Re-re-re-reformaton

So, I had an interesting 36 hours in Gotham. Wendy and I had an amazing dinner with probably the hottest chef in Brooklyn right now, and took in the AMAZING Luna Luna exhibit at The Shed - which I highly recommend you check out if you're in town!

But as is often the case, I ran into watch fans and brand insiders. Conversations turned to watches, and then the watch media writ large. And then on to the very specific topic of Hodinkee. The question of "what's going on at Hodinkee?" came up. Considering the ups and downs of the past few months, one friend asked me why so many people were leaving. I replied that this was not "new" news, as there had recently been a turnover over the past few months, with two new folks on the Masthead. He informed me that someone very senior was on their way out as well, and then mentioned that the Masthead had shrunken by two. I checked and he was correct. The "second in command" at least in terms of the Masthead's hierarchy was gone without any mention. This made sense as he was (if memory serves) part of the investment group that gave up the ghost, and as Watches of Switzerland had ridden in on their white horse to rescue Hodinkee, it made sense that he was no longer there. But then a second look revealed that Anthony Traina was no longer (visibly) connected to Hodinkee either.

I might be wrong on this, but I believe that Anthony first started as a contributor to Hodinkee and then joined the staff, leaving behind his job as an attorney. His first post that is still on the site is from 2021. What he has now moved on to in terms of work, those who will say don't know, and those who know won't say.  My understanding is that he still has his own outlet that is by all accounts quite well respected. And despite what Hodinkee's founder, Mr. Clymer has insisted in other forums regarding transparency, there was no announcement, no public "thanks for your service", just a scrubbing from the masthead. 

But if the rumors are true, there is another loyalist of long standing who is in the wind. This will leave James Stacey as the longest serving centurian in good standing.

In fairness, nothing is forever. As of right now, it is safe to say that the folks at Hodinkee (past and present) along with all of the famous pals who invested never thought that things would be like this. 

But what does this mean for the other, smaller outlets? Will more "spaces" open up at events like Watches and Wonders as there will clearly be a smaller headcount from Hodinkee? Don't bet on it. 

As for Mr. Traina, we wish you godspeed and the best of luck in your future endeavors.