I didn't take many pics, but man, was it packed. I got an email suggesting you show up early if you wanted to get in when they opened at 11, as there was a capacity limit at the venue in the Courtyard Marriott on Yonge. We got there at about 10:30, and there was easily 50 people in front of us. By the time they opened the doors at 11, the line was around the block. We left at around 12:30, went for lunch, and by the time we got back to the truck around 1:30, there was still a long line to get in.
Aside from Oris, the show was 95% microbrands of varying sizes, each with a story and twist on a theme. Vario, Farer, Farr+Swit, Laco, etc. It was really cool to actually hold and try some of these on, as they mostly don't have storefronts, so unless you try one used, you won't know what they're really like unless you buy one.
Most were slightly disappointing, especially the Canadian brands like Whitby and Locke & King that I'd hoped to like. Not badly made, necessarily, just not for me. Farer was nice but not my style with the colours, similar for Vario and their more flashy designs. Lots of brands used colour and unusual case design to differentiate themselves, but that's not to my taste.
A few did stand out to me, though:
- Marathon: Not exactly an unknown brand, but their midrange divers have a real toolwatch quality that I dig. The bezels are absolutely massive, but it kind of makes sense on the watch. I expected to be disappointed, but I wasn't.
- Baltic: I now have an Aquascaphe, so I know how much nicer their watches are than their prices suggest. Just incredible cases and dials, and every single model showed a level of design acumen that most microbrands struggle to hit. I could see myself buying literally everything they make with the exception of the pyramid marker one. Sector and salmon dials were a particular highlight. I can also attest that their customer support is second to none.
- Heron: small Canadian brand who only make two models, but they're very nice and much more balanced than many more established companies. They made a big deal about their hardened stainless and were almost pushy about making you try to scratch them.
- Jack Mason: I want to hate this company, from the Texas branding, the ex-fashion watch business, the terrible, forgettable name. But they made some stunning watches, with the linen dial dresser being a real highlight.
- Stella: NY based company that makes some interesting dressers. Some were a bit too colourful for my taste, but the white and green dials were absolutely stunning.
- Fears: nice broad range of product, tastefully executed. Well detailed.
- Christopher Ward: I get what all the watch blog hype is about now. I have always kind of looked past them because the name and logo feels very Daniel-Wellington-mall-watch. But these watches stand easily with anything in the Swatch group right up to the Omega level. I would go as far as saying that they are the best value mechanical watch brand available, and that includes Citizen and Seiko. For barely over $1600 CAD, the Twelve is so much nicer than a PRX that it's not in the same league. They gave me a $250 off coupon, so if anyone is eyeing one and wants the code, send me a message. It's only good for a couple days, though.
Anyway, well worth going if you like microbrands. Not great if you're looking for the latest from Tudor or Omega, but that's what jewellery stores are for, I guess...
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