Heating Up the Windy City with Watches: Recapping the 2024 Windup Watch Fair Chicago

It may be hard to believe, but it’s already been two weeks since the sun set on Windup Watch Fair Chicago 2024. What’s not hard to believe is that, over three days in the Windy City, summer’s hottest watch fair hosted more visitors than ever before. With over 60 brands in attendance, it was no wonder the crowds were willing to brave a heat wave to experience what was unquestionably a very special show.

Above all else, we want to thank everyone who made their way to Venue West for what was a very fun weekend, whether you walked, took the train, drove, or even flew to Chicago, it was a pleasure to have you all—Windup wouldn’t be what it is without the enthusiasts of all stripes who come out to enjoy the show. To those who weren’t able to make it to Chicago this summer, we’re certainly sorry to have missed you, and we hope this recap (and some of our others!) can give you a taste of what the weekend was about and inspire you to attend the next Windup Watch Fair. In the meantime, here’s a video recap to give you a sense of what to expect!

An incredible group of brands anchored the energetic Fair; Christopher Ward, Citizen, Fortis, G-SHOCK, and Oris—all of whom helped set the mood for a remarkable show and who we were thrilled to see return as lead sponsors. There is no doubt that their presence continues to help Windup level up, and we are incredibly grateful for their continued support.

Windup couldn’t exist without the myriad participating brands, which included returning hometown favorites Ad Patina, Astor & Banks, Oak & Oscar, and HAIM Watch Company sitting alongside Windup Favorites like Baltic, Lorier, Anordain, Farer, and Brew and new additions to the party like Chicago-based Alexander James, and West Loop neighbor Hampden Watch Company. A standout of this year’s Chicago edition of Windup Watch Fair was the crop of all-new brands that made their debut at Windup including Artefkt, 5280 Watch Co., and Chicago-based Cornell Watch Co.—all of whom launched impressive collections to an excited audience. Check out our additional coverage of the biggest surprises from the show, as well as our customary episode of A Week In Watches, brought to you right from the floor of the Fair.

Of course, the weekend wouldn’t be complete without all of our event partners who, through panels and activations, elevated the show into one to remember. From our Thursday night kick-off event at CD Peacock’s new flagship store to the excellent panels with Brew, Abington, Islander, Alpina, Oris, and Christopher Ward which punctuated the weekend, from drinks with Watch Gang to a pizza party with Studio Underd0g, Chicago was the place to be this year.

And for those who wanted to get outside, Citizen more than provided, celebrating 35 years of Promaster with a Saturday afternoon wreck dive in Lake Michigan, before teaming up with The Grey NATO and hosts Jason Heaton and James Stacey (who also made an appearance on the Worn & Wound podcast) for a brunch and show preview on Sunday morning.

All in all, Windup Watch Fair Chicago was among the best yet, but if you missed it, we’ll look forward to seeing you in October for the last Windup Watch Fair of the year. Our NYC fair will be held in a brand new space—the biggest Windup yet—right on 5th Ave in Midtown Manhattan. Join us on October 18th through the 20th at 415 5th Ave for the ultimate watch enthusiast weekend!