Windup Watch Fair Chicago 2025: What You Need To Know

Windup Watch Fair Chicago 2025 kicks off Friday, July 11 at 12 noon, returning once again to VENUE WEST at 221 N Paulina St. If you’re in the area—or planning a last-minute weekend trip—the show runs through Sunday, July 13, with open hours each day as follows:

Friday, July 11th: 12:00–6:00PM

Saturday, July 12th: 12:00–6:00PM

Sunday, July 13th: 12:00–5:00PM

This is the fourth time Windup has come to Chicago, and it also marks the 10th anniversary of the Windup Watch Fair overall. For collectors, indie fans, and anyone who likes trying on watches in person, it’s one of the most open, relaxed events of the year—and one of the few where you can walk in off the street and start chatting with the people behind your favorite brands.

What To Expect 

As of today, just over 50 brands are listed as attending. That’s a smaller roster than the most recent San Francisco fair, which hosted over 90 brands (or New York with over 140 brands), but that’s not necessarily a bad thing. With fewer brands overall and everything on a single level at VENUE WEST, it’s easier to actually take your time and explore. Some brands I'm excited to see are Lorca, Echo/Neutra, and Chicago-based Oak & Oscar. Check out Windup site for the full roster of brands.

Final Thoughts

Nick From Ad Patina at Windup New York 2024

I’ll be wandering the floor on Friday and Saturday, seeing some familiar faces and hopefully meeting a few new ones. I've attended Windup New York twice, but never Chicago; I'm excited to see how the shows differ. Whether you’re a longtime Windup regular or thinking about stopping by for the first time, this is one of the easiest, most welcoming ways to get more hands-on with watches—no appointments, no velvet ropes, and no pressure to buy anything.

See you there!