Indies.NYC - October 16: New York Watch Week

Indies.NYC – A Hidden Bowling Room, Nine Independent Watchmakers, and 350+ Collectors: The Watch Week Gathering Where Craft Met NYC Culture.

Indies.NYC October 2025 Edition — By the Numbers

• 9 independent watchmakers

• 4 represented countries (Switzerland, France, Brazil, and the United States).

• 350+ collectors and watch enthusiasts

• 5 hours of non-stop energy (4:00 pm – 9:00 pm)

• 3 U.S. debuts

• 2 watch reveals

• 4 co-founders driving the Indies.NYC vision

New York, October 21, 2025 — During New York Watch Week, Indies.NYC brought energy, creativity, and community spirit to Hudson Yards, Manhattan. On Thursday, October 16, from 4:00 pm to 9:00 pm, more than 350 collectors and friends of independent watchmaking gathered inside a hidden Hudson Yards bowling room - a secret location disclosed just hours before the doors opened. The five-hour showcase unfolded in a fast-paced yet deeply engaging format, a succession of meaningful one-on-one exchanges between collectors and watchmakers that felt more like a creative salon, infused with the warmth of a true community gathering. The space, alive with hip-hop beats, air hockey, and a pool table, set the tone for a night that felt more block party meets watch salon than traditional fair.

Guests discovered nine independent watchmakers, including three presenting in the U.S. for the first time: Klanic by Philippe Narbel, Aubert & Ramel, and Cavasino Watches. Surrounding them were M.A.D. Editions, Statera, Rogé Bastide, Love Hunter, 1776 Atelier, and Kross Studio - a truly global lineup stretching from Brazil to Switzerland, France, and the United States.

Each of these brands represents a distinct vision of what independent watchmaking can be,” says Jon Cruys, founder of Indies.NYC. “This edition was a celebration of how diverse, daring, and human independent watchmaking has become: innovation and material finishing that emerges as horology art.”

Adding to the night’s New York flavor, the venue doubled as a creative playground: an art exhibition by renowned horological photographer Atom Moore filled the space with striking watch compositions; at the kitchen, Jay, owner of Michelin Guide restaurant LORE and one of the city’s most recognizable watch collectors, served guests; Chris Choe, acclaimed photographer and collector, captured portraits throughout the evening; Chris Ward and Andrew Franklin O’Connor filled the room with live saxophone and bass; Jean-Rousseau, the strapmaker of indie brands, was also exhibiting; and James from the Bronx, known on Instagram as @wearevenom_718, delivered a slam poetry performance that name-checked each exhibiting brand - a lyrical tribute to the independents.

Indies.NYC was created to give watchmakers a stage that feels alive — where craft, lifestyle, and community meet,” adds Cruys. “It’s not about spectacle. It’s about connection.”

What Made This Edition Special

• Limited and exclusive number of independent brands

• Three U.S. debuts

• Community-built: hosts, performers, and artists are all collectors

• Immersive setting mixing bowling, hip-hop, poetry, photography, and watchmaking

• Hidden Hudson Yards venue, revealed only hours before the event

• Authentic energy, people and passion

Looking Ahead

Indies.NYC will return in Spring 2026 with an expanded format, continuing to champion emerging creators and the culture surrounding modern horology.

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.