Oracle Time's Hands On Horology: Event Highlights

Last Saturday marked the inaugural Hands on Horology event — and what a debut it was. With over 600 passionate attendees, 40+ diverse brands, and three limited edition watches launched, the atmosphere was electric from start to finish. For me, it was also my first time exhibiting at a watch event, which made it all the more exciting to soak in the energy and meet so many fellow watch enthusiasts.

Events like this are vital for our industry. They bring together brands, influencers, and collectors under one roof, offering a rare chance to try on, photograph, and buy watches in a setting that’s far more intimate and hands-on than your typical high street jeweller.

Right next to us were Nalla Neram, a father-and-son duo originally from India, now based in Switzerland. Their watches are thoughtful and unique, a beautiful example of passion crossing continents. Their Kaalam Minutes Timer especially caught the eye, blending minimalist design with subtle complexity—a real conversation starter.

Across the aisle was Bravur, a Swedish brand deeply inspired by cycling culture. Founded in 2011 by Magnus Äppelryd and Johan Sahlin, Bravur crafts their mechanical watches by hand in small exclusive batches from their workshop in Båstad, Sweden. Magnus himself was at the stand, and it was clear the brand’s dedication to quality and wearability (their watches hover around a perfect 38mm) runs deep. Their Grand Tour La Corsa Rosa is a sleek, stylish piece, designed to be a lifelong companion.

Jonathan from Brew had flown in all the way from NYC to man their stand. Brew’s aesthetic channels urban coffee culture into mechanical watches, and their Metric Retro Black is a signature piece that embodies that vibe perfectly. Jonathan’s enthusiasm and openness to chat made the experience even richer.

An extraordinary highlight was meeting Luděk Seryn, the first and only Czech watchmaker inducted into the prestigious AHCI (Académie Horlogère des Créateurs Indépendants) in 2021. His watches are true artisanal marvels, taking years to craft by hand. Seeing his work up close was a reminder of the deep roots and craftsmanship alive in independent watchmaking today.

Wes, co-founder of Nodus, had come from Los Angeles to showcase their latest releases. Among them was the Duality II Night Shade, a striking timepiece that blends modern design with versatile functionality, and a special edition Sector Sport Hands on Horology model created exclusively for the event.

While many brands at the event focus on niche or indie creations, Orient provided a refreshing contrast with their mass-produced, yet incredibly well-made watches rarely seen in the UK. Their lineup ranged from affordable models to the higher-end Orient Star Contemporary series, with pieces priced up to £2,000+. Orient’s presence underlined the breadth of options available to watch lovers.

It was also fantastic to catch up with Straum, a Norwegian brand we’re collaborating with on the new Octopod strap. Lasse and Øystein were at the stand, representing the brand’s Scandinavian design ethos and commitment to quality.

For me, the standout brand was Serica. Founded in 2019 by Jérôme Burgert and Gabriel Vachette, Serica blends retro-inspired designs with modern watchmaking excellence. Their pieces felt familiar yet fresh, hitting a sweet spot with their sharp design and surprisingly accessible pricing. Jérôme and Gabriel were present at the event, sharing stories about their journey from Paris and their vision to revive the golden age of mechanical watchmaking.

Aside from the watches themselves, the event was full of memorable encounters. I got to meet ‘Rob the American,’ a YouTuber I’ve followed for almost two years now, and ‘Watch Yourself, Jorge,’ who stopped by for a visit. Both personalities you might be due to see more of on the WatchGecko channels, so keep an eye out.

And, of course, the highlight for our team was unveiling Polaris, our 100-piece limited edition co-created with Boldr. The reception was overwhelming and seeing those watches find new homes was a proud moment.

Finally, a big shout-out to the Oracle Time team for curating such a seamless, vibrant event. From the venue to the vibe and the crowd’s energy, everything was spot on. We can’t wait for next year’s edition already.