This past weekend, I had the pleasure of attending the Toronto Timepiece Show, an event organized by Mr. Jason Hutton of Zenea, that marked a significant moment in the Canadian watch community. As the first of its kind in Toronto—and indeed, all of Canada—the show promised an interactive event of horology and watchmaking, uniting enthusiasts, collectors, and brands under one roof.
Having attended larger watch fairs like Watches & Wonders in the past in venues like the Palexpo, I wasn't sure what to expect from a local event like this. However, any skepticism I had quickly dissipated as I saw the incredible range of watches on display and the enthusiasm of the attendees. This wasn’t just an ordinary watch show—this was a gathering of people who live and breathe horology. It became clear that the Toronto Timepiece Show was not only about showing off beautiful watches, but also about creating a space for collectors and enthusiasts to connect.
Venue
The show was hosted at the Courtyard Marriott in downtown Toronto, and it couldn’t have been a better spot. The hotel’s spacious and modern feel made it feel really inviting for everyone. Plus, being right in the heart of downtown, and a 10-minute walk from my condo, it was super convenient. The space had just the right amount of room to explore, chat, and connect with other watch enthusiasts—it really set the perfect tone for the event.
Speaker Presentations & Special Guests
Throughout Saturday, there were some fantastic talks from industry experts and brand founders such as Dan Tannenbaum, Sinziana Iordache, Julie Kraulis, Mitchell Wein and Alexandre Beauregard, to name a few, which really highlighted the personal side of the watch world, as well as the art world. It’s easy to get caught up in the big names, but these sessions reminded me how much passion and dedication goes into the watch industry behind the scenes.
The event also featured a live recording of The Grey Nato podcast, where Jason Heaton and James Stacey discussed all things horology in their signature laid-back yet informative style, rounding out a day full of engaging discussions and new perspectives on watchmaking.
Participating Brands
One of the aspects of the show was the opportunity for direct interaction between attendees and the brands they love. Many of the vendors were small to medium-sized watchmakers eager to share their stories. For instance, I had the chance to chat with a few founders who personally shared the inspiration behind their latest collection. It was clear that these brands thrive on personal connections, and the event provided the perfect platform to build those relationships.
In total, we had 40 unique and incredible brands participate in the show, from both watch and non-watch companies. It was amazing to see the variety of new watches and products on display, with many making their global debut right at the event. You could truly feel the excitement and enthusiasm in the air.
From big names like Oris, Christopher Ward, and Mido, to mid-sized brands like Baltic, Laco, and Studio Underd0g, the show had something for everyone. Even smaller brands like Zenea, Isotope, and Vario brought their best, showcasing just how diverse and exciting the watch world can be.
Personal Favourites
While there were tons of great pieces, I’d be lying if I said I didn’t have a few favorites. Truly such a cool experience to finally see so many watches in person that I’d only seen online.
Here are some of the few pieces that really stood out to me:
Fears ‘Brunswick: Jumping Hour’: This one was a standout for me with its jumping hour complication. Under the hood, it’s equipped with Christopher Ward’s JJ01 module, built on the dependable Sellita SW200 base. An especially charming detail is the engraving of the Bristol flower, discreetly enamelled inside the blades of the inner clasp—an elegant nod to Fears’ rich heritage.
Christopher Ward ‘Bel Canto’: The chiming function on this one really surprised me—in the best way. It’s a beautiful mix of aesthetic and functionality. Another watch powered by the JJ01 movement.
Studio Underd0g ‘Salmon’: I finally got to try this one on, and wow, the colour and design really pop in person. It’s a fun, well-crafted watch that grabs attention. A fan favourite, now in a cool new salmon (skin) colourway. They’ve also made a big upgrade by swapping out the Chinese Seagull ST1901 movement for the Swiss-made Sellita SW510 M.
Venezianico ‘Redentore’: These are great dress watches that beautifully reflects the charm of Venice, drawing inspiration from the iconic Basilica del Redentore. It feels timeless, yet modern—definitely one that caught my eye.
