Events
Watch fairs and events worth the trip
A watch fair is the easiest way to try a microbrand watch before you buy it. You meet the founders, wear the watches, and often find pieces that never reach a shop. This calendar lists the fairs and shows we think are worth your time, from Micro Praha in Prague to Watches and Wonders in Geneva.
From our own visits, a fair is also where you hear the story behind each brand and get to know the people who make the watches, which no product page can give you. Brands often bring limited editions that are only sold at the fair, so it pays to go with an open mind (and a budget).
We are based in Vienna, so Central Europe gets extra attention, but we also list the main UK and US shows. Every date comes from the organiser's own website, and we leave out anything we could not confirm. Read our Micro Praha 2025 recap to see what a microbrand fair is like.
We add new fairs all the time, but we are bound to miss some. If you know a watch fair that should be here, tell us and we will add it once the dates are confirmed.
Micro Praha Festival 2026We're goingMedia partner
Prague, Czech RepublicFree
No events listed for this period yet.
How we choose events
We list fairs where you can see and try microbrand or independent watches in person, plus the big Swiss and German fairs where much of the industry shows its new watches. Each date comes from the organiser's own website and was checked on the date at the top of this page. When only a brand or the press gives a date, we leave the event out until the organiser confirms it. When an organiser has not announced dates yet, we leave the event out rather than guess.
We cover the events we attend in full here on /events/, starting with our Micro Praha 2025 recap.
Event coverage
Fairs we attended.
- Dug Glashütte, Elka, Maen, MD Watches, Straum
- By Dan H.
Questions
FAQ
What is a microbrand watch fair?
It is a show where small, independent watch brands meet buyers directly. Founders often staff their own tables, so you can try watches on, ask questions, and sometimes buy on the spot. Micro Praha in Prague (November 28 and 29 2026) and WatchIt! in Birmingham (May 15 2027) both work this way.
Are watch fairs free to visit?
Some are. Micro Praha, Uhrenmesse Bad Iburg, and Intersect Austin are free to enter, although Micro Praha asks you to register for a ticket first. WatchIt!, The Manchester Watch Show, and The Escapement sell tickets. Trade fairs such as Inhorgenta Munich only admit people who work in the watch and jewellery industry.
Can the public visit Watches and Wonders Geneva 2027?
Yes, on the last three days. The fair runs from April 5 to 11 2027, with trade days first and a public weekend from Friday April 9 to Sunday April 11. The In The City programme around Geneva is open to everyone all week.
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