If you’ve never attended a RedBar event before, it’s definitely not your typical industry gathering. The vibe is all about informality and inclusiveness—no stuffy presentations or intimidating barriers between the brands and collectors. I would say it feels more like a group of friends coming together to share their love for watches rather than a formal showcase. Well, I’ll let you in on a little secret: this was my first time attending it!
Let me paint a quick picture, here.
Everyone—whether they’ve been collecting for decades or are just getting into the hobby—was invited to handle the watches, chat with brand reps, and engage with each other in a relaxed environment. The venue itself was buzzing with conversation, with small groups forming around display tables, excitedly discussing their favorite pieces or debating the future of the industry. The shared passion for horology made the atmosphere feel like a community gathering, where everyone was there for the same reason: a genuine love of watches.
Before the actual event started, there was a live panel discussion featuring Redbar Adam Craniotes @Craniotes Christopher Ward, Studio Underd0g, and Fears Watches, moderated by our own Thomas J. Sandrin.
Fourth Managing Director of Fears Watches, Nicholas Bowman-Scargill opened the discussion by emphasizing the importance of tradition, highlighting their dedication to preserving British watchmaking heritage while introducing modern elements. What stood out in their discussion was the focus on storytelling—the idea that each Fears timepiece carries a piece of history while also adapting to today’s styles and functionality.
Michael Pearson, Brand Director of Christopher Ward, highlighted their commitment to making luxury watches more accessible. They’re focused on delivering high-quality craftsmanship without the high prices typically associated with luxury brands, making their watches more attainable to a broader audience. It’s a refreshing approach that’s clearly resonating with collectors who want the luxury experience without breaking the bank.
Studio Underd0g, represented by Ida Santoriello, added the aspect of creativity into the dialogue, sharing their take on the importance of community and innovation. Their unique, playful designs reflect a more modern approach to watchmaking, appealing to younger collectors and enthusiasts who want something outside of the traditional mold. They spoke passionately about how they use social media and direct engagement to connect with their community, fostering relationships that go beyond just selling watches.
The hands-on element of the event is one of the best parts of any RedBar gathering, and this night was no different. Attendees had the opportunity to get up close with some truly incredible watches, making the experience all the more enjoyable.
Takeaways
One of the key takeaways from the panel, though, was the shift in British watchmaking that’s been happening over recent years. Traditionally, a company’s ability to produce an in-house movement was seen as a mark of prestige, but that mindset has been evolving. Brands like Fears have been vocal about how unrealistic it is for smaller watch companies to develop their own movements without a huge financial investment. However, brands like Christopher Ward have already started to make their very own Calibre, SH21.
Instead, the future of British watchmaking may see less focus on movement manufacturing and more attention on other crucial aspects of the watch, particularly case manufacturing. Historically, British brands had their cases made in the UK, but over the years, case production moved to places like Germany in pursuit of higher quality. There’s a growing belief that a return to British case manufacturing could be a key area of growth. However, significant investment and collaboration—possibly even a strategic alliance—would be needed to bring that back to Britain.
This shift in focus makes sense, especially for brands that want to balance heritage with practicality. The panelists emphasized that while in-house movements are a great achievement, the real success of a watch company lies in the partnerships it builds with suppliers to deliver outstanding products. It was really interesting to hear about the potential for British watchmaking to grow in this new direction with heavy focus on quality craftsmanship across different parts of the watch.
While the watches were undoubtedly the stars of the night, the real crème de la crème of the event was the kinship between attendees. RedBar events are known for fostering a tight-knit community, and this one was no different. Everyone was eager to share their knowledge, experiences, and opinions about watches, from personal collections to broader industry trends.
It was easy to strike up a conversation with someone new—it didn’t matter if they were seasoned collectors or just discovering watches. The relaxed, unpretentious atmosphere made it feel like a friendly gathering rather than a formal event, and the discussions often returned to one key theme: why watches? With that said, I can’t wait to attend more events like this and see how these brands continue to shape the future of watchmaking.
Special thanks to Adam Craniotes, Kathleen McGivney of RedBar, Mark Flemminger of RedBar Toronto, Michael Pearson of Chirstopher Ward, Nicholas Bowman-Scargill of Fears Watches, Ida Santoriello of Studio Underd0g, and Thomas J. Sandrin of WatchDNA.
Read more articles by Nabil Amdan
