Sam Michalski

What was originally intended as a one-off anniversary event quickly evolved into something much bigger. I still remember standing on the balcony and looking out across a ballroom filled with passionate watch enthusiasts—it was genuinely overwhelming.

A few days later, Oliver (The Watch Collector) and I met for coffee to reflect on the day, and it became clear that we had created something special. The enthusiasm from collectors, watchmakers, and the wider community convinced us that this wasn't something that should happen just once.

That's when the idea of making Days of the Independents an annual tradition was born.

Days of the Independents is our celebration of independent watchmaking and the people who make this corner of horology so special.

Having attended many wonderful events around the world—from Watches & Wonders and Geneva Watch Days to The Festival of Time and Hands-On Horology—we wanted to create something with a slightly different focus.

Our aim is to put collectors and watchmakers at the heart of the experience, creating an environment that encourages genuine conversations, discoveries, and lasting connections. It's not just about viewing watches; it's about engaging with the people and stories behind them.

I'll admit there's always a slightly selfish element—every year there are a few brands I'm personally obsessed with and would love to see involved.

More broadly, we try to create a balance between established masters of horology and emerging independent brands that deserve greater recognition.

Our goal is for every attendee to have the opportunity to meet some of their favourite watchmakers while also discovering something completely new and unexpected.

One thing I've seen firsthand through the many events and conversations I've been fortunate to be part of is that independent watchmaking is about far more than the watches themselves.

Collectors are increasingly drawn to the people, stories, and experiences behind the creations.

Independent watchmaking often creates meaningful interactions and lasting memories, allowing collectors to connect directly with the watchmaker and understand the passion, philosophy, and craftsmanship that brought a watch to life. That personal connection is incredibly powerful.

An incredible amount of work goes into making Days of the Independents happen. Thankfully, I'm fortunate to be supported by an exceptional team.

From day one, Pietro and Oliver have provided endless support, encouragement, and wisdom.

Alongside them, Kerli and Peter have matched my enthusiasm every step of the way and have dedicated an enormous amount of time and energy to bringing the event to life.

Every detail is carefully considered with one objective in mind: creating the best possible experience for independent watchmakers and collectors alike, and ensuring everyone leaves with memories that last long after the event ends.

This is probably the question most likely to get me into trouble!

Keeping exciting secrets is never easy, especially when there's so much to look forward to. What I can say is that we're thrilled to be welcoming back fantastic brands such as Felipe Pikullik, Armin Strom, and Czapek, alongside exciting newcomers including AMIDA, Ricky Hong, and Konstantin Chaykin.

I'd definitely encourage people to keep an eye on our social channels for future announcements. I can't reveal too much just yet, but I think there's a very good chance visitors will encounter something they've never seen before.

Just like The Limited Edition itself, Days of the Independents is designed to be welcoming and inclusive to everyone, regardless of where they are on their collecting journey.

Whether you're a seasoned collector or someone discovering independent watchmaking for the first time, our goal is to create an environment where people can learn, connect, and enjoy the incredible creativity that exists within this world. At its heart, the event is about bringing people together through a shared passion for horology.

It's one of the core principles of Days of the Independents.

The connection people build with a watch becomes much stronger when they understand the journey, philosophy, and craftsmanship behind it. Throughout our events, we always try to help collectors appreciate not only what a watch is, but why it exists.

Days of the Independents offers a rare opportunity for collectors to spend meaningful one-on-one time with the people who create these watches. Those conversations often create a level of connection that simply can't be achieved through a display case or a website.

There was one moment that stands out above all others.

As Pietro gave a speech thanking everyone for attending, our camera crew captured a view of the ballroom completely filled with collectors, watchmakers, and enthusiasts gathered together in one place. Watching that footage back afterwards was incredibly moving.

In that moment, it became clear that this community is about far more than watches. It's built on shared passion, friendship, discovery, and genuine human connection. Seeing that come to life convinced me that Days of the Independents deserved a future beyond a single event.

Above all, I hope attendees leave with a deeper connection to horology and to the watches they love.

I hope they feel part of a community that shares their passion, discover new watchmakers and ideas, and create memories that stay with them long after the day is over. Equally, I hope the watchmakers leave feeling that their stories, craftsmanship, and dedication have been appreciated by an engaged and enthusiastic audience.

One of the most exciting developments I've noticed is the growing confidence of a new generation of independent watchmakers. We're seeing talented creators enter the industry with enormous respect for traditional craftsmanship, but also with a willingness to challenge convention and bring fresh ideas to the table.

Whether it's innovative case designs, unconventional displays, new approaches to finishing, or entirely different ways of thinking about watchmaking, there's a real sense of experimentation happening right now. At the same time, collectors are becoming more knowledgeable and adventurous, actively seeking out smaller ateliers and emerging brands rather than simply following established names.

That's one of the reasons Days of the Independents is so important to us. It gives collectors the opportunity to discover tomorrow's leading independent watchmakers today, often before the wider industry has fully recognised their potential.

Personal. Inspiring. Community.

Personal, because there are very few opportunities in watchmaking where collectors can spend meaningful time with the people who actually create the watches. The conversations and stories shared throughout the day are what make the experience so special.

Inspiring, because nowhere else can you find such a diverse collection of independent talent under one roof. The creativity, passion, and craftsmanship on display never fails to leave a lasting impression.

Community is ultimately what Days of the Independents is all about. The watches bring people together, but it's the friendships, conversations, and shared passion that make the event truly special.