Looking at this year's exhibitors, which brand do you think will leave collectors talking long after the event has finished, and what makes it so memorable?
That's a tough question to start with!
There are several brands I'm incredibly excited to see in London for the first time, alongside returning exhibitors bringing remarkable new work this year. If I had to choose just one from such an extraordinary line-up, it would have to be Ricky Hong. His 18 IN 18 is an exceptional piece, and I'm genuinely excited for visitors to experience his work in person. I'm still geeking out over having seen the prototype earlier this year.
What makes it truly memorable is the personal connection. Speaking directly with the watchmaker, learning about their journey, and understanding the thinking behind their design language creates an experience that goes far beyond the watch itself. That's what makes independent watchmaking so special, and I'm incredibly grateful that this September people will have the chance to meet and learn from 35 of the world's most talented independent watchmakers.
Many of the brands here approach watchmaking in completely different ways, from traditional hand finishing to unconventional engineering. Which brand best demonstrates just how broad independent watchmaking has become?
With 35 brands attending, I genuinely don't think you'll find any two that approach watchmaking in the same way. That's what makes this industry so fascinating—the diversity of ideas, techniques, and design philosophies never ceases to amaze me.
Just look at some of our recent collaborations: Ophion's Black Ember, Zeitwinkel's 082º TLE, Cédric Johner's Abyss 1056/4 TLE, and Vianney Halter's Reality of Time. Each tells a completely different story through its design and execution. Together, they perfectly demonstrate the incredible breadth of independent watchmaking today.
I'm excited for visitors to experience this diversity first-hand and, selfishly, to spend time with some of the watches I've been looking forward to seeing all year.
If you could only leave the event wearing one watch from this year's exhibitors, which would it be and why?
Can we change the question to 35 watches? Even then I'd struggle!
If I absolutely had to choose one, I'd have to go with the AMIDA Digitrend Open Sapphire. I had the privilege of wearing Oliver's watch last year, and it's stayed with me ever since. The design is unlike anything else in modern watchmaking, and owning one remains a dream of mine.
Some independent brands are known for technical innovation, while others focus on artistic craftsmanship. Which direction do you think collectors are gravitating towards today?
I think today's collectors are increasingly gravitating towards brands that successfully combine technical innovation with artistic craftsmanship, rather than prioritising one over the other.
Over the last decade there has been tremendous interest in technical achievements new escapements, unusual displays, pioneering materials, and mechanical ingenuity. Independent watchmakers have always thrived in this space because they can explore ideas that larger brands often cannot.
At the same time, there's been a growing appreciation for artistry, finishing, and storytelling. Collectors increasingly want watches that feel personal and meaningful. Hand-finishing, engraving, enamelling, and distinctive design language offer an emotional connection that specifications alone simply can't provide.
The brands that seem to resonate most today are those that can achieve both: innovative mechanics paired with exceptional craftsmanship and a compelling story.
There are several brands exhibiting that many enthusiasts may never have handled before. Which stand would you tell someone to visit if they wanted to discover something completely unexpected?
This September's Days of the Independents will bring together the largest collection of independent watchmakers ever assembled in the UK. The best way I can describe it is like being a kid in a candy store—there's something here for every kind of enthusiast.
If I had to recommend one stand, it would be Felipe Pikullik. After seeing his work at Dubai Watch Week, I'm incredibly excited to experience it again. His watches possess a level of hand-craftsmanship and character that's difficult to fully appreciate until you see them in person. For collectors discovering his work for the first time, I think it will be a truly memorable experience.
Over the years you've handled some extraordinary timepieces. Has there been a watch from this year's exhibitors that genuinely surprised you the first time you saw it in person?
At my first Watches & Wonders, I had the opportunity to see a prototype of the SpaceOne WorldTimer. It was a genuine surprise in the best possible way.
The watch looked unlike anything else at the show, and seeing it in person completely changed my perception of what modern independent design could look like. Since then, I've become a huge fan of the brand. For anyone attending Days of the Independents for the first time, SpaceOne is a brand that absolutely deserves to be experienced in the metal.
Independent watchmakers often have complete creative freedom. Which exhibitor has the clearest design identity, where you instantly know who made the watch without seeing the logo?
There are several brands exhibiting whose design language is instantly recognisable, which is one of the hallmarks of great independent watchmaking.
If I had to choose one, I'd say Lederer. Bernard Lederer's work possesses a distinctive blend of technical mastery and aesthetic refinement that makes it immediately identifiable. As soon as I see one of his watches, there's no doubt in my mind who created it.
That said, one of the great things about this year's line-up is that nearly every brand has developed a unique visual identity that stays with you long after you've left their stand.
If you were introducing someone to independent watchmaking for the very first time, which three brands at the event would best showcase the diversity of what's possible?
No matter which brands you spend time with, you'll find a fantastic introduction to the world of independent watchmaking. If I had to choose three that demonstrate its incredible diversity, I'd select:
Konstantin Chaykin
Chaykin represents the playful and artistic side of independent watchmaking. His iconic Wristmons prove that a watch can be emotional, expressive, and unlike anything produced by mainstream brands.
Armin Strom
At the other end of the spectrum, Armin Strom showcases serious technical innovation. Their work with resonance and movement architecture demonstrates the kind of engineering excellence that independent brands can achieve.
Atelier Wen
Atelier Wen highlights how independent watchmaking has become a truly global movement. By combining contemporary design with Chinese craftsmanship and cultural storytelling, the brand challenges traditional assumptions about where exceptional watchmaking can come from.
Together, these three brands demonstrate just how broad and exciting the independent landscape has become.
Collectors often talk about 'future classics'. Looking around the room today, which watch do you think people will be searching for ten years from now?
For me, Lang & Heyne stands out as a future classic.
At a time when many brands are pursuing increasingly bold designs and exotic materials, Lang & Heyne remains dedicated to traditional German watchmaking at an extraordinarily high level. Production is extremely limited, the finishing is exceptional, and the attention to detail is remarkable.
I think we're only beginning to see wider appreciation for just how special these watches are. Ten years from now, I suspect many collectors will be asking themselves why they didn't buy one when they had the chance.
After spending time with all these watchmakers, what have you personally learned about what it takes to build a truly great independent watch brand?
More than anything else, I've learned that it's the people and the stories behind the watches that matter most.
Events such as Days of the Independents, Watches & Wonders, Festival of Time, and Hands on Horology give enthusiasts a rare opportunity to meet the creators themselves. Through those conversations, you gain an understanding of the passion, persistence, and vision required to build an independent watch brand.
The most successful brands aren't simply creating beautiful watches—they're creating something deeply personal and authentic. That connection between maker, watch, and collector is what makes independent watchmaking so special.
That's exactly what we're celebrating on Saturday, 19th September 2026 from 12 noon in Central London at Days of the Independents, and I can't wait for visitors to experience the largest gathering of independent watchmakers ever held in the UK.
Dislaimer: We don't use AI for authoring any of our visual or written artwork. Everything you find in Happy Horologists Magazine is and will be human made.
