Over the past decade, Time+Tide has undergone a remarkable transformation, evolving from a nascent Australian online watch publication into a globally recognized and influential platform, with a particular emphasis on independent watchmaking. This expansion has been marked by significant strategic moves, including the establishment of its innovative Watch Discovery Studios in key international hubs: Melbourne, London, and New York. Now, the company is poised to launch its most ambitious initiative to date: FounderFest. This pioneering event, scheduled for September 19th and 20th, 2026, promises to redefine the traditional watch fair experience by blending the excitement of a trade show with the intimacy of a collector gathering and the vibrant energy of a music festival.
Held simultaneously across all three Time+Tide Watch Discovery Studios, FounderFest is designed to place the visionary founders of independent watch brands at the forefront. Moving away from conventional exhibition booth formats, the event will feature a dynamic program of presentations, in-depth interviews, live performances, and engaging discussions. This approach aims to foster a deeper connection between creators and enthusiasts, offering a unique insight into the passion and craftsmanship that drives the independent watchmaking sector. Adding to the excitement, seven exclusive watch collaborations, developed in partnership with independent brands and inspired by the musical influences of their founders, will be unveiled concurrently. New York City will serve as the primary live broadcast hub for the festival, while London and Melbourne will host their own localized launch events and concerts, ensuring a truly global celebration of horology. The entire program will also be accessible worldwide through an online stream, broadening its reach and impact.
The heart of FounderFest lies in its curated collection of limited-edition watches. Time+Tide has collaborated with seven independent brands to create distinct "Studio Editions," each drawing inspiration from the music that has profoundly influenced their founders. These inspirations manifest in a variety of ways, from color palettes and material choices to the evocation of specific memories and cultural references. These unique timepieces will be available to a global audience through a limited online pre-order window commencing September 22nd, 2026, before becoming permanent, exclusive offerings within Time+Tide’s three Watch Discovery Studios. Notably, the focus of this preview will be on the mechanical marvels, aligning with a dedication to the intricate artistry of mechanical watchmaking.
A Decade of Growth: From Publication to Global Retailer
Time+Tide’s journey began in 2014, founded by Andrew McUtchen with the initial vision of creating a dedicated online space for watch enthusiasts in Australia. The platform quickly gained traction for its insightful reviews, in-depth articles, and focus on the burgeoning independent watchmaking scene. Recognizing the growing demand for a more tangible experience with these unique timepieces, Time+Tide strategically expanded its operations. The opening of the Melbourne Watch Discovery Studio marked a significant turning point, offering a physical retail space and a hub for the local watch community. This was followed by ambitious expansions into London and, more recently, New York, solidifying Time+Tide’s position as a key player in the global watch retail landscape. The Watch Discovery Studios are more than just retail spaces; they serve as curated environments designed to immerse visitors in the world of horology, hosting events, exhibitions, and fostering a sense of community.
FounderFest: A New Paradigm for Watch Events
The announcement of FounderFest signifies a bold departure from the traditional watch fair model. Instead of rows of static display cases, the event prioritizes direct engagement and storytelling. By featuring the founders themselves, Time+Tide aims to imbue the event with a personal and authentic atmosphere, allowing attendees to connect with the individuals behind the brands and understand their creative processes, inspirations, and philosophies. The fusion of a watch exhibition with elements of a music festival and a collector gathering is a deliberate strategy to attract a broader audience and create a more dynamic and memorable experience. This innovative approach reflects a growing trend in the industry towards experiential marketing and community building.
The Seven Collaborations: A Symphony of Time and Inspiration
The collaborative watches are the cornerstone of FounderFest, each representing a unique intersection of horological artistry and personal inspiration.
