The Windup Watch Fair 10-Year Celebration Rolls Into Chicago — Here’s What to See and Do This Weekend

The Windup Watch Fair is heading back to the Windy City for what promises to be our biggest and boldest Chicago event yet—and this time, we’re celebrating a major milestone: 10 years of Windup. From July 11–13, Windup returns to Venue West for three full days of hands-on watch experiences, exclusive launches, engaging panels, and some unexpected surprises. This year’s show features sponsors exhibiting over 70 brands, including exciting first-time participants like Tudor, DOXA, Celeste, and Watch Craft. There will also be raffles, giveaways, a Scotch tasting bar, and much more. The event is completely free and open to the public, so whether you’re a seasoned collector, a curious newcomer, or somewhere in between, there’s a place for you at Windup.

Windup Watch Fair Chicago
Friday, July 11 – Sunday, July 13, 2024
Venue West
221 N Paulina St
Chicago, IL 60612

Free and open to the public.

Thanks to Our Lead Sponsors

We’re thrilled to welcome back our Lead Sponsors, each bringing something exciting to the table—some quite literally. Atelier Wen returns with the Perception, a stunning example of East-meets-West horology. The watch’s intricate guilloché dial, crafted by hand in China, is a modern feat of mechanical art. Casio is showing off their G-SHOCK MTGB4000, a robust, high-tech statement piece loaded with both analog soul and digital brains. Even more exciting? We have it on good authority that Casio will be launching something completely new on day one of the fair. Be there early.

Christopher Ward arrives with two head-turners: the sleek, modern C12 Loco and the vibrant, mission-driven C60 Trident Reef, which helps support marine conservation. While Citizen is making waves with the Aqualand 40th Anniversary Limited Edition. It’s a bold tribute to a pioneering dive watch, and to celebrate, Citizen is running a special raffle: the first ten people to purchase an Aqualand at the fair will be entered to win a custom painting by artist Justin Sowders, commemorating this milestone piece. And Oris, ever the crowd favorite, brings some summer flavor with their Aquis Date “Taste of Summer” Berries Edition. It’s vibrant, seasonal, and made to stand out. Here’s the full brand rundown:

Newcomers to Watch Out For 

Each Windup Watch Fair introduces new brands to the mix, and this year’s Chicago edition features a particularly strong crop of first-time exhibitors. From the Pacific Northwest comes Celeste, a woman-owned brand known for its artistic dials and handcrafted details. Watch Craft blurs the line between jewelry and timekeeping with sculptural designs you have to see up close. Believe it or not, Casio—rather than focusing specifically on G-SHOCK—is officially exhibiting for the first time at Windup with a slew of classics. Longtime fans and retro collectors, rejoice!

Watch Gang, known for its unique watch club model, is introducing a curated selection of brands you likely haven’t seen in person before. And DOXA fans, take note: this will be the brand’s first Windup appearance in Chicago, and yes, they’re bringing the divers.

Repping the Midwest: Chicago’s Watch Scene on Display

Windup has always celebrated regional flavor, and Chicago’s horological heartbeat is strong. Throughout the weekend, you’ll be able to connect with some of the city’s most passionate watchmakers, retailers, and collectors.

Stop by Oak & Oscar and Astor & Banks for locally designed watches made with purpose and precision. Vintage fans should check out Ad Patina, while Hampden brings some of the best in curated luxury. Farr & Swit will be on hand with their far-out designs. Oak Street Bootmakers will be showcasing their time-tested craftsmanship. Trusted local retailers New York Jewelers will be highlighting Hamilton and we’re proud to announce that our friends at CD Peacock will be on-site presenting: Bell & Ross, Longines, Tag Heuer, and yes… Tudor.

Beyond the Booths

Windup Watch Fair is about more than just watches. It’s a full weekend experience. As you walk in the front door, be sure to register for a giveaway with our friends at The Watch Preserve. On Friday night, Bulova will be hosting a special film screening of their 150 Year Anniversary documentary at the Alamo Drafthouse. Please register with this link. They’re also debuting a Chicago-exclusive edition of their Snorkel diver, complete with a caseback illustration of Cloud Gate—the iconic sculpture affectionately known as “The Bean.” It’s a subtle but special nod to the city.

Be sure to check out the full schedule of events for info on all the panels throughout the fair and throughout the weekend, visitors can swing by the Bruichladdich Tasting Bar to sample some expertly crafted Scotch whisky and wind down in style. Keep your eye on Horage’s socials for an unofficial Thursday night pregame, and check in with Hampden for Saturday evening happenings—you never know where a night at Windup might take you.

Follow @windupwatchfair on Instagram for up-to-the-minute updates, giveaways, and live coverage from the show floor. Whether you’re hunting for your next daily driver, reconnecting with your favorite brand, or just looking to explore the incredible watch community in person, Windup Watch Fair Chicago is the place to be. We’ll see you there—with something cool on our wrists.