The 2026 Windup Watch Fair in San Francisco was easily our largest event in California yet! It was punctuated by amazing brands, cool watches, and numerous activities. However, it was the panels that helped maintain that classic Windup vibe and we had four great ones over the course of the event.
Precision Meets Passion: Frederique Constant and the Padel Phenomenon
Padel is no longer just a trend—it’s a global commercial powerhouse on track to become a $6 billion industry by 2028. Join Kaitlin Derkach (Marketing Director, Frederique Constant) and Diane Gotua (CCO, Pro Padel League) as they discuss the “lifestyle-first” strategy driving padel’s explosive 50% year-over-year growth in the U.S. and why Frederique Constant is betting on this high-energy, enthusiast-friendly sport.
EDC Expo Panel: Building a Quiver vs. Collection
Many collectors don’t think in rigid frameworks—they follow curiosity and passion wherever it leads. Others work within self-imposed rules around style, function, or brand. This panel brings together Jim Wirth (Founder/CEO at GiantMouse Knives), Christian Freissler (Co-Founder at Evolve Agency and Creative Director at Shinzo Tamura), and Harrison McCrindle (Head of Government Operations at Marathon Watch Company) for a candid conversation about the art, science, and emotion of collecting across knives, sunglasses, watches, and everyday carry. Together, they’ll explore different philosophies of gear collecting, from logical progressions to obsessive pursuits.
Windup in a Bay 2026 Recap: Presented by Marathon and Prometheus Design Werx
Explore the intersection of rugged tool watches and expedition-ready gear based on this year’s Windup in a Bay dive trip. The discussion focuses on in-the-field use of equipment designed for harsh, camping and cold-water environments from both Marathon Watch Company and Prometheus Design Werx and the synergy between watches and everyday carry (EDC) gear. Members of the dive team include: Aaron Potash, Asha Wagner, Ben Lowry, Brock Stevens, Chris Sohl, Jason Heaton, and John Howton.
Oris and 60 Years of Mechanical Freedom
In 1965, Oris achieved a hard-won victory that changed the course of the watch industry: by overturning the restrictive Swiss Watch Statute. This legal triumph ended decades of state-mandated technical limitations, allowing Oris (and many other brands) to finally move beyond pin-lever movements and embrace modern mechanical innovation like the lever escapement. Join Zach Kazan (Editorial Director, Worn & Wound) and VJ Geronimo (CEO – The Americas, Oris) as they dive into this gripping story of defiance and independence. They’ll explore how this era of “mechanical freedom” birthed the original Oris Star in 1966 and celebrate its legacy with a look at the newly released Star Edition from Watches and Wonders.
Next on deck is our upcoming Windup Watch Fair Chicago on July 10th-12th, complete with a brand new location and venue. Follow us on Instagram and sign up for our newsletter to stay up to date on all things Chicago. You can always find the key information about all our events at windupwatchfair.com.
The post All the Panels from the 2026 Windup Watch Fair San Francisco appeared first on Worn & Wound.
