Everything to See and Do at Windup San Francisco: Padel, Panels, Parties, Watches, and More!

The 2026 Windup Watch Fair San Francisco is just days away, and we’re fairly certain there’s never been a Windup with as much going on as this one. Alongside everything you’d expect—like amazing lead sponsors including Bremont, Brew, Christopher Ward, Frederique Constant, and Oris—this fair also features 80+ brands from around the world and a slew of extracurricular activities across all three days. Here’s a quick guide to everything happening in and around the big weekend in The Bay Area, starting with a reminder of the where and when.

Windup Watch Fair San Francisco
Friday, May 1 – Sunday, May 3, 2026
Gateway Pavilion
at Fort Mason Center for Arts & Culture
San Francisco, CA

Free and open to everyone
No registration necessary

EDC Expo, Giveaways, and More

We’re excited for the return of the EDC Expo, presented by GiantMouse. Longtime supporters of Windup, the team at GiantMouse is elevating the gear and accessories section in a meaningful way with their ACE Riv in titanium, brass, green canvas Micarta™, and more. Nearly a dozen everyday carry and accessory brands will greet you at the front of Gateway Pavilion.

For the first time, you’ll also find Kindred Motorworks on-site, showcasing their meticulously restored EV Broncos—and yes, you can sign up to test-drive one through some of San Francisco’s most iconic streets. Our friends at Fitwell will be joined by their mustachioed mate Andy from Andy’s Watches on Instagram and TikTok at their EDC Expo booth.

There will be multiple giveaways at this year’s Windup. The Windup Watch Shop is hosting two gift packages: a fully kitted-out Everyday Carry Bundle (retail value $584) and a complete set of two Timex x Worn & Wound Field Watches With a Twist (retail value $598). Bremont is also giving away an incredible Supermarine 300m in British Vintage Green on a Chevron rubber strap (retail value $3,550).

Throughout the weekend, the venue will be alive with collectors, enthusiasts, and curious newcomers. Miyota returns as the Official Movement Sponsor, offering insight into its approach to reliable, high-quality calibers that power countless watches across the industry. Expect a full slate of brand activations, food trucks, and special experiences, including Scotch whisky tastings courtesy of Bruichladdich, back in San Francisco for the third consecutive year.

Be sure to take advantage of on-site service from Topper Fine Jewelers, who will have a watchmaker available throughout the weekend for complimentary strap changes and bracelet resizings. 

Adding to the excitement, Bulova will also debut the Black Hole Lunar Pilot, now in 41mm for the first time with a Musou Paint dial that absorbs 99.4% of light at the Fair, complete with an interactive installation that promises to be one of the weekend’s must-see moments.

Then check out the new limited edition Windup Watch Shop x Caravelle by Bulova Sea Hunter Bundle, which will be available for viewing and pre-order at the Fair. MAD Editions will have a special watch in San Francisco, some of our team got a sneak peek in Geneva. Stay tuned to their channels for more information and definitely make your way their booth. On your way there, you can also experience live artwork by Sunflowerman presented by The Watch Preserve.

Panel Programming

Stop by the Panel & Podcast Room for a full slate of programming on Friday and Saturday with some of your favorite brands. Here’s a quick rundown:

Precision Meets Passion: Frederique Constant and the Padel Phenomenon
Friday, May 1st at 2:30 PM

Padel is no longer just a trend. It’s a global commercial powerhouse on track to become a $6 billion industry by 2028. Join Kaitlin Derkach (Marketing Director, Frederique Constant) and Diane Gotua (CCO, Pro Padel League) as they discuss the “lifestyle-first” strategy driving padel’s explosive 50% year-over-year growth in the U.S. and why Frederique Constant is betting on this high-energy, enthusiast-friendly sport.

EDC Expo Panel: Building a Quiver vs. Collection
Friday, May 1st at 4:00 PM

Many collectors don’t think in rigid frameworks. They follow curiosity and passion wherever it leads. Others work within self-imposed rules around style, function, or brand. This panel brings together Jim Wirth (Founder/CEO, GiantMouse Knives), Christian Freissler (Co-Founder, Evolve Agency & Creative Director, Shinzo Tamura), Harrison McCrindle (Head of Government Operations, Marathon Watch Company), and Garrett Jones (Lead Photographer and resident EDC enthusiast, Worn & Wound) for a candid conversation about the art, science, and emotion of collecting across knives, sunglasses, watches, and everyday carry.

Windup in a Bay 2026 Recap: Presented by Marathon and Prometheus Design Werx
Saturday, May 2nd at 3:00 PM

Explore the intersection of rugged tool watches and expedition-ready gear through this year’s Windup in a Bay dive trip. The discussion focuses on in-the-field use of equipment designed for harsh camping and cold-water environments, and the synergy between watches and everyday carry (EDC) gear. Dive team members include Aaron Potash, Asha Wagner, Ben Lowry, Brock Stevens, Chris Sohl, John Howton, and Jason Heaton of The Grey NATO Podcast.

Oris and 60 Years of Mechanical Freedom
Saturday, May 2nd at 4:30 PM

In 1965, Oris achieved a hard-won victory that changed the course of the watch industry by overturning the restrictive Swiss Watch Statute. This legal triumph ended decades of state-mandated technical limitations, allowing Oris, and many others, to move beyond pin-lever movements and embrace modern mechanical innovation like the lever escapement. Join Zach Kazan (Editorial Director, Worn & Wound) and VJ Geronimo (CEO–The Americas, Oris) as they explore this pivotal moment and celebrate its legacy with a look at the newly released Star Edition from Watches and Wonders.

Evening Events

Each night of Windup features off-site events you won’t want to miss.

Friday night kicks off at Park Padel with Frederique Constant and the Pro Padel League for an evening of food, play, and community—perfect whether you’re new to padel or just looking to connect. Please use the link to RSVP.

On Saturday, we cross the bridge for the official Worn & Wound Open House at VALT Auto Club. Explore an incredible collection at the Bay Area’s premier car enthusiast club, with food, drinks, and plenty of fun to cap off Day Two. Please use the link to RSVP.

To close out the weekend, HORAGE will host a screening of its latest documentary at the Presidio Theatre on Sunday at 8 PM, an invitation to wind down with some big-screen storytelling. Please use the link to RSVP.

Come for the watches, stay for everything else: demos, classes, parties, panels, padel, podcast recordings, giveaways, and a few surprises. That’s the magic of Windup Watch Fair San Francisco: a watch fair with a sea breeze, an iconic skyline, and maybe even a whale sighting or two if you’re lucky.

Follow us on Instagram and sign up for our newsletter to stay up to date on all things Windup. You can always find the key information about our events at windupwatchfair.com.