One For The Books: Recapping The 2025 San Francisco Windup Watch Fair and EDC Expo

The Windup Watch Fair is all about what makes this hobby great: passionate communities, hands-on experiences, and a chance to discover something new. This year’s San Francisco edition checked every box, delivering an unforgettable weekend of horological energy, Bay Area vibes, and the best of watches and everyday carry.

Thanks to our lead sponsors—anOrdain, Christopher Ward, Fortis, Frederique Constant, and Oris,and, of course, you, our readers and extended Worn & Wound family, Windup SF 2025 was one for the books.

Back at the Gateway Pavilion at Fort Mason on Pier 2, the venue once again proved itself a perfect stage. With a wide-open two-level floorplan and sweeping views of the bay, over 90 watch and EDC brands set up shop, creating a space where enthusiasts could get up close with everything from microbrand gems to industry heavyweights.

And it was packed with action. The Panel & Podcast Room buzzed with live talks and behind-the-scenes conversations. We unveiled exclusive drops, including the Bulova Snorkel Edition—made just for the show—alongside special events like Bulova’s 150th anniversary documentary screening at the Alamo Drafthouse in the Mission.

Christopher Ward brought the premiere of Freewheelin’, their new documentary on the innovative C12 Loco, with North American Brand Director Mike Pearson and Senior Designer Will Brackfield on hand to dive into the story behind the design.

The ever-growing EDC Expo presented by NOMATIC also turned heads. This year’s highlights included Windup-only designs from Pro-Tech Knives, custom laser engraving from Leucadia Blade Co., and an arsenal of multitools, bags, and everyday gear that had even the most die-hard watch fans crossing the aisle for a closer look.

And in true Windup SF fashion, the good times didn’t stop on the showroom floor. Guests grabbed signature cocktails from the Bruichladdich Bar, sampled the rotating lineup of local food trucks, and soaked up the sun with fellow enthusiasts all weekend long.

Adding an adventurous twist to the weekend, the second annual Windup in a Bay expedition took the Windup spirit to the great outdoors. In collaboration with Marathon Watch Company and Prometheus Design Werx, participants embarked on a scenic campout at Elkhorn Ranch, followed by an open-water dive off the dramatic coast of Carmel. This unique experience blended horology with nature, offering attendees a chance to test rugged gear in real-world conditions and forge lasting memories around the campfire.

To call the 2025 Windup Watch Fair San Francisco a success would be underselling it. People traveled from near and far, connected with brands, discovered new favorites, and shared moments that’ll stick long after the wrist shots fade from Instagram. But don’t worry—Windup Watch Fair is just getting started.

Next stop: Chicago, July 11. Then it’s on to our hometown of New York City, October 17.

To all the attendees, brands, partners, and friends—thank you. You make this possible. For future show details and updates, head to windupwatchfair.com.

See you soon.