Why is the Bristol Watch Show so Special?

The South West’s biggest watch show is back and bigger than ever. Thats right folks - the Bristol Watch Show is back for its second year after the roaring success of 2024. Because I was lucky enough to attend last year I feel like I’m in a perfect position to tell you what to expect from this fantastic day.

Firstly let’s talk about location, because the Clifton Club is a quite frankly fantastic setting for a show dedicated to Horology. It is a beautifully grand regency building right in the heart of Clifton Village AKA the Bond Street of Bristol. The Club itself was founded in 1818 and remains one of the countries finest private members club. The Building is stunning and if you are a fan of architecture then you will be in for a treat, but enough on the building you’re coming for the watches!

What I loved about the show last year was how such a grand venue can be so intimate, and thats down to the focus really being on passionate watch companies based in the South West. Last year I was able to have real in-depth conversations with watch brands and fellow watch nerds, take it from me - these events really help you appreciate the community. 

This year the brands on show are very exciting, some I’ve spoken with in the past, others I can’t wait to be introduced to. Firstly we have the largest hitter of the Bristolian brands - Fears, and since they also happen to be the main sponsor of the show I think most of you will want to see what Nicholas and the team have been up to recently.

But with 15 local and regional watch brands here this year we have almost doubled the number of companies from 2024.

If tool watches are your thing then I would implore you to give the likes of Arbinger, Alkin, Dawsey, Drayton, Maystone and Elliot Brown your attention. Some I’ve encountered before on my watch odyssey, others such as Drayton and Dawsey are new to me - so I’m very excited to check them out!

If dressy is your game then along with Fears, I would encourage you to check out Luthier and one of my personal favourite encounters from the Great British Watch Show in March - Pompeak.

There is still a lingering taste for Neo-Retro in the market today and bands like Geckota, MHD and Ember can give you a feel of this at great prices!

Finally if you want something entirely different from the micro’s then vintage and pre-owned watch specialists Bold Timepieces and Horological Underground will be flying the flag. If Vintage watches are your game, then you are definitely not alone! From vintage Omega & Rolex to brands that fell to the quartz crisis there is plenty to whet your appetite! 

There is one more person I haven’t mentioned who I am very excited to meet, well actually meet again as I was lucky enough to make her acquaintance at the Great British Watch Show. The designer and artist Sophie Scott-Lewis will also be there showing her finest art work. I’m always fascinated by designers as they aspire to a level of visual creativity at often alludes me, and her work is no different. 

I feel like this small article really just scratches the surface of whats happening at the show, there truly is something for everyone! I’m really very excited for next month and I hope to see as many of you there as possible, and if you do go - stop by and say hello!

For more information about the Bristol Watch Show and ticket purchasing, please use the following link: https://www.bristolwatch.show/#