Haim Watch ‘Legacy’: Everything from the hands to the finish of the case really reflects Haim's commitment to quality. What I love about Haim is the story behind each piece.
Atelier Wen ‘Perception’ in Tantalum: The tantalum finish was something different—it gives the watch a really distinctive and polished look that you don’t see often. Their craftsmanship is top-notch, especially when it comes to the mesmerizing guilloché dials. I can easily see why they’re gaining traction with collectors.
Atelier Jalaper ‘AJ002-S’: The AJ002-S is a remarkable tribute to British automotive history. What’s truly special about this watch is that the dial is cut directly from the bonnet (or hood, to you North Americans) of an Aston Martin DB5, giving each piece its own unique patina and story.
Saurauer ‘119C’: This is more up my alley (independent watchmaking). Every aspect of the watch has been designed entirely in-house in Saskatoon. One of the most impressive features is the incredible amount of hand finishing and painstaking work that goes into each component, ensuring that every piece is unique and of the highest quality. I could go on.
Brew ‘Retrograph’: I absolutely love this watch for its slim design and stunning blue and white color contrast, reminiscent of the Heuer Monaco. What’s cool to me is how the yellow markers between 6 and 7 reflect the brand's story as the ideal stopping point for brewing espresso—perfect for someone like me, who adheres to the golden rule of pulling a shot.
Timeless ‘HMS’: The HMS is an instantly eye-catching watch that breaks away from the usual genre conventions we often see, and while it sometimes struggles to balance its various elements, there’s a genuine charm to the underlying concept that feels refreshingly unique.
Etien T03: Mesmerizing dial. Enough said.
Zenea ‘Ula Diver’: What’s truly special about this watch is that its dial is made from a section of the Muonionalusta meteorite, giving it a unique look. It’s a conversation starter for sure, and anyone who sees it on your wrist is bound to be impressed by its beauty and the incredible story behind it.
Baltic ‘Prismic’ Green Jade Dial: The jade dial really sets this one apart. It adds a ‘geezer’ touch, though I prefer the Lapis Lazuli version.
Atelier Jalaper ‘AJ-P400’: Another Jalaper watch! This time, it’s the Miura. Finding an original piece of the Lamborghini Miura was already quite a challenge! The oval case shape is reminiscent of the Miura’s iconic luminous bezel. This is one for the automotive fans.
Watch Spotting
Truly, what is a watch event without a bit of watch spotting?
Vincent's 60's Omega Seamaster Bullhead
Yi Ming's Movado M95 (Francis Borgel case)
Kirby's Heuer Autavia 1163 'Viceroy'
Nathan's Patek 5205
Drew's Gerald Genta skeletonized minute repeating perpetual calendar
My Tank Américaine sandwiched between James and Jason of The Grey Nato's Marathons
Dan Tannenbaum's Urwerk White Gold 103.03
Ida's Studio Underd0g 03SERIES Passi0n Fruit
Kirby's (yes, Kirby again) Tag Heuer Autavia
Parting Thoughts
Reflecting back on the Toronto Timepiece Show, I can’t help but feel that events like this are essential for the watch community. They foster connections, facilitate learning, and allow enthusiasts to immerse themselves in the culture of horology. The positive resounding feedback I heard through the halls – attendees were thrilled to meet fellow watch lovers and handle pieces they had only seen in photos.
The Toronto Timepiece Show was truly a celebration of everything I love about watches. It was a weekend filled with engaging conversations, and meaningful connections with fellow enthusiasts. From microbrands like Fears pushing the boundaries of design to established names like Oris and Christopher Ward showcasing their latest innovations, there was something for everyone at the show. But beyond the watches themselves, it was the people that made this event truly special. Every conversation, every shared story, and every connection forged over a mutual love of horology reminded me why I fell in love with this hobby in the first place.
With the success of the Toronto event, I hope to see more shows like this not only in Canada but also in other parts of the world. Regardless of major cities or smaller communities, there’s a clear demand for gatherings that celebrate independent micro watch brands and connect enthusiasts. My hats off to Jason and his team for pulling this off.
Read more articles by Nabil Amdan
