Recapping All of the Panels at Windup Watch Fair Chicago 2025
Some of our favorite parts of every Windup Watch Fair are the panels, presentations, and podcast that go down during these events. More than just discussions, these sessions bring together some of the most insightful voices in the watch community-brand founders, Worn & Wound journalists, and enthusiasts-for real conversations you won’t hear anywhere else. They’re a chance to go deeper, share stories, launch projects, and challenge ideas in front of a live, engaged audience. At this year’s Windup Chicago, held at Venue West on July 11th through 13th, the panels delivered everything we love about the format: authenticity, energy, and just the right amount of watch nerdiness. Here’s a look back at the sessions from the weekend. The Micro-Independent Spirit and the Democratization of Watchmaking with Atelier Wen A new generation of Micro-Indies are on the rise, bringing with them elements of watchmaking that were once reserved for the loftiest, most prestigious echelons of the industry. Be it in the form of the mechanical innovations of Christopher Ward or the pursuit of high craft by Atelier Wen, discover the shared alternative spirit that fuels these brands as they encroach on the hallowed halls of horological hegemony. Moderated by Zach Kazan, Managing Editor at Worn & Wound, this panel features Robin Tallendier, Founder at Atelier Wen, Michael Pearson, North American Brand Director at Christopher Ward, Celeste Wong, Founder, Designer and Watchmaker at Celeste W...
