Recapping All of the Panels at Windup Watch Fair Chicago 2025

Some of our favorite parts of every Windup Watch Fair are the panels, presentations, and podcast that go down during these events. More than just discussions, these sessions bring together some of the most insightful voices in the watch community—brand founders, Worn & Wound journalists, and enthusiasts—for real conversations you won’t hear anywhere else. They’re a chance to go deeper, share stories, launch projects, and challenge ideas in front of a live, engaged audience. At this year’s Windup Chicago, held at Venue West on July 11th through 13th, the panels delivered everything we love about the format: authenticity, energy, and just the right amount of watch nerdiness. Here’s a look back at the sessions from the weekend.

The Micro-Independent Spirit and the Democratization of Watchmaking with Atelier Wen

A new generation of Micro-Indies are on the rise, bringing with them elements of watchmaking that were once reserved for the loftiest, most prestigious echelons of the industry. Be it in the form of the mechanical innovations of Christopher Ward or the pursuit of high craft by Atelier Wen, discover the shared alternative spirit that fuels these brands as they encroach on the hallowed halls of horological hegemony. Moderated by Zach Kazan, Managing Editor at Worn & Wound, this panel features Robin Tallendier, Founder at Atelier Wen, Michael Pearson, North American Brand Director at Christopher Ward, Celeste Wong, Founder, Designer and Watchmaker at Celeste Watch Company, and Kenneth Lam, Founder and Designer at Arken.

Embarking on the Road to a USA-Made Movement with HORAGE

The dream of an American-made movement has long felt just out of reach—but that may be changing. In this panel, HORAGE’s CEO Andi Felsl and COO David Sharp joined by Worn & Wound Cofounder Zach Weiss and moderated by Kyle Snarr, Worn & Wound’s Head of Partnerships, announced their bold plans to manufacture a movement in the United States. From supply chain realities to community collaboration, the panel offered a refreshingly transparent look at the ambition, complexity, and stakes behind one of the industry’s most exciting initiatives.

Maintaining Relevancy in an Obsolete Industry with Brew and Islander

In an age of smartwatches and smartphones, mechanical watchmaking can feel like a relic—but that hasn’t stopped brands like Brew and Islander from building loyal followings. Moderated by Worn & Wound Managing Editor Zach Kazan, this panel with Jonathan Ferrer, Designer and Founder at Brew, and Marc Frankel, Owner at Islander, dug into how niche brands are keeping things fresh. With a blend of nostalgia, innovation, and community-driven storytelling, this conversation unpacked what it takes to stand out in an industry that refuses to disappear.

To AD or Not to AD featuring Oris

The Authorized Dealer model within the watch industry dates back to the early 1900s and many feel that the world has changed to a point where it’s no longer applicable. But there’s no substitute for relationships and well-regarded, community-based retailers create a level of trust that cannot be ignored. What are the benefits of the AD model and how is it adapting to modern enthusiast consumers? Moderated by Zach Kazan, Managing Editor at Worn & Wound, this panel features V.J. Geronimo, CEO—The Americas at Oris and Steven Holtzman, Vice Chairman at CD Peacock.

 

Worn & Wound Podcast – Celebrating 40 Years of Aqualand with Citizen

Join us on the last day of the fair for a live recording of the one and only The Worn & Wound Podcast! We’re talking 40 years of the amazingly 80s Citizen Aqualand from the company’s point of view, from the diver’s position, and from a creative perspective as well. Zach Kazan, Managing Editor at Worn & Wound is joined by Neall Brick, Director of Merchandising at Citizen, Ben Lowry of The Submersible Wrist & W.O.E., and artist Justin Sowders. 

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