Windup Watch Fair NYC 2026: Best Watches, 3 Buys & HUGE Queues! | Ep.18

Windup Watch Fair NYC 2026 was HUGE! Over 160 watch brands, massive queues, incredible microbrands and some seriously impressive new releases. But has New York's biggest watch enthusiast event become too popular for its own good? Welcome to **Wristwatch Weekly Episode 18 – Windup New York 2026: The Wind Down!** This week I'm joined by returning guest **GatorCris**, who's just returned from three days exploring the Windup Watch Fair in New York City. Chris shares his favourite watches, the independent brands that impressed him, the biggest surprises and the THREE watches he couldn't resist buying! We also discuss the extraordinary queues, with some visitors waiting over two and a half hours to get inside! **⌚ THE THREE WATCHES CHRIS BOUGHT** • **Lima GMT** – An Indonesian microbrand GMT powered by the Seiko NH34 automatic movement. At approximately $350, Chris considers it one of the best-value watches at the show. • **echo/neutra Averau** – A striking sand-coloured automatic watch. This is now Chris's third echo/neutra! • **Jacques Bianchi JB200** – A limited-edition French Foreign Legion-inspired dive watch Chris has wanted for ages. He finally bought one after trying it on at several previous shows! And yes, he went over budget by around $1,200! **🔥 BEST WATCHES & BRANDS AT WINDUP NYC** We discuss some of the most exciting watches and watchmakers at the show: • Brew Watches – The brilliant New York taxi-inspired Brew Metric and an incredible exhibition stand. • Farer – A limited-edition New York subway-inspired watch with beautiful hand-painted details. • Casio G-Shock – Including a mysterious blue G-Shock that Chris thought was overhyped! • Timex – A popular retro-inspired chronograph and a packed stand. • Bulova & Fossil – Some of the most impressive displays at the show. • echo/neutra & Lorca – Exciting upcoming watches and prototypes. • Awake, Venezianico & Studio Underd0g – Independent brands attracting serious attention. • Titan – Incredibly thin watches from one of India's largest watchmakers. • PAPAR, Heron, BUCI, Lima & DeMarco – Independent brands worth discovering. Plus Christopher Ward, Jacques Bianchi and many more! **😳 HAS WINDUP OUTGROWN ITS VENUE?** With enormous queues, overcrowded rooms and some smaller brands struggling to reach customers, is it time for Windup New York to move to a bigger venue? Should the show introduce timed entry or longer opening hours? **🏝️ BUILDING VANNIN WATCHES** As we prepare to launch our own independent watch brand, Vannin Watches, I ask Chris what we can learn from the show. We discuss brand loyalty, meeting customers, the challenges of keeping watches in stock, US tariffs and how smaller watch brands can succeed at major events. **⚡ CHRIS'S WINDUP AWARDS** We finish with quick-fire questions covering the best watch, best value, biggest surprise, best exhibition stand, most overhyped watch and the one Chris regrets leaving behind! **⏱️ EPISODE CHAPTERS** 00:00 Introduction – Windup NYC 2026 00:55 What's On The Wrist 02:40 First Impressions & Massive Queues 08:20 Has Windup Outgrown Its Venue? 15:00 The Lima GMT – Chris's First Purchase 16:45 echo/neutra Averau 18:15 Jacques Bianchi JB200 20:10 Going Over Budget & Watch Regrets 25:20 Best Stands – Brew, Bulova & Fossil 30:25 Incredible Watches & Unique Dials 32:10 Farer New York Subway Edition 33:15 G-Shock, Timex & Major Brands 38:10 Hidden Gems & Independent Microbrands 40:25 US Tariffs & Watch Show Challenges 43:45 Meeting Watchmakers & Discovering Titan 47:10 Advice for Vannin Watches 51:00 Best Watches, Value & Biggest Surprises 53:20 Windup NYC 2027 Plans 55:50 Final Thoughts & The Watch Community Did you attend Windup Watch Fair NYC 2026? Which watch brands impressed you most? Did you buy anything? And do you think Windup needs a larger venue? Let us know in the comments! **🎙️ ABOUT WRISTWATCH WEEKLY** Wristwatch Weekly is a watch podcast hosted by Mystery Watch Guy. #WindupWatchFair #MicrobrandWatches #WristwatchWeekly #WatchCollecting #WatchPodcast