From April 25 to 27, the inaugural Vancouver Timepiece Show drew over 2,600 curious collectors, seasoned watch enthusiasts, and passionate creators. For those in the know—and those about to be—this was not just another convention. It marked the arrival of something long overdue: a major West Coast watch event with a warm, unpretentious energy and global reach.
There was something quietly thrilling about stepping into the Pipe Shop Venue in North Vancouver. The historic bones of the old shipbuilding facility—now polished into a stylish industrial space—felt like a tribute to craftsmanship itself. But this time, it was not steel hulls being forged. It was the artistry of horology taking centre stage.
From Toronto to the Pacific
The man behind the movement? Jason Hutton, who first made waves with the Toronto Timepiece Show last fall. With Vancouver’s strong design sensibility and growing appetite for niche luxury, Hutton saw an opportunity to bring his vision to Canada’s West Coast—and it paid off.
“I looked around less than an hour before closing on Sunday,” Hutton said. “The place was still packed. Conversations happening, watches being bought, connections being made. That is the goal. It is not about one person—it is about building a community.”
A Showcase of Precision and Passion
Things kicked off Friday evening with a private Creators’ Event, where over 100 press, influencers, and content creators got a first look at the curated mix of brands on display. It was a watch lover’s dream: rows of gleaming cases filled with pieces from indie darlings, established heritage houses, and microbrands ready for their close-up.
Over the weekend, foot traffic remained steady from 10 am to 5pm, with visitors travelling from Vancouver Island, Calgary, Seattle, and beyond. Some came to buy. Others came to handle rare pieces in person, ask questions, and meet the watchmakers behind the names.
More Than a Display—A Conversation
That was perhaps the most memorable part of the Vancouver Timepiece Show: the direct line between the creators and the community. Whether you were chatting with José Cermeño, a Montreal-based watchmaker who beams when showing off his latest designs, or with Matthew Zinski of Seattle’s Typsim Watches, who built his brand without a physical storefront, there was an openness in the air.
“I do not have a brick-and-mortar store,” Zinski explained. “This show is my chance to engage, to let people handle the watches. It is where we get to nerd out together.”
Even heritage brands, like Germany’s Hanhart, saw the event as a valuable touchpoint. “We are only distributed online in North America,” said Felix Wallner. “This is our chance to connect with people in real life—to let them try on the watches and give us feedback.”
A Growing Movement
In addition to names like Tesse, Christopher Ward, Farer, Fears, Formex, and Fortis, the show featured dozens of independent voices that are helping reshape what luxury means in horology. These are creators driven not by mass production but by personal stories, distinct aesthetics, and a desire to build something meaningful.
The Vancouver Timepiece Show is more than a regional event—it is part of a national wave. Hutton’s Toronto Timepiece Show returns this September (19–21) at the Meridian Arts Centre, with expansion plans already in motion.
As watch culture continues to evolve, these events are not just about timepieces. They are about creating space for real conversation between makers and wearers. They are about slowing down in a fast-moving world and appreciating the detail, story, and skill behind each tick of the hand.
If Vancouver’s debut is any indication, Canada is well on its way to becoming a serious player in the global horological scene. And with each show, a new chapter is being written—one where community, craft, and curiosity take the spotlight.
Hero Image: Tesse Watches
Author Profile
- Helen Siwak is the founder of EcoLuxLuv Communications & Marketing Inc and publisher of Folio.YVR Luxury Lifestyle Magazine and PORTFOLIOY.YVR Business & Entrepreneurs Magazine. She is a prolific content creator, consultant, and marketing and media strategist within the ecoluxury lifestyle niche. Helen is the west coast correspondent to Canada’s top-read industry magazine Retail-Insider, holds a vast freelance portfolio, and consults with many of the world’s luxury heritage brands. Always seeking new opportunities and challenges, you can email her at [email protected].
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