Some Thoughts on District Time Watch Show
I went on Sunday, and it was an interesting experience!
First, it opened my eyes to a lot of brands that I was not really aware of. Second, it reaffirmed that press photos don't really do most watches justice. Seeing so many pieces in the metal was really a treat and very tempting. Third, it was really incredible to see hundreds of people, crammed in a pretty small space, all so excited to talk and handle this chronograph or that vintage piece, or the Bel Canto, definitely people wanted to see the Bel Canto! I heard there were approximately 800 people on Saturday and 500 people who came on Sunday. Pretty spectacular!
I walked out with a TSAO Baltimore Watch Company Balt Pilot Worldtimer with meteorite dial, and honestly, I could have walked out with 2 or 3 more if not for some nagging sense of fiscal responsibility! I particularly liked the look of pieces from Bourbon, Trafford, E. Stohlman and of course TSAO Baltimore.
Other observations:
I am really psyched by the options for Maryland-based brands out there. I'm originally from Carney, MD just east of Towson, and I am pleased to see the likes of TSAO Baltimore, E. Stohlman, McDowell Time, and Towson Watch Company (who sadly was not there on Sunday) representing the Old Line State. Some really great companies, offering a variety of models and styles. I've now got two watches from Maryland companies in my collection and happy to be on the hunt for more.
Christopher Ward has entered the chat! The CW table was seemingly the busiest of the whole show with what felt like a small crowd at any given moment. I could annoyingly go on about how I have been a supporter of the brand since before it was cool, but it's undoubtedly true now that the little British online only independent has arrived. And to their credit. The Bel Canto is really an incredible thing, and their other watches are decidedly of higher quality than they were back when I got my first CW in 2010.
Overall, I was really impressed with some of the out of the box designs that were being displayed. It's true that some of the exhibitors had some pretty derivative looking sports/dive watches, but there were a lot of brands that seemed to be doing something different or at least pushing the envelope.
I didn't take a whole lot of pictures, but here's what I managed to snap. Looking forward to next year's show!
Happy to talk about watches, hockey, politics, or what you ate for dinner last night.
The E. Stohlman you have pictures of gorgeous. It's also cool that both movement and the watch are assembled in Maryland. But I will admit I cringed when I saw the price.
Your day looks like it was fun. I can't wait to go to something like that myself.
The E. Stohlman you have pictures of gorgeous. It's also cool that both movement and the watch are assembled in Maryland. But I will admit I cringed when I saw the price.
Your day looks like it was fun. I can't wait to go to something like that myself.
The price was definitely an outlier compared to most of the watches at this event. That said, I think it's probably a justified price considering what you're getting. While I appreciate the look and the obvious artisanship, I wasn't ready to spend that much on a watch that might not see a whole lot of wrist time based on the design. Still, I'll definitely be checking back to see what Eugene is up to next!
Walked out with this…
Thanks for the report 👍
It was definitely a blast ✌️
I’d love to go to an event like this. I rarely get to see a whole load of micro brands on the flesh in one place.
Although perhaps it is a good thing I don’t. I’d end up getting carried away
The E. Stohlman you have pictures of gorgeous. It's also cool that both movement and the watch are assembled in Maryland. But I will admit I cringed when I saw the price.
Your day looks like it was fun. I can't wait to go to something like that myself.
I thought the same thing about the Earl, but it was also to thickness that scared me away.
Thanks for the write up and pics! 🍻
The E. Stohlman you have pictures of gorgeous. It's also cool that both movement and the watch are assembled in Maryland. But I will admit I cringed when I saw the price.
Your day looks like it was fun. I can't wait to go to something like that myself.
While not cheap, after handling one I think the price is about right. It’s a noticeable step up in quality from your typical microbrand.
While not cheap, after handling one I think the price is about right. It’s a noticeable step up in quality from your typical microbrand.
I haven't handled one myself but I imagine your correct. I think sometimes I get used to the Loriers, Baltics, Nodus', Smith's of the world, the sub $1000 micros, and I get a little sticker shock. It's probably unfair to compare them with company's like E. Stohlman that aren't using drop in Japanese movements and are striving for a slightly higher level of craftsmanship.
Of the four brand you pointed out Bourbon, Trafford, E. Stohlman and of course TSAO Baltimore. I can say I am happy with both my Bourbon Watch company watches and my E. Stohlman. I am waiting for my Tsao Baltimore and I have been keeping an eye on Trafford and hope they bring back the original colors with mechanical movements.
Of the four brand you pointed out Bourbon, Trafford, E. Stohlman and of course TSAO Baltimore. I can say I am happy with both my Bourbon Watch company watches and my E. Stohlman. I am waiting for my Tsao Baltimore and I have been keeping an eye on Trafford and hope they bring back the original colors with mechanical movements.
I didn’t end up getting one but I liked the simplicity of the cream dialed Bourbon. And I appreciated the honesty and earnestness of the designer’s / owner’s pitch. The look was good and the price was right. If I had an open slot in my collection, I think I would have pulled the trigger but I went into the event looking for a Worldtimer.
I didn’t end up getting one but I liked the simplicity of the cream dialed Bourbon. And I appreciated the honesty and earnestness of the designer’s / owner’s pitch. The look was good and the price was right. If I had an open slot in my collection, I think I would have pulled the trigger but I went into the event looking for a Worldtimer.
I knew I was an early order for Bourbon turns out I was the second order.
What day did you buy the Meteorite TSAO? If it was Saturday, I was working the booth! Congrats on the relatively new purchase!