The world of independent watchmaking is set to experience a significant surge of activity with the upcoming launch of FounderFest, a new watch fair organized by Time & Tide. This ambitious event, spanning three major cities and featuring a curated collection of seven exclusive watch collaborations, promises to be a cornerstone for enthusiasts and collectors alike. Set to take place from September 19th to 20th, 2026, FounderFest aims to celebrate the innovation and craftsmanship inherent in independent watch brands. The festival will have its central hub in New York, with additional events hosted at Time & Tide’s Watch Discovery Studios in London and Melbourne. Beyond the physical gatherings, a comprehensive online platform will ensure global accessibility to the festival’s offerings.
This initiative by Time & Tide is more than just a watch fair; it represents a strategic move to bolster the independent watch sector and provide a dedicated platform for brands to connect directly with their audience. The festival’s dual focus on horology and live music underscores a desire to create a holistic cultural experience, moving beyond the traditional trade show format. The timing of FounderFest, just ahead of the typical September new watch season, positions it as a significant early indicator of trends and upcoming releases.
A Precursor to New Releases: Hands-On with Seven Exclusive Timepieces
In anticipation of FounderFest, Time & Tide has collaborated with seven distinct independent watch brands to produce a series of limited-edition timepieces. These watches, unveiled exclusively to select media, are designed to be the stars of the FounderFest debut. The author had the exclusive opportunity to get hands-on with each of these seven watches prior to their official release, providing an in-depth look at their design, craftsmanship, and unique selling propositions. These special editions will become available for global purchase on September 22nd, 2026, through the dedicated FounderFest website, thefounderfest.com, which will also serve as a virtual extension of the festival.
AWAKE – S&Aelig;¡n MÃ i Frosted Leaf ‘Ultraviolet’
Emerging from its seven-year journey, AWAKE continues to captivate the watch community with its S&Aelig;¡n MÃ i collection, particularly renowned for its intricate lacquer dials. The ‘Ultraviolet’ edition exemplifies this mastery, showcasing a labor-intensive process where layers of natural lacquer are meticulously applied, sanded, and reapplied to achieve remarkable depth and texture. This particular iteration is distinguished by the inclusion of pure silver-leaf gilding, interwoven with natural purple and black pigments. The result is a dial that subtly shifts and shimmers, revealing glimpses of silver dependent on the play of light.
Encased in a 38mm stainless steel housing, the watch maintains a svelte profile with a thickness of 11.5mm and a lug-to-lug measurement of 44.75mm, making it both striking and comfortable for daily wear. At its heart beats the La Joux-Perret G101 automatic calibre, a testament to reliable Swiss engineering. The ethos behind this collaboration is encapsulated in a quote from Time & Tide founder, Andrew McUtchen: "Do not dream your way through life. Stay awake enough to build it." This sentiment is reflected in the watch’s vibrant yet sophisticated aesthetic. The AWAKE S&Aelig;¡n MÃ i Frosted Leaf ‘Ultraviolet’ is priced at $3,650 USD.
The brand’s recent momentum is undeniable, driven by its ability to consistently produce visually fascinating dials within well-proportioned cases. The ‘Ultraviolet’ edition stands out as a harmonious blend of uncommon visual appeal and compelling craftsmanship, reinforcing AWAKE’s position as a rising force in independent watchmaking.
Baltic – Heures du Monde ‘Horizon Line’
Baltic, a perennial favorite among watch enthusiasts, introduces a striking new variant of its recently unveiled Heures du Monde Worldtimer, dubbed the ‘Horizon Line’. Building upon the success of its initial stone-dial variations, this FounderFest exclusive features a dynamic forged carbon dial that commands attention, especially under direct light. This bold aesthetic is expertly balanced by judicious use of color: vibrant orange accents the inner 24-hour rotating bezel, while sky blue hues highlight the cities where Time & Tide’s Watch Discovery Studios are located – New York, Melbourne, and London.
The watch is powered by the Soprod C125 movement, offering a caller GMT functionality. However, the rotating external worldtime bezel elevates its capability to that of a true worldtimer. The case measures a compact 37mm in diameter, complemented by a 45mm lug-to-lug span and a slim 11mm thickness. With an impressive 100 meters of water resistance, this timepiece solidifies its status as one of Baltic’s most versatile and robust tool watches to date. The Baltic Heures du Monde ‘Horizon Line’ is available for $1,795 USD.
