There is still time to grab some tickets to one of the newest watch shows in the UK!
Independent brands are thriving and microbrands at the moment, producing some of the most interesting designs around, and (if you’re anything like me) us collectors are increasingly looking for real-world experiences rather than endlessly doom-scrolling through watches online. That’s exactly why events like WatchIt! Watch Fair are so important for the ever-expanding microbrand and independent scene.
Coming to voco St. John’s Hotel in Solihull on Saturday 20th June 2026, WatchIt! Is quietly becoming one of the UK’s best enthusiast-focused watch events—and if you happen to live in the Midlands like me, then you’ve got even more reason to attend.
So, if you need convincing (despite my previous article on the subject) here are five reasons why WatchIt! deserves a place in your calendar this summer. And make sure to read to the end to find out how you can win a watch and many other accessories at the show!
To get involved, you can still pick up a ticket through this link.
5 Reasons You Should Visit WatchIt! Watch Fair 2026 (Especially If You Live in the Midlands)
1. It’s One of the UK’s Most Accessible Watch Events
Let’s be honest—far too many watch events in the UK still revolve around London.
For watch nerds based elsewhere, that usually means expensive trains, perhaps overnight stays, and a long day (or day’s) of stressful of travelling just to spend a few rushed hours looking at watches. WatchIt! Like many other local breakout events solves that problem rather nicely.
In fact, it’s genuinely easy to reach from almost anywhere in the country, but for collectors in the Midlands, it’s practically manna from heaven. I can actually attend an enthusiast watch event and be home in time for tea, and since the last show I went to took me a solid 5 and half hours – and that’s just one way – I couldn’t be happier!
2. We Will Be There (Team WatchGecko!)
Yes, that’s correct - we the team at WatchGecko will be there as official press across the event.
The WatchGecko team and I will be spending the day exploring the latest releases, meeting brand founders, covering standout watches from the fair, and most importantly talking with collectors like you throughout the day.
It’s exactly the sort of environment I enjoy most: relaxed, hands-on, and built around genuine enthusiasm for watches rather than overly polished industry formalities. In fact, every show I attend is enhanced by meeting and talking with everyone who attends, over the years I’ve seen some truly awe inspiring and jaw dropping watches.
For visitors, that also means plenty of post-event coverage, hands-on photography, interviews, and we may have a few novelties and things to show you on our own stand on the day. We'll be bringing some of watch brands we're proud to represent as well as a lineup of incredible straps that you can get hands on with!
3. The Independent and Microbrand Line-Up Is Seriously Good
One of the biggest reasons collectors keep returning to WatchIt! is the quality of the exhibitor list.
The event has built a reputation for showcasing some of the most exciting British brands watches currently available, mixing emerging names with established enthusiast favourites. Some of the most creative watchmaking right now is happening outside the traditional luxury giants, and WatchIt! gives you the opportunity to discover those brands properly.
Make no mistake, 2026 is shaping up to be a really impressive event – we have newer comers like Area Nostalgia, giants like Christopher Ward, Doxa and personal favourites of mine like Furlan Marri and Farer. If you follow the microbrand and independent world online, chances are several of the brands on your radar will be there. You can see the full list of brands exhibiting on the WatchIt! Watch Fair website.
4. It’s a Full-Day Event (Which Makes a Huge Difference)
Too many watch fairs try to squeeze everything into a tiny three-hour window where you spend most of your time battling crowds and rushing between tables. WatchIt! deliberately slows things down.
VIP entry begins at 10:00, general admission opens at 11:00, and the event runs through until 16:00. That gives attendees enough time to properly explore and enjoy the experience.
There’s also plenty happening throughout the day like exclusive launches, giveaways, and the new “Passport Challenge,” which encourages visitors to engage with more brands across the room.
It feels less like a frantic exhibition and more like a genuinely enjoyable day out, and Josh’s addition of the app is a stroke of genius!
5. The Tickets Are Affordable — And VIP Is Worth It
General admission remains reasonably priced for a full-day enthusiast event, while VIP tickets include early access from 10:00, a complimentary drink, and a quieter environment to spend more time with brands before the crowds arrive.
And if you’ve attended a busy watch fair before, you’ll know how valuable that extra hour can be (although your bank balance may not agree!).
If you’ve never attended WatchIt! before, 2026 feels like the perfect time to change that, and, if you’re based in the Midlands, you really have no excuse now.
Alongside the affordable ticket pricing, attendees have the chance to win a Christopher Ward watch as well as an exclusive WatchGecko tote bag, straps from Golby, a watch from Maystone, along with many other prizes to be announced! You’ve got to be in it to win it!
