Ben Clymer & Hodinkee: Success Story & Investments!

27 May, 2025

How does a passion for timepieces evolve into a multi-million dollar enterprise, attracting the attention of celebrities and shaping an entire industry? Ben Clymer's journey, from a simple blog to the founder of the widely respected Hodinkee, offers a compelling answer. Twelve years after its inception, Hodinkee, a name synonymous with luxury watches and lifestyle, is valued at over $100 million, a testament to Clymer's vision and dedication.

The story of Hodinkee is a fascinating study in how a niche interest, cultivated with authenticity and expertise, can capture a significant audience and ultimately, the attention of investors. The recent injection of $40 million in Series B investments, backed by names like John Mayer and Tom Brady, signals the continued growth trajectory of a company that has fundamentally altered the landscape of watch collecting and appreciation. But beyond the financial milestones and celebrity endorsements lies the story of a man who turned his passion into a powerful voice.

As Erik Hanson reported on March 26, 2024, Ben Clymer is undoubtedly a prominent figure in the luxury world. He is celebrated for his unique contributions to the appreciation of fine timepieces, moving the passion from a collector's secret to a lifestyle. Benjamin Clymer, a journalist and entrepreneur by trade, started Hodinkee as a passion project that would evolve into a benchmark in the industry.

Clymer's influence isn't confined to the digital realm. He's frequently quoted in prestigious publications such as The New York Times, Reuters, Forbes, GQ, and The Financial Times. In 2013, The New York Times even bestowed upon him the title of "the high priest of horology," cementing his position as a leading authority. One might say, "There are watches, and then there are watches," as Clymer himself might put it.

Ben Clymer's story is one of ambition and evolution. Hodinkee began as a personal blog, fueled by Clymer's love for watches and the beauty he found in these mechanical marvels. Living in Waccabuc, New York, and working in New York, New York, Clymer built Hodinkee from the ground up. He started writing about watches in 2008, as a way to document his interest. Hodinkee, in its early days, was a literal blog, a space for Clymer to share his thoughts, insights, and passion for a subject that would soon consume his professional life. As the brand grew, so did its founder's vision.

Beyond his work at Hodinkee, Clymer leads a private wealth management team, a further example of his broad skillset. The seeds of his future success werent always evident. A graduate of Hofstra in 2012, the former Northwestern Lehigh wrestling state champion had no immediate plans to return to the Lehigh Valley, content on Long Island. But his journey took him to New York, New York, and the founding of a website that has forever changed how the world views and interacts with luxury watches.

Clymer's influence extends beyond his role as a tastemaker. He is also a businessman, and the success of Hodinkee is a direct result of his strategic decisions and entrepreneurial acumen. In 2014, after five years as the CEO of Hodinkee, Benjamin Clymer faced an important decision that was the precursor to the brand's further growth.

The story of Hodinkee involves not only watches but also the beauty of classic automobiles. Benjamin Clymer is often associated with his love of classic cars, and is known to drive his 1968 Ferrari 330 GTC into the Caramoor Center for Music and the Arts in Katonah, New York. During the height of the pandemic, Clymer restored a 1968 Ferrari in Rome, Italy, showing a commitment to the legacy of craftsmanship and attention to detail that mirrors his approach to watches.

In February, Clymer arranged private cars to transport 25 Hodinkee readers to a surprise event, a testament to the brand's commitment to its audience and community. The fact that he knows his audience intimately is a cornerstone of his success.

While there have been discussions and analysis of his net worth, the exact figures vary. However, according to multiple sources, including Wikipedia, Forbes, and Business Insider, Ben Clymer's net worth is estimated to be around $5 million, a reflection of his success in the watch world.

Attribute	Details
Full Name	Benjamin Andrew Clymer
Born	April 11, 1978 (some sources suggest 1982)
Occupation	Executive Chairman and Founder of Hodinkee, Journalist, Entrepreneur
Known For	Founder of Hodinkee, leading voice in the wristwatch industry.
Education	Hofstra University (Graduated 2012)
Net Worth (Estimated)	$5 million (Based on analysis from multiple sources)
Notable Mentions	Dubbed "the high priest of horology" by The New York Times (2013). Featured in Forbes, GQ, The Financial Times, and others.
Associated Interests	Classic Cars (e.g., 1968 Ferrari 330 GTC), Luxury Lifestyle, Private Wealth Management
Professional Background	Founded Hodinkee as a blog in 2008, evolving it into a leading website for watch enthusiasts.
Key Role	Executive Chairman and Founder of Hodinkee.
Industry Influence	Considered a leading authority and influencer in the world of watches.
Reference	Hodinkee Official Website

Another aspect of Clymer's life that intertwines with his professional success is his passion for classic cars, specifically Ferraris. He is known for driving his 1968 Ferrari 330 GTC, a car that embodies timeless elegance and engineering excellence, mirroring the characteristics of the watches he so passionately promotes. This affinity for automobiles further underscores his appreciation for craftsmanship, design, and the history of luxury goods.

While some sources mention Ben Clymer's earlier career, specifically as a professional ice hockey defenseman in the NHL, it is important to differentiate this Ben Clymer (born 1978) from the Benjamin Clymer of Hodinkee (born 1982). The earlier Ben Clymer played for the Tampa Bay Lightning and Washington Capitals, with career earnings as high as $3,942,500 (equivalent to $6,634,493 in today's dollars) ranking at #2147 in NHL career earnings. This is often a source of confusion when discussing Ben Clymer's net worth and career trajectory.

The success of Hodinkee, and by extension, Ben Clymer, can be viewed as a masterclass in brand building and audience engagement. The company's ability to cultivate a loyal following, combined with its curated content and its focus on authenticity, has allowed it to thrive in a competitive market. By recognizing the importance of storytelling, community, and a deep understanding of his audience's desires, Clymer has crafted a unique and thriving business model.

Clymers approach also provides important lessons in entrepreneurship: Find your passion, refine your expertise, understand your audience, and build a brand around your values. By staying true to this ethos, Ben Clymer has transformed a personal interest into a global phenomenon.

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