WatchTime New York will host a record 48 brands at Gotham Hall from 16 to 18 October, and the Windup Watch Fair and two curtain-raiser events fill out a busy week.
New York’s unofficial Watch Week looks set to be its biggest yet. WatchTime New York has signed a record 48 exhibiting brands, and the Windup Watch Fair also reports its highest exhibitor count. Many independent brands are also holding their own events around the city.
Who turns up is only half the story. What’s more interesting is why some of the most in-demand names on the list are coming at all, since they hardly need the exposure.
A Record Line-Up at Gotham Hall
WatchTime New York runs from 16 to 18 October at Gotham Hall. Now in its 11th year, the collector event promises several world premieres. Organisers say visitors will also get time with executives from global brands and with independent watchmakers.
Blancpain is expected to showcase its new Lady B. Independents including Kudoke, Kollokium, Ferdinand Berthoud, Daniel Roth and Artime are also tipped to bring new releases. So far, though, organisers have confirmed new model debuts from only two brands: Kudoke and Frederique Constant.
The full exhibitor list mixes established houses with small independent workshops. Chopard, Zenith, Piaget, Glashütte Original and Ulysse Nardin share the floor with MB&F, Urwerk, Voutilainen, Ressence and Laurent Ferrier. The spread is wide enough that G-Shock and Jacob & Co. will be under the same roof.
Why Booked-Out Brands Still Show Up
WatchTime publisher Sara Orlando told JCK that many of the independents taking part have delivery wait lists of more than five years. Even so, they are paying to exhibit. In her view, that sets them apart from some larger brands that skip consumer shows when sales are healthy.
Orlando argues that strong sales are exactly when brands should take part. Her reasoning is long-term. If brands reach aspiring buyers now, those buyers may be ready to purchase in five to 10 years. It’s a sensible argument, though it comes from the organiser selling the floor space.
She describes the audience as engaged and knowledgeable, and says collectors value being among like-minded people. Orlando also credits event director Minda Larsen and a small team for the show’s steady growth.
Tickets and the Wider Week
Friday night tickets for WatchTime New York have sold out. Single-day tickets are still available for Saturday and Sunday.
The Windup Watch Fair runs on the same dates, 16 to 18 October, at Center415. Two events come first, on 15 October. Indies.NYC is already fully booked, and the Fondation Haute Horlogerie (FHH) holds its New York Watch Summit 2026 at Neuehouse Madison Square.
Big Questions on the Summit Agenda
The FHH summit features four curated panel discussions with leading industry figures. The topics are:
- How knowledge is shaping the future of watchmaking
- What counts as an icon in watchmaking today
- The new perceived value of watches
- Whether the United States can stay the largest market for fine watch sales
That last panel stands out. The FHH is openly asking whether America can keep its top spot, just as New York hosts record exhibitor numbers. For now, 48 brands have decided the market is worth a trip to Gotham Hall.