Baltic Heures du Monde – "Horizon Line"
French independent brand Baltic contributes a travel-inspired piece, the "Horizon Line," based on their acclaimed Heures du Monde world-timer. This special edition distinguishes itself with a novel forged carbon dial, a departure from the stone dials found in the standard collection. The inherent layered structure of forged carbon ensures that each dial possesses a unique, organic pattern, adding an exclusive touch to every timepiece. Subtle yet impactful blue and orange accents are strategically placed on the world-time display, highlighting key cities like London, Melbourne, and New York – a direct nod to Time+Tide’s global presence. This infusion of color provides a vibrant contrast to the otherwise monochromatic aesthetic of the watch, creating a visually engaging piece. The watch retains the popular compact dimensions of the Heures du Monde and is powered by the reliable Soprod C125 automatic movement. It will retail for EUR 1,450.
Quick Facts:
- Case: 37mm x 11mm x 45mm stainless steel
- Dial: Forged carbon with blue and orange accents
- Crystal: Double-domed sapphire
- Water Resistance: 100 meters
- Movement: Soprod C125 automatic, GMT and world-time display, approx. 42-hour power reserve
- Strap: Marine Nationale style elastic strap
- Price: EUR 1,450 (excl. VAT)
Awake Son Mai Frosted Leaf – "Ultraviolet"
Awake, a brand celebrated for its expertise in creating captivating dials, presents the "Ultraviolet" edition of its Son Mai Frosted Leaf. This remarkable dial is meticulously crafted through successive layers of natural lacquer, meticulously applied silver leaf, and deep purple pigments. The result is a surface that possesses an almost chameleon-like quality, shifting from an inky black to a vivid violet depending on the play of light. Housed within a refined 38mm steel case, the watch is paired with a luxurious Jean Rousseau Alcantara strap. Powering this exquisite timepiece is the La Joux-Perret G101 automatic movement, boasting an impressive 68-hour power reserve, ensuring extended autonomy. The "Ultraviolet" edition is priced at EUR 2,400.
Quick Facts:
- Case: 38mm x 11.5mm x 44.75mm stainless steel
- Dial: Vietnamese S?n M?i lacquer with silver leaf and purple pigments
- Crystals: Sapphire front and back
- Water Resistance: 100 meters
- Movement: La Joux-Perret G101 automatic, approx. 68-hour power reserve
- Strap: Jean Rousseau Alcantara strap
- Price: EUR 2,400 (excl. VAT)
Furlan Marri – "Songlines"
This marks the second collaboration between Furlan Marri and Time+Tide, representing a notable evolution from their previous "Outback Elegy" model. The "Songlines" edition features a richly lacquered chocolate dial, a sophisticated finish that combines grained and circular brushing techniques beneath its glossy surface, creating a unique depth and texture. A significant enhancement is the introduction of a three-link steel bracelet, imbuing the watch with a more versatile and contemporary everyday appeal. The watch also features a hunter-style caseback, which conceals a sapphire display back, revealing the La Joux-Perret G100 movement. The design ethos continues to draw inspiration from the Australian landscape, evident in the warm, earthy tones that define the aesthetic. This highly anticipated timepiece will be available for EUR 2,000.
Quick Facts:
- Case: 39mm x 12mm x 47mm stainless steel
- Dial: Lacquered chocolate dial with varied finishes
- Crystals: Sapphire crystal and display back beneath hunter cover
- Water Resistance: 100 meters
- Movement: La Joux-Perret G100 automatic, approx. 68-hour power reserve
- Strap: Steel bracelet and an additional leather strap
- Price: EUR 2,000 (excl. VAT)
Serica Ref. 7505 – "Sunburst"
Danish brand Serica brings its signature understated elegance to FounderFest with a refined take on its familiar Ref. 7505 model. The "Sunburst" edition features a new two-tone enamel dial, inspired by the warm, graduated tobacco sunburst finishes often found on vintage guitars. This distinctive dial gently transitions from a brighter hue towards the center to an almost black edge, lending the watch a sense of warmth and depth without compromising the clarity that is a hallmark of Serica’s design language. The compact 35mm case houses the chronometer-certified Soprod M100 automatic movement. Maintaining the model’s inherent robustness, it is equipped with the classic Bonklip bracelet and offers 200 meters of water resistance. The Serica Ref. 7505 "Sunburst" is priced at EUR 1,190.
