Anyone going to WindUp SF?

I’m going to go but have never been either!

I went to the one in Chicago last year. It was fun! Nice way to see watches you wouldn’t easily come by otherwise. Some of the booths offered free stuff and discounts. 😁

They changed the venue this year to the Gateway Pavillion which should improve some of the negatives associated with outgrowing the previous space.

It had become uncomfortably crowded and depending on where your lodging was located you had to walk the gauntlet of street crime and homelessness.

The new location looks huge and there is plenty to do and see in the Pier area with fewer seedy street shenanigans. Fort Mason itself is a popular walking destination with stunning views but the hills can wear you out fairly quickly.

It's also close to the Ghirardelli chocolate factory and a few other tourist shops as well. Not sure what lodging is available in that area but closer is usually better.

I've been the last few years and I'm leaning towards going again this year but I'm kind've over certain areas of downtown.

Ft. Mason is in the Marina district of SF and super close walking distance to Chestnut Street, a thriving area with a ton of good restaurants and bars. There are always a lot of people around day and night so safety should not be as much of an issue.

I attended last year and it is one of the coolest experiences possible for a watch fan. With more micro brands attending this year, it will be even better. Everyone is super friendly, happy to answer your questions and let you try on watches to your heart's content. Get ready for some serious geeking out. You will not be disappointed.

we should make a meetup for this

One of the things I liked about the previous venue was collectors discreetly buying and selling amongst themselves over beers out on the patio.

I was able to snag multiple watches that way the last two years and I'm hoping the Gateway Pavillion will have a spot like that where collectors can connect, share their collections and perhaps conduct discreet transactions.

There were also several after parties that we were lucky enough to snag invites to. The food, drink and door prizes at some of the private watch events was extraordinary.

If I'm keeping it real we had said we weren't ever coming back to WindUp SF because of the crowding and an aggressive homeless dude who tried to spit on my wife last year when she didn't give him money despite the cops being just a few feet away.

My response didn't make the cops real happy either but sometimes bad guys need consequences and they had zero fear of law enforcement.

Large sections of San Francisco that I remember being cool growing up are now dystopian and unsafe which may have been another factor in WindUp changing to a new location.

See you all there if I decide to give it another chance.

Agreed with everything everyone has said. I have been to two of these and loved it. Could not make it last year but going to this one…..yes SF has fallen on hard times and the city does not let the cops do their job. That is getting a little better but only a little. Careful of what you leave in your car, but the marina area is better than the business areas

I’ll be there. First time too.

INot sure which day (planning that far ahead hurts my brain right now) but I'll be there.

Last year was very good. I expect he bigger space with dedicated parking will be even better.

For non-locals (and any local who hasn’t done it yet), I highly recommend taking the Powell-Hyde cable car line. It starts downtown, and ends right next to Ghirardelli Square, while going by some major landmarks. It’s a 15-20 minute walk by some of the best views of SF for, the end to Fort Mason. It’s a great time and excellent way to see the city.

I’m hoping to go to Wind Up SF myself; this will be my first time. Looking forward to it!

I’ve gone the past couple shows and it’s been so much fun. I’m looking forward to seeing the new venue, hopefully it’s a nice and safe area since SF is rather out of control. That being said, at the show, I would recommend bringing a bag or something since a lot of brands have free stuff you can grab like hats, stickers, pins, catalogs, etc

I really want to go as I usually miss them since the only day I can go is Sunday

I will go Saturday and Sunday. Looking forward to connecting with some crunchers. 🙌

I’ll be there

I will be going, Went last year and had a great time. Lots to see.

This will be my third in SF, I’ve been living in the city for quite some time. The venue last year was crowded for sure. We’ll see how this one works out. My idea with windup is ‘don’t be shy.’ You’ll have a rare chance to handle these watches that you would never otherwise get to handle.

Past windup, as far as SF goes, there are some less touristy parts of the city that are great to see. The Inner Sunset district has a nice area near Irving and Clement with a Tartine cafe that’s home to some of the best bread in the world and a quick walk into Golden Gate Park. Haight street is full of crazy vintage shops where you can overpay for used shirts you threw away in 2003, or buy a new bong. North Beach is always a fun trip, Sam’s Burgers is amongst the best greasy trashy burger places in history and Golden Boy Pizza has some of the only Sicilian pizza I enjoy, clam and garlic is unreal.

The gross parts of SF are truly gross but rarely super dangerous. The big tip is don’t leave a damn thing visible in your car when you park. Not spare change, not an aux cord, nothing. Property theft is huge, violent crime not so much.

Jack, I didn't realize the unfortunate and unacceptable issues you encountered at last year's Windup, so I now completely understand your POV and hesitation to attend this year. Based on my experience, I do think the Ft. Mason/Marina district location is better situated to lessen, in theory anyway, any potential issues like the one you had last year. I do hope you decide to attend. 🤝

Also, thanks for the insight about the gathering place at last year's event where collectors were informally meeting. I was so engrossed in getting around to all the stands inside I completely missed that aspect of Windup. I will definitely keep an eye out for it this year.

No worries. I appreciate your input as well. Here are some of the watches I scored from other collectors at WindUp SF at GREAT prices.

My wife also waltzed into the SF Swatch Boutique where there was a minimal line and most of the MoonSwatch models were available despite many online comments to the contrary.

We also attended a great Formex after party in 2022.

And here are pics of the Fort Mason area where it is being held this year.

I'm contemplating returning and if so perhaps organizing a WatchCrunch meetup if there is sufficient interest. If I attend I think I'll go solo this year and leave my wife safely at home.

I'm open to suggestions for both lodging in the Fort Mason area as well as times and locations for a WatchCrunch meetup.

Maybe @Max can forward some goodies to distribute to the loyal minions who are willing to fly the WC and Anachronist branding.

I would love to meet more Crunchers and see old friends as well. Who is interested in a meet up?

Wow, that Seiko bullhead is gorgeous! 😍 I am part of a core group of folks in Northern California who meet up every couple months, so perhaps something can be arranged at Windup. @Max hosted an event last year, which I unfortunately did not attend, so hopefully he'll do something again this year. It would be good to meet you in person.

Last year it was fun but crowded. The new venue will be much better. Planning to go on Sunday

I’ll go if @artpordiaz goes! 🤠

Btw any meet ups for this event? Like post show etc?

I'll go if @Rome1234 🤠

Me too!

Me too!

Unfortunately I fly out Sunday afternoon so I'm trying to organize a meetup for Friday or Saturday evening after Windup ends for the day at 6pm.

My hotel, the Donatello, has a cool rooftop bar etc but is about 1.5 miles from the Gateway Pavillion so I'm contemplating locating a meetup spot just a tad closer should Crunchers prefer.

I have invitations to private events both Friday and Saturday evening but I'm cool with missing either one or both of those events if enough Crunchers want to gather as I prefer meeting more people who use this platform.

Id be down for either Friday or Saturday. Not sure if Ill head to the show Friday since I gotta work but the after 6pm+ im down to meet up.

That's a good nucleus to start building around and it will be good seeing you again since our meetup in Ventura.

Hearing from some Crunchers that Friday after the show is slightly better than Saturday evening so I will get the ball rolling. I'll make the meetup spot the Donatello but should enough attendees want an alternative closer to Fisherman's Wharf I'm flexible with whatever.

The platform is a little buggy at the moment but as soon as it is unclustered I'll post the 5/3/24 7pm Windup gathering at the Donatello Hotel under the Meetup tab.