British Watchmaker’s Day
Phew…what a day!
Thanks to the Alliance for putting on an amazing event. The organisation has been running for a few years now and this was the first trade show/fair/exhibition they put on. It was encouraging to see the show of support from it’s members, the public and some real ‘heavyweights’ in the watch making/media scene. Edit: I bumped into @AndrewMorgan in the gents, it wasn’t until a couple of minutes had passed until I let him do what he came in for….tbf I didn’t adk for a photo…
We’ve seen a growth in British brands/manufacturers since the Alliance’s inception (it’s now over 80) but after yesterday’s event, it just feels like the start. In the past 10 years, visits to watch trade show, in London (I can’t speak for other places), were predominantly the domain of middle old men (brands and attendees). That’s not a knock, by the way, it just shows that they knew better than everybody else imo! There Roger Smith’s apprentices were in attendance engaging with visitors. By all accounts, he may have had a few more applications at the event too! Brand owners Nicholas at Fears, Tom at @Clemence_Watches and Richard at @Studio.Underd0g are really defining how modern brands engage with people, whilst also producing watches which beautifully executed.
Talking of @Studio.Underd0g…that queue…!
Obviously there was big queue at the start of the day to get in (as you can see in @robdominic ’s vdeo report…👇👇👇
https://youtu.be/Kj2OwK4uIfI?si=rFr9P9MFG2eOZ0Sw
but I don’t think there was much doubt who most people wanted to see. Richard posted the order numbers from last week’s order window but to see tangible evidence of the level of interest was just amazing. That’s Richard btw, engaging with people patiently waiting in the queue - I don’t recall Nicolas Hayek (Swatch Group) or Raynald Aeschlimann (Omega) at any MoonSwatch queue….again, I’m not knocking these two gentleman, I’m just highlighting how much better of an understanding some other ‘less experienced’ brand owners engage with their clientele.
The Pizza watch is so much better than it looks in renders and photos (including this one…) it’s dare I say) ‘subtler’ than you imagine
Now of course, ‘those pesky youngsters’ didn’t have it all their own way! ‘Haute horology’ was well represented too (I couln’t get near the Roger Smith one off - @DeeperBlue was trying to talk her way to a free watch for about 25mins….😉
but I did get to see the Series 4…😍
After I’d removed by nose and tongue from the glass (politely by security) I was equally enamoured by Sinclair Harding’s clocks….
Stunning to see them in motion. Just hypnotising watching the escapements rocking away….hypnotising….
….annnnnd back in the room. The other big queue of the day way Christopher Ward. They had a watchmaker present - but out of order making him work Saturdays, admittedly but I suppose those Bel Canto’s aren’t going to make themselves…😉
I finally got to hear it! @hamishfrob kindly let me hear his one in the queue but I also got to try it on too
It wears smaller than I thought but it’s on my personal OCD limit. These, however, were not…
I was surprised by how much I liked the white dial. Even though I own a PRX, one of these will most likely end up in my collection in the next year or so…🤞🤞🤞. BTW if you missed this show a lot of the brands are likely to be at @hamishfrob ’s Manchester show, later this year, (venue looks awesome!) but I’m sure he’ll post something in the meetups section when the time comes…
Want to see some other watches I liked? Good! (Also if you answered ‘no’ - how the hell did you end up here?!)
Isn’t annoying when you think you have the ‘best’ colourway in a model line and they release a better one? Thanks Farer - I think you owe me a free trade in for the green. Although it now ‘Beijing’ on the dial instead of ‘Hong Kong’ 😡 (I don’t want to get political….)
Also Thanks @Clemence_Watches for releasing a watch I ❤after all my ‘watch fund’ has been spent for the year 😉
Mr Jones Watches. I don’t know where to begin. This brand operates in a sector of the market by itself. It sounds awfully pretentious but it has redefined what a watch is. Time telling is a secondary function (if it is even considered a function at all!). Economics suggest that when you operate in a sector of the market, you can charge whatever you like but these were amongst the least expensive watches there! Also the artists who design the watches also receive royalties.
