“New York Watch Week” just keeps getting bigger and better
Zach BlassAs an NYC native, seeing the middle of October become a New York Watch Week of sorts has been incredible. With WatchTime New York and particularly Windup New York becoming more massive draws, understandably, a few other groups have capitalised on the moment where so many watch lovers are coming together in the Big Apple.
A pillar of the unofficial New York Watch Week, WatchTime New York returned for its 10th edition. Held from October 17 – 19, the event drew record attendance from collectors, enthusiasts, and watch industry leaders with a record-for-the-event 44 exhibiting brands and over 2,700 visitors across the three days. Understandably, many brands seized the moment of exhibition to introduce new novelties, such as the world premiere of the Ulysse Nardin Freak S Enamel and Norqain Independence Skeleton Chrono Orange.
Windup New York has grown exponentially in recent years, and somehow, the 2025 edition (also its 10th edition) was even bigger than before. Previously hosting just over 140 exhibitors, this year’s edition hosted 150+ exhibitors, and though no attendance metrics have been shared, it was clear to us on the ground that the free-to-the-public event is the biggest focal point of New York Watch Week.
Whereas other events require tickets, memberships, or registrations, Windup New York is entirely free to swing by and visit. However, you do need to plan accordingly due to its massive draw. Despite the fair opening at noon across its three days, by the early hours of the morning, a queue would begin to form with eager visitors camping out with folding chairs (like waiting for an iPhone launch) to be the first in through the doors. By the time doors opened each day, the queue snaked around the entire block. With the exhibitors having far less of a presence in physical retail spaces and price points that are typically much lower than the big box brands, the fair has become a massive moment for watch geeks to get hands-on with and purchase watches they do not get to check out in person very often.
Indies.NYC and the RedBar Global Meetup once again ran alongside WatchTime and Windup New York, but a newcomer joining the scene was the FHH (Fondation Haute Horlogerie). For its 20th anniversary, the FHH debuted its first-ever Watch Summit in the United States. The FHH Watch Summit New York consisted of a day full of horological education, fun, and four insightful panel discussions that focused on topics such as the new era of luxury, today’s evolving luxury consumer, the rise of the secondary market, and myths and misconceptions in the world of watchmaking. These highly thought-provoking panel discussions were joined by hands-on watchmaking workshops and the launch of the FHH Certification for Consumers.
“The launch of this certification brings a new dimension of the Academy to the U.S. community of watch lovers,” said Aurélie Streit, Vice President of the Fondation Haute Horlogerie. “It’s the beginning of a journey we want to share globally — making watchmaking knowledge more inclusive, accessible, and engaging for everyone.”
Previously limited to industry professionals, the introduction of this certification program for the public allows watch geeks worldwide to test and enhance their horological knowledge and be rewarded with certifications that are accepted as a global standard of watch expertise. It is clear that if you are a watch lover, nerd, geek, enthusiast, or collector, New York City is the place to be in mid-October… And we can’t wait to be a part of the fun next year once our New York Discovery Studio is open. Hope you all have a wonderful weekend!
Zach and the Time+Tide Team
Watch meme of the week: timepieces most exemplary
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It’s time to upgrade your watch vernacular. Thankfully, @kingflum has a guide on how to do so.
Wrist shot of the week: swimming with Oysters
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Former Time+Tide contributor Henry Black is known for swimming with nearly every watch he reviews (if they’re at least somewhat water-resistant), which makes for some great wrist shots. Case in point: his latest dip with the Rolex Oyster Perpetual 36 ‘Pistachio’.
Time+Tide Shop pick of the week: Serica Ref. 1174 Parade ‘Linen’
Serica really surprised us last year when it released the Ref. 1174 Parade, the French brand’s first-ever dress watch and a significant departure from form that’s nevertheless entirely on brand and perfectly poised to take advantage of the market’s current obsession with shaped watches. The Parade launched with a black and a brass dial, both with laser-engraved radial patterns. Now, almost a year after the Parade’s introduction, Serica has added another two dials to the range, sporting a classic linen texture and adding some welcome colour to the collection. Specifically, the shades are Tobacco Green and Slate Blue: the latter has a bit of a denim jeans effect (both literally and sartorially), and the former has a bit of a 70s vibe. Read Jamie’s full review here.
These two new Serica Parade linen dials are available now from the Time+Tide Shop, both in-store at our London and Melbourne Watch Discovery Studios and online. Price: €1,490/A$2,690
Our favourite Time+Tide coverage of the week
New Rolex patent suggests the Crown may make a modern triple calendar watch
Since the debut of the 1908, the entire Time+Tide team has been begging and praying that Rolex would utilise this ripe platform to return more classic, higher-end complications to the catalogue. Though Rolex has never been really associated with complications beyond a GMT or chronograph, the triple calendar Rolex ‘Stelline’ ref. 6202 is among the most sought-after vintage models from the Crown due to its rare, complicated form for the brand, selling well into the six figures with each scarce appearance at auction. However, a new patent may reveal that a modern triple calendar Rolex watch is no longer a ridiculous pipe dream. Read Zach’s full thoughts here.
Look out for these ultra-rare Seikos at Phillips’ Decade One auction
Feeling a bit Patek-ed out with all the auctions lately? Our resident Seiko fanatic Borna has highlighted three rare and historically significant Seikos going under the hammer at Phillips’ all-encompassing Decade One auction, which is set to take place on November 8th and 9th. Read his explanation on why these three pieces from Japan’s pre-eminent watchmaker are worth your attention (and potentially your bids) here.
A Matter of Time Episode 08: Are you stuck in your watch-collecting journey?
Where are you in your watch-collecting journey? The eighth episode of A Matter of Time dives deeply into the complexities and personal nuances of the watch-collecting journey. The trio explores common feelings of being “stuck” in collecting, the influence of social and personal identity, and the myth of linear progression in watch collecting. Watch on YouTube via the link above.