Worn & Wound’s Windup Watch Fair is one of our favorite horological events. Bringing together 30+ mostly smaller, independent brands and vendors, the fair provides a fascinating counterpoint to industry trade shows such as SIHH and Basel World where the larger Swiss manufacturers exhibit. At Windup, the focus is on smaller brands (some of which are only one-person strong) who are producing beautiful timepieces at very affordable prices. Here are some of our favorites from the 2018 Windup New York show:
Martenero Edgemere Reserve
NYC-based Martenero combines classic design inspirations (the marine chronometer, for example) with vibrant colors. The watch-buying seemed to really respond to the brand’s original Edgemere, and this year saw an update in the Edgemere Reserve, which features both a power reserve and a 24-hour sub-dial. Pre-orders are open now via Indiegogo.
Itay Noy Full Month/Full Month.Moon
Israeli watchmaker Itay Noy is never content to rest on his laurels and produce more of the same old thing. His Full Month and Full Month.Moon feature cut-out dials that allow the wearer to watch the date or the phase of the moon progress across the watch. With their micro-rotor automatic movements and thin, 12mm cases, these watches have to be worn to be fully appreciated.
anOrdain Model 1
Finding an enamel-dialed watch for less than several thousand dollars isn’t easy, so when anOrdain popped on to the scene this year, the Scottish brand definitely turned heads. Their beautiful Model 1, available in several different dial colors, is a difficult watch to build — the brand has a 30% rejection rate for their dials.
Farer Mechanical Chronograph Collection
Farer is one of our favorite boutique watch manufacturers, delivering colorful designs in a bevy of different configurations and complications. Their new mechanical chronographs feature Swiss-made ETA movements, dual-register chronographs and date windows. With three different colorways to choose from, this is a hell of a lot of watch for the money.
Vortic Watch Co. Railroad Edition
Vortic is a U.S.-based company that made its name converting vintage American pocket watches into wristwatches using customized cases. Their newest offering, the Railroad Edition, feature super-accurate, lever-set pocket watches that were built specifically for use on the American railroads. A unique take on the wristwatch if ever there was one.
Baltic Aquascaphe
Baltic’s ability to design clearly vintage-inspired watches at affordable price points has made the company enormously popular since its debut in 2017. Its newest offering, the Autoscaphe, is pure 1960s dive watch goodness, and a smattering of different bracelet/strap offerings and a reliable Miyota movement offer a ton of value.
Autodromo
With its automotive inspiration, the original Group B was a microbrand favorite. Now, Autodromo owner and designer Braley Price has updated the watch with an integrated bracelet and new dial options. Lightweight and fun, the new Group B is sure to be a hit.