Quick Facts:
- Case: 35mm x 9.6mm x 41.5mm stainless steel
- Dial: Two-tone brown sunburst enamel
- Crystal: Double-domed sapphire
- Water Resistance: 200 meters
- Movement: Chronometer-certified Soprod M100 automatic, approx. 42-hour power reserve
- Strap: Bonklip bracelet
- Price: EUR 1,190 (excl. VAT)
Beaucroft – "The Punk"
Beaucroft introduces a rebellious spirit to the collection with "The Punk," a timepiece designed to stand out. Building upon the brand’s Arc model, this special edition features a black PVD-coated stainless steel case paired with a striking translucent pink sapphire dial and a matching pink sapphire display back. This bold contrast between the stealthy, dark case and the vibrant, almost electric pink dial creates an undeniably eye-catching aesthetic, while still retaining the refined architectural lines of the original Arc. Beneath its audacious exterior, "The Punk" is a practical everyday watch, powered by the slim and reliable Miyota 90S5 automatic movement. It offers 100 meters of water resistance and is presented on a black FKM rubber strap. "The Punk" is priced at EUR 645, making it an accessible entry into unique independent watchmaking.
Quick Facts:
- Case: 38mm x 10.3mm x 43.5mm black PVD-coated stainless steel
- Dial: Pink sapphire
- Crystals: Sapphire crystal and pink sapphire display back
- Water Resistance: 100 meters
- Movement: Miyota 90S5 automatic, approx. 42-hour power reserve
- Strap: Black FKM rubber strap
- Price: EUR 645 (excl. VAT)
echo/neutra Rivanera Piccolo – "Rosa d’Epoca"
The echo/neutra Rivanera Piccolo "Rosa d’Epoca" is one of the most distinctive and smallest offerings in the FounderFest lineup. Measuring a mere 26mm in diameter, this exceptionally compact watch is housed in a grade 5 titanium case, renowned for its strength and lightness. It features a refined grey dial, subtly accented with antique-rose details that are echoed in the stitching of the accompanying suede strap. The watch is powered by the compact Sellita SW1000 automatic movement. With its thoughtful proportions and restrained color palette, the Rivanera Piccolo possesses a surprising wrist presence despite its miniature dimensions, offering a unique proposition for those seeking a more delicate yet technically sophisticated timepiece. The price for this miniature marvel is EUR 1,495.
Quick Facts:
- Case: 26mm x 6.9mm x 33mm grade 5 titanium
- Dial: Grey grained dial with lacquered frame and antique rose accents
- Crystals: Sapphire front and back
- Water Resistance: 30 meters
- Movement: Sellita SW1000 automatic, approx. 46-hour power reserve
- Strap: Suede strap with antique rose stitching, plus a black rubber strap
- Price: EUR 1,495 (excl. VAT)
Dennison ALD Dual Time – "Carnaby Blue"
The seventh and final watch in the FounderFest collection is the Dennison ALD Dual Time "Carnaby Blue." This model stands apart as the sole quartz-powered watch in the series, employing two independent Ronda movements to independently display dual time zones. Its dial is a captivating mosaic of blue mother-of-pearl, a design choice that directly draws inspiration from the vibrant creative energy of London’s Carnaby Street during the swinging 1960s. This piece, while not mechanical, reflects the event’s commitment to celebrating diverse expressions of design and horological innovation.
The Impact and Future of FounderFest
The launch of FounderFest and its accompanying collection of collaborative watches represents a significant milestone for Time+Tide. It not only showcases the brand’s evolution into a global retail and events powerhouse but also underscores its deep commitment to nurturing and promoting independent watchmaking. By creating a platform that prioritizes direct engagement with founders and offers unique, artistically inspired timepieces, Time+Tide is setting a new benchmark for watch industry events. The global, multi-city approach, combined with an online streaming component, ensures maximum accessibility and inclusivity, allowing enthusiasts worldwide to participate in this horological celebration. This initiative is poised to strengthen the bonds within the independent watch community, foster new collector interest, and solidify Time+Tide’s position as a leader in the dynamic world of watches.
For further information and to explore the full FounderFest experience, interested parties can visit TheFounderFest.com.
