ClickZ Watches Newsletter - 01.09.2025

Plus: Jamie Bolton’s E-commerce marketing predictions for 2025📈

Author

Rafe Houston
January 09, 2025 • Estimated Reading Time: 9 minutes

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Welcome to ClickZ Watches, your essential newsletter for watch e-commerce professionals. As we tick into 2025, now is the perfect time to wind up your strategies and set the pace for a successful year ahead!💫 

Top Reads 🌟

🚀 AppLovin’s Breakout Year
Early data from Fospha shows AppLovin is a top 3 channel for acquiring new customers and the 2nd largest source of paid traffic for some brands.

🛍️ Social Commerce Boom (Hello, TikTok Shop!)
Social commerce is set to hit $80B in the US, with TikTok Shop leading the way with its seamless shopping experience.

📱 Third-Party Sales Channels on the Rise
As disposable incomes are squeezed, shoppers are turning more to Amazon, but also its budget competitors like Temu and Shein. In 2024, Temu quietly became the most downloaded app on the US App Store.

The challenge? Brands still struggle to understand how their advertising on platforms like Meta and TikTok drives demand on third-party sales channels.
(Stay tuned—Fospha is working on a solution for 2025! 👀)

ClickZ is Live at CES—Let’s Spotlight Your Vision🌟

CES 2025 is here, and ClickZ is in action!

As part of our coverage, we’re hosting exclusive interviews with visionary thinkers to spotlight groundbreaking ideas, unveil new innovations, and engage a global audience of decision-makers.

This is your chance to share your vision and connect with a worldwide audience! 👇

Sector Spotlight 🎥

In the evolving landscape of watchmaking, microbrands are challenging traditional powerhouses by offering innovative features at accessible prices. Big brands, seemingly resting on their pedigreed laurels, must acknowledge microbrands' prowess in providing modern conveniences such as on-the-fly bracelet adjustments. This once-luxury feature is now ubiquitous; yet, many high-end brands resist adopting it, risking consumer perception of obsolescence. This shift demands strategic foresight and adaptability for luxury titans unwilling to be eclipsed by agile newcomers with innovative offerings.

Equally crucial is how microbrands center their communities. Unlike the monolithic aura of established brands, microbrands engage consumers directly, creating a sense of mutual growth and open dialogue. This dynamic is not merely a community-building exercise; it is an insightful lesson in democratized luxury, emphasizing transparency and customer input as seen in Code41’s transparent business model. Big names lacking distinct identities would do well to heed this approach, balancing tradition with consumer-driven innovation.

TAG Heuer is rejoining Formula 1 as the official timekeeper, a strategic move that aligns with its motorsport heritage. This partnership is set to enhance branding during events like the 2025 season opener. Marketing professionals should anticipate innovative branding opportunities and products stemming from this collaboration.

Seiko's Power Design Project returns with an exhibition showcasing innovative and whimsical concept watches in Harajuku, Tokyo until February 16, 2025. Highlighted are watches tailored for unique users, including a vampire and a ninja, demonstrating Seiko's commitment to creative watchmaking. The event is free and open to the public.

Panerai's robust alliance with Italia's Luna Rossa team for the America's Cup underscores strategic brand alignment. By leveraging their shared heritage and nautical expertise, Panerai enhances its Italian identity and embraces cutting-edge technology, exemplified in innovative watch designs. This partnership illustrates marketing's power in blending tradition with modern luxury aspirations.

Watch Launches ⌚️

Wilbur Watch Co. has introduced the Supermachine watch, a timepiece that embodies the brand's commitment to innovation and design. This new model features a distinctive aesthetic and advanced mechanics, appealing to watch enthusiasts seeking uniqueness and precision. The Supermachine reflects Wilbur's dedication to pushing the boundaries of traditional watchmaking.

XLongines introduces the Ultra-Chron Carbon, a 43mm timepiece with a carbon fiber and titanium case. Featuring a sand-blasted anthracite dial, luminous indices, and high-beat L.836.6 automatic movement, it offers a 52-hour power reserve and is chronometer-certified. Water-resistant to 300 meters, it’s priced at $4,900.

Influencer Corner 📣

Influencer Marketing in 2025: Where Should Brands Invest?

With over 50% of brands set to increase creator budgets in 2025, the question isn’t if influencer marketing will grow—it’s how brands should allocate these dollars.

Experts emphasize the shift toward scale and centrality in the marketing mix. Brands need to align spending with their goals—whether driving sales or boosting awareness

Sarah Levinger on LinkedIn: 3 Rules for DTC Success

Timing is everything—especially for DTC brands. Sarah Levinger highlights how delivering incentives at the right moment can make all the difference. 💡

In her recent post, Sarah breaks down the 3️⃣ golden rules of timing that every brand should know.

A small spoiler: Action + reward = happy brain 🧠, reward key behaviors, and… well, you’ll have to read the full post for the rest.

Performance Pulse 📈

As e-commerce evolves, growth in 2025 hinges on mastering the basics: clarity, optimization, and personalization. SMART goal-setting ensures campaigns stay focused, while refined website usability and core platform expertise enhance customer experiences. By leveraging deep audience insights and streamlining ad strategies, marketers can prioritize long-term, sustainable growth over fleeting trends, positioning their brands for measurable success.

Retail experts predict the convergence of physical stores and digital innovation, like live shopping, will transform retail by 2025. Physical stores will evolve into interactive experience hubs, integrating omnichannel strategies.

Key tactics include:
- blending digital with in-store journeys
- utilizing AI
- enhancing customer engagement through personalized experiences

Influencer Marketing

📍 New York City, NY

Global Marketing

📍 Los Angeles, CA

Marketing & Comms

 📍 Austin, TX, USA

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