I want to be a part of it, New York, New York. Tomorrow, on October 15, the New York Watch Week kicks off with two parallel events: The Indies.NYC in the Flatiron District and the FHH (Fondation Haute Horlogerie) New York Watch Summit in Neuehouse, Madison Square.
The human-centered Indies.NYC has tripled in size to 25 of the hottest independent artisans including Swiss and futuristic Marco Tedeschi, Finnish and quirky Sarpaneva, Swiss and classical Atelier 1, Dutch and gracious Dunselman, and American and history-celebrating 1776 Atelier.
“Our extraordinary growth is sign of what is going on in the market now – the increase of sales direct to consumers. This is what indies want; they want to be in direct touch with clients without middle men. Indies.NYC is not like the others – we are a show dedicated to talented artisans. They often work solo, but have the willpower and ability to create beautiful and unique horology,” said Marie Ansel, co-founder of the one-day event.
Indies.NYC also celebrates the city’s artisanal expertise when it comes to transforming simple street foods into unforgettable delicacies. Yes, the hot dogs served at the event are allegedly so good and elaborate that they should be called haute dogs.
The other larger events, WatchTime New York and WindUp Watch Fair starts on Friday and runs through to Sunday. Among the 48 exhibitors at Watch Time, held in Gotham Hall, we note Blancpain, Chopard, Chronoswiss, Czapek, Ferdinand Berthoud, Frederic Constant, Glashütte Original, H. Moser & Cie., Norqain, Perrelet, Voutilainen, and Zenith. The event also offers panels with the themes of Why We Collect with Maximilian Büsser and actor/watch designer Aldis Hodge. Another one is the growing trend of Neo-Vintage featuring Phillips head of watches America Paul Boutros, and Andrea Casalegno (Iamcasa).
WindUp Watch Fair NYC at Center 415 on 415 Fifth Ave offers is with 180 exhibitors the largest NYC event, with brands ranging from Accutron to Yema. They also offer a packed schedule of panels and happenings.
Unfortunately, I can’t make it to New York this time. But I wish all the exhibitors and visitors all the best. If you make it there, you make it anywhere.
