It is in our nature to take things for granted and to always look at the negative aspects of what we deem, at least for the time being, as usual. Before the pandemic, most of us looked at trade shows and fairs to catch a cold. Vendors, journalists, and fairgoers alike liked to joke about a sore throat and tired feet as a rite of passage and a much sought-after souvenir from attending such events. The pandemic changed all that and gave most a perspective that came with the benefits of being with others on such a scale. After all, these shows are more about the people than the goods and services on display.
Last year, a new watch fair entered the fray, this time in Toronto as Canada’s first show, and it was a smashing success. Standing on the shoulders of Word and Wound’s WindUp and Wes Kwok’s Intersect, The Timepiece Show is Jason Hutton’s answer to bringing Canadians the opportunity to get up close with watches they would only see on a screen.
You can expect to see well over 50 brands at the show, and you should wear your most comfortable shoes. Upon entering, it would be all too easy to be overwhelmed, but take in a deep breath. Start with the closest booth and go around the show, clockwise or counterclockwise. One of the biggest mistakes I have heard from others is that they missed a booth simply because they prioritized a particular brand, which resulted in time being lost trying to wade through the crowds to find the specific booth.
However, if you have never been to any of these watch fairs before, you should be warned. Sure, you, like almost everyone else, are attending to see the watches, but you will quickly fall in love with the people behind the brands. Every single one of these humans radiates a passion that, combined with everyone else’s, seemingly resonates in a perfect sine wave, which can be intoxicating. For instance, this can result in losing track of time and easily spending forty minutes talking to one brand owner.
You will also fall in love with at least one watch, and it is advisable to budget for at least one purchase at the show. You do not need to buy a watch at the show, but making a direct connection with the people who brought the watch to the market is something you will treasure for decades.
Unlike many enthusiast gatherings, Mr. Hutton takes the show very seriously and ensures that the health and safety of everyone attending are looked after. While walking inside the venue and out, there is a strong security and law enforcement presence, and they, too, become a source of comfort and warmth at the show.
With calmed nerves and a sense of being looked after, the Timepiece Show also features many talks from industry enthusiasts. This gives experienced enthusiasts and newcomers to the field a good chance to gain more knowledge about the culture and inner workings of the industry and experience a change of pace by slowing down and listening to any of the excellent speakers on stage.
The Vancouver Timepiece Show takes place over the weekend of April 26th and 27th, with Friday evening reserved as an industry and media day. For more information and to purchase tickets, look no further than here. Remember to take your time and enjoy every person behind the many booths and the timepieces on display.