I thought the event was excellent - a great celebration of British Watchmaking. It will get better in years to come. It was overly crowded especially early part of the morning session. I would suggest a less tickets per session and maybe over two days - I know that would be exhausting for the brands but look at what you’ve created here! A focal point for a burgeoning community.
Also I know I set up the meetup but the venue wasn’t really conducive to having a meetup there! Apologies to anyone who wanted to meetup - we’ll organise something in the future! Just a personal Thank You to @AdmiralRick @DeeperBlue and @robdominic (and the non WC members) for being an awesome group to hang out with!
Really into watches and photography. Come say Hi on here or IG: chunghauphoto
Great Post, looks like some top stuff on display and a great way to show off our own watch brands. Looks like you had a good day with hands on some great timepieces (poor Roger Smith, obviously didn't know of deeeperblue's reputation😉😄).
Thanks Rob - we really missed you!
It’s was just good to see the turnout for the event!
Hi Chung! Fantastic to see you yesterday, really glad that you had a great day and that the timing of the Concept Editions helped to protect your wallet 😅! Awesome wrist shot by the way 🤩 look forward to seeing you again soon 🍻
Hi Chung! Fantastic to see you yesterday, really glad that you had a great day and that the timing of the Concept Editions helped to protect your wallet 😅! Awesome wrist shot by the way 🤩 look forward to seeing you again soon 🍻
Thanks Tom - hope you both had a great day too. Must have been exhausting!
Keep up the great work and see you at the next one!
Looks like it was a great time!
Great on point review Chung. Couldn't agree more. Really was a thoroughly enjoyable day spent in good company @Chunghauphoto @DeeperBlue @robdominic and others with great affordable watches to look at and purchase (Roger Smith piece aside!).
Hopefully after the success and the enthusiasm of yesterday's show, this will become an annual event. As you say, a few organisational tweeks was all that's required for the next one.
Same time next year hopefully.🙏🏻
Great write up and beautiful photos as usual Chung!
Thank you for your company yesterday 🍻
Thanks for the write up and lovely photos of all those British brands. It looks like I will need to save extra for WatchIT in June as several of those brands look like they really look great in person!
Really good write up! One aspect I didn’t convey was that in the middle it was just a bit too hectic! Loved the start and end when it was a bit quieter!
Super excited to get the special @Clemence_Watches in a few weeks (bit of a birthday present!)
Thanks for the write up and lovely photos of all those British brands. It looks like I will need to save extra for WatchIT in June as several of those brands look like they really look great in person!
You’re welcome. What’s WatchIT? Italy?
Really good write up! One aspect I didn’t convey was that in the middle it was just a bit too hectic! Loved the start and end when it was a bit quieter!
Super excited to get the special @Clemence_Watches in a few weeks (bit of a birthday present!)
Thanks Justin. Sorry we couldn’t meet up and see your cool watches!
You’re absolutely right, after the CW lottery announcement it was a lot quieter and nicer to walk around and chat to people. They certainly were not queuing around the block when we left just before 2pm!
Very jealous of your Clemence - it’s such a well designed piece
You’re welcome. What’s WatchIT? Italy?
https://12and60.com/watchit/
Birmingham, Solihull in June
Glad to see it looks like a good turnout. That green dial Beaucroft is beautiful.
https://12and60.com/watchit/
Birmingham, Solihull in June
Ah right - Thanks! Looks very interesting indeed!
Glad to see it looks like a good turnout. That green dial Beaucroft is beautiful.
Thanks Ben. Just great to see the community coming together like this.
I agree about the Beaucroft - they couldn’t definitely be ‘the next big thing’
Great to see you Chung, great write-up. It was a fantastic day. And I agree with you about that Clemence! Loved it!
I’d love to go an event like this. How often do they happen? Guessing it’s an annual event? I live in London so no excuse.
Great to see you Chung, great write-up. It was a fantastic day. And I agree with you about that Clemence! Loved it!
Always a pleasure to see you! Look forward to the (potential) Manchester meetup
I’d love to go an event like this. How often do they happen? Guessing it’s an annual event? I live in London so no excuse.
