Inside the Launch of Hodinkee Australia & New Zealand at Bennelong, Sydney
An evening of who's who and what watch
IF THERE WAS ONE place to be for Australia’s watch community on Wednesday night, it was Bennelong.
Collectors, enthusiasts, industry friends and brand partners gathered at the Sydney Opera House to celebrate the launch of Hodinkee Australia & New Zealand, with guests travelling from across the country to mark what many described as a defining moment for watch culture on home soil.
Guests were welcomed with Billecart-Salmon Champagne before sitting down to Bennelong’s exceptional menu, while Grandiflora founder Saskia Havekes transformed the space with seasonal blooms. The evening also offered an exclusive first look at the publication’s three inaugural covers ahead of their newsstand debut, while Switzer Media publisher Alex Switzer and Hodinkee Editors Jamie Weiss and Nick Kenyon reflected on bringing one of the world’s most respected watch titles to Australia – and what this exciting new chapter means for the country’s growing community of collectors and enthusiasts.
As the evening unfolded, there were plenty of wrist checks, old friends catching up and new connections being made, while a live performance from Ruby Jackson and Yannick Koffi provided the soundtrack. Conversations stretched well beyond dessert, favourite references were debated, watches admired and more than a few wish lists grew a little longer.
More than just the launch of a magazine, the evening felt like a celebration of the people, brands and collectors helping shape the future of Australian watch culture.
Take a look inside the evening below and follow the journey at hodinkee.com.au.
First appeared Harper’s BAZAAR Australia, here.