The ‘Horizon Line’ feels exceptionally well-balanced on the wrist. The worldtimer complication, a personal favorite of many due to its blend of technical sophistication and practical utility, is executed here with remarkable aesthetic finesse. The contrast between the aggressive forged carbon dial and grey elastic nylon strap, paired with the refined finishing, creates a purposeful yet sophisticated look. It embodies the Baltic ethos of considered design, youthful energy, and subtle elegance.
Beaucroft – The Punk ‘Pink Sapphire’
A confession from the author reveals a growing appreciation for watches featuring pink details, whether in typography or more prominent elements. The Beaucroft ‘The Punk’ edition takes this trend to a striking new level with an entire dial rendered in tinted pink sapphire. This unique material choice imbues the watch with a depth and dimensionality unmatched by any other piece in this collection.
The watch is based on Beaucroft’s well-received Arc model, a 38mm timepiece designed for everyday wear, featuring a 43.5mm lug-to-lug measurement and a 10.3mm thickness. For this special edition, the stainless steel case receives a contemporary PVD black coating, a fittingly bold choice for a watch named in homage to mid-70s British punk culture. The dial’s sapphire construction, coupled with the blacked-out case and contrasting jet-black dial furniture, creates a potent visual statement. A matching crystal on the caseback offers a glimpse of the reliable Miyota 90S5 automatic calibre. The Beaucroft ‘The Punk’ is priced at $800 USD.
This timepiece is undeniably punchy and possesses a rebellious, punk-inspired spirit, offering a playful departure from Beaucroft’s typically classically formed watches with subtle British charm. The brand is known for its refined details, such as fume dials and elegantly curved hands and markers. However, ‘The Punk’ pushes beyond these conventions, challenging the notion of an "understated Brit." The striking black sapphire dial, paired with the PVD-coated case and caseback revealing the robust Miyota movement, presents an exceptional value proposition at its price point.
Dennison – ALD Dual Time ‘Carnaby Blue’
The collaboration between Dennison and Time & Tide marks its second special edition, and the ‘Carnaby Blue’ ALD Dual Time represents a significant escalation in design ambition. While the dual-time function offers practical utility, the dial is undoubtedly the focal point. Crafted from a mosaic of mother-of-pearl, the watch features two distinct timekeeping displays, each powered by its own quartz movement.
The left dial showcases a Union Jack-inspired motif emanating from its center, a clear nod to British heritage. The right dial presents a striking pink, white, and blue bullseye pattern, reminiscent of the Royal Air Force (RAF) roundel and popularized by a prominent 60s English rock band. The ‘Carnaby Blue’ measures an exceptionally slim 35.6mm in width, with a compact 37mm lug-to-lug and a mere 6.1mm thickness, making it a remarkably elegant and comfortable wear. The aesthetic is perfectly complemented by a sophisticated denim-blue strap. This distinctive timepiece will be available for $1,090 USD.
This edition is a significant tribute to Time & Tide’s London audience and its Watch Discovery Studio located there. It stands as one of Dennison’s most expressive limited editions to date, harmoniously blending visually impactful techniques with a densely designed aesthetic for those seeking a truly unique timepiece. The mosaic mother-of-pearl dial, combined with the bold graphic elements and slim quartz movements, creates a watch that is both a conversation starter and a functional accessory.
echo/neutra – Rivanera Piccolo ‘Rosa d’Epoca’
The resurgence of small dress watches is a prominent trend, and echo/neutra offers a distinctive interpretation with the Rivanera Piccolo ‘Rosa d’Epoca’. This FounderFest edition features a grade 5 titanium case measuring a petite 26mm by 33mm, with a mere 6.9mm thickness. It is paired with a dark grey grained dial framed by a lacquered border.
echo/neutra thoughtfully breaks the monochrome palette with subtle rose-gold accents that appear on the hands, the "Rivanera" dial signature, and the "Swiss Made" typography flanking the date aperture at six o’clock. The watch is powered by the Sellita SW1000 automatic movement. The echo/neutra Rivanera Piccolo ‘Rosa d’Epoca’ is priced at $1,995 USD.
