INDIES.NYC - Independent Watchmaking Takes Center Stage in New York City

New York, Tuesday April 29, 2025 - On Monday, April 28, Indies.NYC gathered over 250 collectors, enthusiasts, and insiders of independent watchmaking, showcasing 9 independent watchmakers from France, Switzerland, the United States, and even China. This event offered a refreshing departure from traditional corporate watch fairs, providing a dynamic platform for emerging talents. Indies.NYC is a bespoke, intimate format, designed to foster genuine connections between creators and collectors beyond the bustle of large trade fairs. The gathering took place in New York’s Hudson Yards, within a private, luxurious residence that offered sweeping views and an atmosphere as refined as the timepieces on display.

Inspired by the avant-garde salons of the mid-20th century, pioneered by Berthe Weil—who was celebrated for being the first woman discovering and promoting groundbreaking artists such as Pablo Picasso—Indies.NYC serves as a modern hub for up-and-coming watchmakers to share their craft and vision.

Jon Cruys, Belgian founder of Indies.NYC, as well as the founder of the RedBar Group Shanghai and relaunching Chronofixe Watches:

Indies.NYC was created out of the desire to provide a free, dynamic space for independent watchmakers, much like the creative salons of the art world a century ago. New York is the perfect place for this. It’s less a watch fair, more a cultural salon—where collectors connect over stories, not just specs."

James Kong, co-host of the event, known in the collecting community as Waitlisted and currently serving as both COO and Art Director of Fleming watches, was a driving force behind the evening’s atmosphere.

Shona Taine, one of the participants, is at the forefront of this new generation of independent watchmakers. At just 27, she is the only female candidate member of the prestigious Académie Horlogère des Créateurs Indépendants (AHCI). Her accolades include Meilleurs Apprentis de France and top honors in national craftsmanship competitions:

Exhibiting my very first creation in New York is a defining moment for me. It’s a recognition of the artisanal work I do in Switzerland and an opportunity to share my vision of watchmaking with the world. This marks my very first presentation outside of Europe."

Indies.NYC will return mid-October 2025 during New York’s Watch Week, for an even more ambitious edition, while maintaining its laid-back, passionate, and authentic atmosphere, where collectors and creators can connect away from corporate norms.

Brands at Indies.NYC 2025, Spring Edition: Awake, Atelier Wen, Baltic, Byrne, Jean Rousseau, MEC, Pragma, Shona Taine, SpaceOne.

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About Indies.NYC

Indies.NYC is the premier organization dedicated to showcasing independent watchmakers in New York City. We curate bespoke events that connect independent brands with collectors, enthusiasts and industry insiders.