Hey Wisam. Meetups/watch fairs happen every now and again. If you want to see brands together there’s the World Time UK event at Heathrow and Watchpro Salon - although both events are yet to be confirmed for this year. Keep an eye out in the Meetups section. You can always organise something there or reach out to be people you ‘bond’ with here.
Outside of WatchCrunch, for meetups with other enthusiasts/collectors, there’s Redbar events in London (check out their IG) and @hamishfrob has The Watch Collectors Club which has regular meetups/visits/educational talks.
It’s never as daunting/snobbish/terrifying as you think and personally speaking, I’ve met some amazing people who I found to be generous in sharing their knowledge as well as their watches. They’ve made me laugh and made me feel very welcome. Hope you attend some!
Hey Wisam. Meetups/watch fairs happen every now and again. If you want to see brands together there’s the World Time UK event at Heathrow and Watchpro Salon - although both events are yet to be confirmed for this year. Keep an eye out in the Meetups section. You can always organise something there or reach out to be people you ‘bond’ with here.
Outside of WatchCrunch, for meetups with other enthusiasts/collectors, there’s Redbar events in London (check out their IG) and @hamishfrob has The Watch Collectors Club which has regular meetups/visits/educational talks.
It’s never as daunting/snobbish/terrifying as you think and personally speaking, I’ve met some amazing people who I found to be generous in sharing their knowledge as well as their watches. They’ve made me laugh and made me feel very welcome. Hope you attend some!
That’s great advice thank you very much!
Great write up! Feel like I’ve relived it 😄
Oddly I actually really liked how crazy busy it was in the morning. I met Hamish and a few other club members as I went in, but it was kinda nice just anonymously floating around the crowds too. Maybe I’ve lived in London for too long 😂
Would be great to have some breakout areas next year. That way the meeting up bit would be much easier as you say! I did feel sorry for any family members that were dragged along as company for that reason.
Great write up! Feel like I’ve relived it 😄
Oddly I actually really liked how crazy busy it was in the morning. I met Hamish and a few other club members as I went in, but it was kinda nice just anonymously floating around the crowds too. Maybe I’ve lived in London for too long 😂
Would be great to have some breakout areas next year. That way the meeting up bit would be much easier as you say! I did feel sorry for any family members that were dragged along as company for that reason.
Thanks John - appreciate it.
Good idea about the breakout areas - hopefully we may get an email for feedback from the Alliance.
Funny you mention family members - a few of us were sitting upstairs in the canteen and we descended on a lady sitting on her own. We were happily chatting away and eventually engaged her in conversation - turned out her other half was working/owned one of the brands. Luckily I don’t recall us ‘slagging’ anyone off…could have been quite embarrassing 😳
Are you member of the Watch Collector’s Club? I’m not a member but he was kind enough to invite along to Farringdon and Baltic events last year
Thanks John - appreciate it.
Good idea about the breakout areas - hopefully we may get an email for feedback from the Alliance.
Funny you mention family members - a few of us were sitting upstairs in the canteen and we descended on a lady sitting on her own. We were happily chatting away and eventually engaged her in conversation - turned out her other half was working/owned one of the brands. Luckily I don’t recall us ‘slagging’ anyone off…could have been quite embarrassing 😳
Are you member of the Watch Collector’s Club? I’m not a member but he was kind enough to invite along to Farringdon and Baltic events last year
I am, yes! Been going along for nearly 2 years now it must be. It's saved me a lot of money in some ways, as I can handle watches without buying them. Cost me in other ways as I then end up wanting what I do handle 😂
WatchPro's Rob Corder is quoted here as saying "Even Bremont’s new CEO, Davide Cerrato, attended and said the business will be joining the Alliance of British Clock and Watchmakers, the trade body behind the event." There we are then!
I am, yes! Been going along for nearly 2 years now it must be. It's saved me a lot of money in some ways, as I can handle watches without buying them. Cost me in other ways as I then end up wanting what I do handle 😂
WatchPro's Rob Corder is quoted here as saying "Even Bremont’s new CEO, Davide Cerrato, attended and said the business will be joining the Alliance of British Clock and Watchmakers, the trade body behind the event." There we are then!
Cool. Some of my Manchester mates have told me I’ve got to go to the Watch Collectors do up there…