total control allows for better pricing and a more consistent customer experience. Could this be the beginning of a new era for the brand? For now, we can only speculate, but if one thing is certain, it's that Rolex doesn't make movements without thinking through every detail. Everything indicates that its goal is clear: to be the absolute masters of time.

Mark Zuckerberg: From Nerd to Obsessive Collector

Mark Zuckerberg, the brains behind Facebook, joined the watchmaking club and did so in a big way. We saw him go from “modest” watches like a Patek Philippe Annual Calendar to collectibles like a Paul Newman Daytona. His foray was swift and forceful, typical of an obsessive genius. The funny thing is that many of these watches are impossible to get, even with money. But when you're Zuckerberg, the rules change. Whether jumping the queue or turning to the secondary market, Mark is building an enviable collection at record speed.

What's fascinating is how watches manage to capture even the most unaware of luxury. Zuckerberg, a man better known for his hoodie than his style, was seduced by the magic of haute horlogerie. Now, his every appearance generates excitement: what piece will he wear this time? Will this be the start of a trend among tech moguls? Who knows, but one thing is certain: the watch bug doesn't spare even billionaires. And if Mark decides to buy a brand, as some speculate, the world of watches could be about to change forever.