If you’re someone who buys, sells, or just browses pre-owned luxury watches online, you’ve probably heard of Crown & Caliber. Maybe you’ve wondered lately: Are they shutting down? Is it safe to buy or sell with them now? There’s been a lot of talk — so let’s cut through it.
The Short Answer: Crown & Caliber Is Still Open
The simple answer is no, Crown & Caliber is not going out of business. If you go on their website right now, you’ll find new watches listed. They’re still posting updates, responding to clients, and making sales like they’ve done for years.
So why do rumors keep popping up? A lot of it has to do with how much the company has changed in a short amount of time.
Where It All Started: Crown & Caliber Before the Big Changes
Crown & Caliber began as a leader in the pre-owned luxury watch scene, known for making the buying and selling process easier, especially for folks who didn’t want to use public marketplaces like eBay. They built their reputation on in-house authentication and strong customer service. Over time, they became a go-to place for people who wanted security when buying high-end watches online.
By 2021, the company was big enough to catch the eye of watch media giant Hodinkee. Business was brisk, and the entire pre-owned market was hot coming out of the pandemic. People were spending on watches in a way we hadn’t seen in years.
The Hodinkee Acquisition: High Hopes Meet Market Reality
When Hodinkee bought Crown & Caliber in 2021 for about $46 million, expectations were sky-high. Industry insiders thought this pairing would dominate the used luxury watch market, bringing together content, community, and commerce. At the time, this felt like a power move.
But things changed quickly. Not long after the acquisition, the market cooled. Prices of once “premium” luxury watches, especially pieces from brands like Rolex and Patek Philippe, dropped. This wasn’t just a problem for Crown & Caliber — nearly every player in the used watch market felt the pressure.
Hodinkee, known for blogging and selling watch accessories, wasn’t used to running a big, hands-on resale operation. They soon found out it’s a tough, margin-thin business when the hype fades. Profit projections didn’t hold up as planned. By late 2023, Crown & Caliber was clearly smaller, with a quieter website and fewer staff.
European Watch Company Steps In
In October 2024, news broke that Hodinkee had sold Crown & Caliber to European Watch Company. That’s a Boston-based shop that’s been reselling high-end watches since the early ‘90s. The sale price? Reports put it at a “low six figures” — much less than what Hodinkee paid just three years earlier. Its inventory wasn’t part of the deal.
To people following the business, this looked like a reset. European Watch Company is old-school. They know how to run a tight, steady operation with an eye for margin and authenticity. They also don’t need to chase growth for growth’s sake.
Instead of closing it, European Watch Company integrated Crown & Caliber’s technology and online presence into its own business. The Crown & Caliber site is still online. Their blog and YouTube channel continue publishing, though not as frequently. If you send an email or request a quote, a real person answers.
What’s Actually Changed on the Ground?
Crown & Caliber is definitely a smaller operation now compared to the boom times. They don’t have the same staff numbers or big ad budgets. Some services have been streamlined — for example, most watches for sale are “ready to ship” rather than being held for on-site repairs or upgrades.
Reports show there are still 60 or so employees listed and revenue, while lower than in peak years, is ongoing. The Better Business Bureau lists Crown & Caliber as active. Their website is updated with fresh inventory every week. ZoomInfo tracks staff changes, including recent promotions. Those are all solid signs for any business.
If you call or write with an offer to sell your watch, you’ll still get a response. You might not get the same white-glove experience as years ago, but you’ll still see the service that first made the company well-known.
The State of Pre-Owned Watches: Why the Whole Market Shifted
The bigger story here is what’s happened across the used watch market. Two or three years ago, everyone seemed to want a piece of the action. Instagram made it look easy to flip watches. But as with sneakers or used cars, the market always finds its balance.
Big companies, independent stores, auction sites, and new platforms like Chrono24 or eBay now compete for every dollar. That crowding means less room for mega-markets and more pressure on everyone to keep overhead low.
The broader economy matters, too. When interest rates go up or there’s talk of a global slowdown, luxury goods feel the pinch. In the U.S., spending has held up pretty well, but stores selling expensive watches know they can’t expect runaway growth forever.
If you want an example, just look at how similar sites — even flagship brands — have made layoffs or tightened inventory in the last 18 months. Crown & Caliber isn’t unique. They’re just adjusting with the times.
So, Where Does Crown & Caliber Fit Now?
Under European Watch Company’s ownership, think of Crown & Caliber less as a marketplace and more as a steady dealership. The goal is stable, vetted online sales with experienced watch buyers handling both ends of the deal. It’s not about being the biggest player. It’s about being trustworthy and sustainable for the long term.
You still have access to expert advice, clear listings, and reliable service — just not at the same massive scale as in 2021 or 2022. The watch blog continues and their social media still serves actual clients, not just brand hype. If you’re looking to buy, sell, or trade a watch, you’re dealing with pros.
Long story short, the company has shifted from being a “growth” startup to being part of a mature, regional business. It’s a move you see in other retail spaces, where energetic new brands often end up folded into legacy businesses that know how to weather slowdowns. Need help with something business-related yourself? Businesses of all types are making adjustments — check out this resource for tips on small business survival and growth.
What About Those Rumors?
Searches about “Crown & Caliber closing” usually ramp up when there’s big organizational news or a market dip. When people see fewer updates or a different workflow, it’s natural to worry. But there’s no hard evidence of a shutdown. No business press releases, no major complaints, no mass layoffs or bankruptcy chatter.
In fact, the company still answers the phone. They respond to emails. Watches listed online are real, and transactions go through. If they were going to shut down, you’d expect some kind of warning, but nothing like that has surfaced.
Other dealers have closed or left the market this year — Crown & Caliber just isn’t one of them. If you’re buying or selling, treat the process like you would with any reputable online shop: read the fine print, ask questions, and expect accountability.
The Takeaway: Business as Usual, But Leaner
Crown & Caliber is still around. They’re not as flashy or big as they were in 2021, but they’re functioning. Under new ownership, the business is running with a focus on what it does best: streamlined, secure watch sales from knowledgeable people.
If you’re a collector, you’ll find a curated, less overwhelming selection. If you’re selling, you’ll deal with buyers who’ve seen thousands of watches cross their desk — not someone reading out of a script. It isn’t the start-up fairy tale, but it’s honest, transparent, and sustainable.
Other companies might chase trends and flame out, but Crown & Caliber now sits in the “steady hands” category. If you’re waiting on them to close up shop, keep waiting.
That’s the update as of early 2025. No drama, no fireworks — just a good watch shop shifting gears to stay in the game.
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