Are you busy this weekend? If not, allow me to suggest a couple of options. The one you choose will likely depend on which side of the world you are on. If you are within commuting distance of New York City, I’d suggest you head over to Wind-up NYC and WatchTime. If you are closer to Singapore, then you need to check out Spring Sprang Sprung. All will take place October 18-20, 2024, and promise to be outstanding events for the dedicated watch nerd.
Wind-up NYC needs no introduction. Worn & Wound’s watch fair has long been a favorite, particularly for those who appreciate independent brands with reasonable prices. Recently, the event has expanded to include giants like Citizen, Bulova, and G-Shock, as well as purveyors of clothing, accessories, and even whiskey. Of course, you still find established independents like Oris and Christopher Ward, alongside beloved microbrands like Stella, Lorier, and E. Stohlman. The venue has grown, too. This year, a staggering 190 brands will fill Center415 on 5th Avenue. The Wind-up crew has essentially organized a pop-up luxury department store in the heart of Manhattan, and I, for now, cannot wait to see it.
A few blocks away, WatchTime will be hosting its annual expo. Once more, Gotham Hall will house some of the finest timepieces money can buy. Thirty-six brands will be there, including Blancpain, H. Moser et Cie, and Ulysse Nardin. WatchTime is remarkable not only for the rarity of many of its offerings but also for their accessibility. I mean, really, where else are you going to stroll up and try on an MB&F Horological Machine?
Now, if you happen to be a little closer to Southeast Asia than the American Mid-Atlantic, you have the opportunity to explore Spring Sprang Sprung. Yong Keong Lim of Feynman Timekeepers, and Sugiharto Kusumadi of Red Army Watches, have organized this microbrand-focused event since 2022. This year, they will be at the Singapore National Library with 48 brands from within the region (like Atelier Wen, Vario, and Vesuviate) and others from farther afield (such as Gavox, MarchLAB, and Nodus). Heck, even my man Alan Tsao of Tsao Baltimore will be making the trip! Of the three events, Spring Sprang Sprung is the only one I have not yet attended, and it is high on my watch nerd’s bucket list.
My schedule allows only a quick jaunt to New York, so I’ll spend a day at Wind-Up, but there are no bad choices here. Every one of these events will be an absolute blast.
