Windup Watch Fair Chicago 2026 Recap: Our Biggest Midwest Celebration Yet
Long before the doors opened on Friday morning, a line had already formed outside Morgan MFG. Some attendees had traveled across the city, others across the country, all eager to see more than 70 watch brands, reconnect with friends, meet the people behind their favorite companies, and spend a weekend immersed in watch enthusiasm. By the time the doors closed on Sunday afternoon, one thing was clear: this was our biggest Windup Watch Fair Chicago ever.
Over three incredible days at our new home in Morgan MFG, Windup Watch Fair Chicago welcomed its largest attendance to date, setting a new benchmark for the event. Thousands of enthusiasts, collectors, industry professionals, and first-time visitors filled the show floor, creating the unmistakable energy that has come to define Windup.
The move to Morgan MFG proved to be the perfect next chapter for Chicago. The spacious venue gave us room to grow while maintaining the welcoming, community-first atmosphere that makes Windup special. Flooded with natural light and just steps from Fulton Market, it quickly became one of our favorite venues yet.
More than 70 exhibiting brands brought hundreds of new releases, fan favorites, prototypes, and limited editions for attendees to experience firsthand. Whether someone was buying their first mechanical watch or comparing the latest releases from independent brands, every table offered the chance to discover something new.
Incredible Partners Helped Make It Happen
A weekend like this simply isn’t possible without the support of our incredible partners. Our Lead Sponsors—Atelier Wen, Christopher Ward, Citizen, eBay Live, and Oris—helped transform the Fair into much more than a traditional exhibition, each creating memorable experiences that kept attendees engaged throughout the weekend.
Atelier Wen showcased the latest Perception V3, giving collectors a chance to appreciate the remarkable finishing and craftsmanship that has helped redefine expectations for contemporary watchmaking.
Christopher Ward drew enthusiastic crowds with splashy, artistically-driven, one-of-one models made in collaboration with Chris Alexander, a.k.a. The Dial Artist. The crowds amassed for these colorful collabs.
Citizen celebrated the 50th anniversary of Eco-Drive with one of the show’s signature exhibits, the Eco-Drive “light tree,” while showcasing the new Promaster WaveTracker, inspired by the legendary Aqualand divers of the 1980s.
As the Official Streaming Partner, eBay Live once again brought Windup to a global audience. Live broadcasts and auctions featuring partners including Happy Jewelers, Tanner & Co., and Second Hand Horology allowed collectors around the world to join the excitement from wherever they were. Not to mention, eBay Live manage to be the swag masters of the weekend as well.
Oris highlighted its Lou Gehrig Limited Edition, created in partnership with the ALS Association, demonstrating how thoughtful watchmaking can help tell stories that extend well beyond horology.
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