The ‘Rosa d’Epoca’ is poised to surprise and delight. The rose accents, which appear more distinctly pink in live images, add a compelling juxtaposition to the watch’s overall aesthetic. This timepiece masterfully blends a robust, grade 5 titanium construction with beautifully polished straight chamfers. The dark dial, featuring black lacquer, is artfully offset by these warm pink elements, creating a sophisticated high/low dynamic that works exceptionally well in person. The contrast is further enhanced when the watch is paired with the supplied black rubber strap, amplifying its visual impact.
Furlan Marri – ‘Songlines’
Furlan Marri, a relatively young entrant into the independent watchmaking scene, presents the ‘Songlines’ edition, a testament to their rapid evolution and growing stature. This new model draws inspiration from the brand’s previous successes, notably the ‘Red Hunter’ and the earlier collaboration with Time & Tide, the Outback Elegy Cornes de Vache.
The ‘Songlines’ features a well-proportioned case measuring 39mm in diameter, with a 47mm lug-to-lug span and a 12mm thickness, ensuring a comfortable and balanced wrist presence. The dial, in a rich brown, tobacco-like hue, is the undisputed highlight, exuding warmth and depth. Fitted with a solid three-link bracelet, the watch conveys a substantial feel. The intricate La Joux-Perret G100 caliber, offering a 68-hour power reserve, is visible upon lifting the hunter caseback. The Furlan Marri ‘Songlines’ is available for $2,750 USD.
The author’s personal connection with Furlan Marri, dating back to a prototype viewing in 2021, underscores the brand’s remarkable journey from concept to a leading independent watchmaker. The ‘Songlines’ exemplifies this growth. The dial design is particularly noteworthy; brown, a color often underutilized in watchmaking, is here employed to stunning effect. The interplay of raised baton markers, rounded dots, the segmented seconds track, and commanding hands contribute to the watch’s versatility, making it suitable for a wide range of occasions.
Serica – Ref. 7505 ‘Sunburst’
Serica rounds out the FounderFest lineup with the Ref. 7505 ‘Sunburst,’ arguably the most vintage-feeling addition to the collection. Key design elements contribute to its classic appeal. The 35mm case, with a 41.5mm lug-to-lug and a slim 9.6mm thickness, strikes an ideal balance for wrist presence, achieved through meticulous attention to component coherence.
The watch’s bezel width, bold handset, and a captivating brown fume dial finish evoke the impression of a well-proportioned vintage watch, seemingly free from direct historical inspiration. Adding to its unique character is the inclusion of a Bonklip bracelet, an accessory that, like the overall design of the ‘Sunburst,’ sets this Serica apart from potential comparisons. The timepiece is powered by the chronometer-certified Soprod M100 automatic calibre. The Serica Ref. 7505 ‘Sunburst’ is priced at $1,625 USD.
Serica possesses a distinct, almost quirky appeal. While not strictly Bauhaus, the brand shares a similar philosophy of achieving functional simplicity through unexpected pathways. This is precisely how one might describe the ‘Sunburst.’ Unlike the striking brown of the Furlan Marri, the Serica’s dial is more subdued, often appearing dark brown or nearly black when handled. While seemingly a more understated choice among the seven, its subtle elegance and refined execution hold significant charm. The combination of the vintage proportions, the unique dial finish, and the distinctive Bonklip bracelet creates a timepiece that stands on its own merit.
FounderFest: A New Era for Independent Watchmaking
FounderFest, scheduled for September 19th-20th, 2026, marks a significant moment for independent watchmaking. The multi-city presence in London, New York, and Melbourne, coupled with a robust online platform, ensures broad accessibility. The seven special edition watches, available for purchase from September 22nd, 2026, represent a curated selection of the creativity and craftsmanship that defines this segment of the industry. Following the initial launch, these exclusive timepieces will transition to permanent availability solely through Time+Tide’s physical studio locations.
The establishment of FounderFest signifies a proactive approach by Time & Tide to cultivate and support the independent watch community. By providing a dedicated platform that merges horological appreciation with cultural experiences, the event aims to foster deeper engagement and understanding of the brands and the people behind them. The success of these seven special editions will likely set a precedent for future collaborations and solidify FounderFest’s position as a vital annual event on the watch calendar. This initiative not only offers collectors unique timepieces but also strengthens the ecosystem for independent watch brands navigating an increasingly dynamic market.
