here was a line outside before the doors opened. On October 15, Indies.NYC held its fourth salon at a secret venue in Manhattan’s Flatiron District, bringing together 25 independent watchmakers from nine countries and 700 collectors, journalists and industry professionals for six hours dedicated to independent horology.

The setting was deliberately minimalist: a white studio space, black furniture and a large illustrated installation of New York City covered in watches, created by London-based artist Olivia Whitworth. From 3:00 PM to 9:00 PM, guests moved between tables, discovering watches and, more importantly, meeting the people who make them.

No traditional exhibition booths, no sales teams. Just the watchmakers, their creations and the conversations that followed. After all, there’s no red carpet in a watchmaker’s workshop, so why should there be one at Indies.NYC? The atmosphere felt less like a conventional watch event and more like being invited to a big family gathering — informal, welcoming, and brought together by a shared passion for watchmaking.

The fourth edition of Indies.NYC brought together 25 independent watchmaking names: 1776 Atelier · Artur Akmaev · Atelier Pieters · Bradley Taylor · Delaloye Genève · Dunselman Watchmaking · Felipe Pikullik · Garrick · Holthinrichs Watches · Jean Khatchadourian · Kallinich Claeys · Legare · Manteio · Marco Tedeschi · Marcu Genève · Mermont · Reima Koivukoski · Sarpaneva · Statera Atelier · Stéphane Pierre · Tan Zehua · Taos · VonKa & Berna · Zeitwinkel.

Together, the participating makers offered a view of contemporary independent horology, from traditional hand-finishing and classical complications to experimental designs and unconventional mechanical creations.

Alongside the salon, Indies.NYC continued its “1% for the Next Generation” initiative, through which participating watchmakers contribute directly to supporting watchmaking education.

The initiative reflects a shared interest in ensuring that the skills, knowledge and creative freedom associated with independent watchmaking continue to develop among future generations.