Windup Watch Fair New York 2025: What to Know Before You Go
Windup Watch Fair, the largest open-to-the-public watch show in the U.S., returns to Midtown Manhattan Friday, October 17 through Sunday, October 19 at Center415, 415 Fifth Ave. Hours are 12–6 PM Friday and Saturday and 12–5 PM Sunday. Admission is free.
The essentials
Last year’s New York fair drew more than 10,000 people and over 140 brands. For 2025, Windup is expanding again inside Center415 with around 150 brands across three exhibit halls, plus panels, happy hours, and brand activations throughout the weekend. It’s a quick walk-in, pick-up, try-on kind of event, and the Midtown location makes it easy to drop by for an hour or spend the day.
What to expect on the floor
Windup began as a showcase for small independent brands, and that still defines its core. Most exhibitors are younger or owner-operated companies where you can meet the people who design the watches themselves. But over the years, the lineup has grown to include bigger names like G-Shock, Oris, and Citizen, giving the show a more complete snapshot of today’s watch landscape.
You’ll handle a lot of watches, talk directly with brand folks, and see pieces you’ve probably scrolled past on Instagram. Saturdays can bottleneck, especially mid-afternoon, so plan a loop, stopping at brands you'd like to see, rather than planting at one booth. If you want clearer photos or longer chats, aim for Sunday.
What’s different this year
Image Source: Worn & Wound
The footprint is larger than 2024, which should spread crowds and give small brands a little breathing room. Check the program before you go—there are some great panels such as Saturday's G-SHOCK: The Origin of Toughness with Mr. Kikuo Ibe: a presentation by the creator of G-SHOCK.
Expect more non-watch tables than years past—straps, storage, and carry goods tend to pull in newer collectors and make the show feel more like a full kit-and-culture weekend.
Quick tips before you head in
Wear something easy to slip on and off your wrist, keep your phone ready for wrist shots, and give yourself time to double back. If a table is packed, circle once and return—most booths thin out in waves. Center415 is central, so you can pair a visit with other New York Watch Week stops without much hassle.
See you at Center415 this weekend!
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