Independent watch company fans rejoice! The Windup Watch Fair was brought back to the Bay Area after a 3-year drought in which “Disease-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named” forced Zac, Blake x2, and team to put a halt on bringing us watch lovers together. This event featured companies ranging from Hamilton, Christopher Ward, Zodiac, and Oris, all the way to first timers like Hesili. The Terra Gallery also played host to fan favorites such as Nodus, Brew, anOrdain, Farer, and Vortic Watch Company.
This was my first (but most definitely not last) Windup, so I am unable to comment about the vast differences between the venues; however, the Terra Gallery is a perfect set up for an event like this. Walk through the double door entrance and you are greeted by welcoming Worn and Wound hosts willing to point you towards all the watches your heart could desire. This Miami University “U” shaped first floor was lined with booths, had a bar tucked away in a corner, and offered plenty of space on the inside to grab a seat and chit-chat. On the outside, they had a baker’s dozen of tables, and a food truck willing and waiting to serve hungry patrons.
One of the best parts about this whole show was chatting with the beautiful people behind these beautiful watches. Every person, at every booth, was more than willing to put one of their beloved watches on your wrist so you can unscrew the crown, click the bezel, or shake it to test its shock resistance. Nothing felt forced or awkward, but instead, it was all very welcoming. The second-best part about this whole event is walking outside to take a wrist shot and not feeling judged. I guess I should mention that finally handling some of these watches in person was pretty incredible as well. And let me tell you, the Farer Lander GMT is something that needs to be seen in person.
My 3 Favorite Watches from Windup San Francisco
The watch I ended up purchasing to memorialize this occasion was the mint dial Astor + Banks Fortitude Lite. Andrew Perez, (Astor + Bank’s owner, founder, janitor, and shipping and receiving clerk) stood proudly behind his table that featured six versions of his Fortitude Lite, and a box of straps. Andrew brought the Sand, Mint, Light Blue, MOP Dial, White, and yellow variants – it was like Easter never ended. The Fortitude Lite, a slimmed down version of its older sibling fit extremely well on my 6.5” wrist and was a standout. Which is why I bought it.
Do not call me a homer for this next one: the Monta Skyquest in the new Opalin Silver dial with Pepsi bezel. Monta is known as one of the “you HAVE to feel it to believe it” companies out there, where their watches command a higher than your average price. But you realize upon feeling it, and believing it, that they are worth every single penny. The colors are a match made in #watchfam heaven with that Opalin silver dial and indices and numerals wrapped in gold.
The final watch that immediately grabbed my attention was the new Christopher Ward C65 Aquitaine. The booth was popping with people as CW had the whole corner to themselves. I was able to get my hands on the green variant of the diver and I’m sold. Domed sapphire bezel. I’ll repeat: domed sapphire bezel. Another one of those watches where you just need to see to believe.
To wrap up: the venue was incredible, the watches were amazing, and the people were incredibler and amazinger. I cannot wait for Chicago in just three short months—see you there!
