The inaugural Vancouver Timepiece Show 2025

by Brent Robillard

If you build it, they will come

On a sunny day in June 2023, Tyler Frederick—our Marketing Director—and I sat down for lunch with Jason Hutton at the Bishop and Belcher in Toronto. Jason and I had been acquaintances for more than two years, brought together by a mutual love of watches when I first reviewed his Ula Diver. As the founder of ZENEA Watches and both the Toronto and Vancouver Timepiece Shows, Jason had an ambitious vision. Over time, our shared passions for travel, watches, and diving cemented our friendship. But on that particular summer day, we were meeting for business.

Vancouver Timepiece Show — ^{Jason Hutton on the Time 2 Calibrate Podcast @timetogowatches}

Jason had just placed the down payment for the inaugural Toronto Timepiece Show, set for September 2024 at the Courtyard Marriott in Downtown Toronto. When I asked how many brands had committed, he took a deep breath and said, “Two.” I thought he was crazy. But then, I’ve always believed there’s a fine line between genius and insanity. The Calibrated Wrist signed on as the media partner, and Toronto turned out to be a massive success.

More than 2,000 enthusiasts attended over a three-day weekend, with more than 50 watch and watch-adjacent brands representing 17 different countries. Here’s what some had to say about the experience:

Peter Cho, Jack Mason Brand: “Toronto has been hungry for their first watch show, and Jason has delivered above and beyond! Epic attendance and engagement from the attendees.”

Nicholas Bowman-Scargill, Fears Watch Company: “It was an exciting milestone for Fears to attend the Toronto Timepiece Show…the response to our timepieces was exceptional…the event was professionally managed, and we were delighted to be part of such a well-executed showcase.”

Jose Miranda, Isotope Watches: “The Toronto Timepiece Show was brilliantly organized by a true Canadian gentleman, Jason Hutton. Isotope had an incredible weekend, and even a week later, we’re still receiving orders and emails from Canada.”

Pipe Shop Venue at Shipyards

Now, the first annual Vancouver Timepiece Show looms on the horizon. Scheduled for April 25th-27th, 2025, it will take place at the Pipe Shop Venue in North Vancouver’s Shipyards District. “I’m super excited,” says Hutton. “It’s such a beautiful venue for Vancouver. Tickets continue to go at a brisk pace. We’ve already issued more than 2000 with more than a month to go.” The tastefully renovated 1940s-era industrial building, originally the Pipefitters Building, offers over 7,500 square feet of exhibition space with vaulted ceilings, floor-to-ceiling windows, and a stunning waterfront location overlooking the Burrard Inlet. The venue sits in the heart of Shipbuilder’s Square, adjacent to the Lonsdale Market and the reconstructed Machine Shop, making it a perfect setting for a weekend of horological discovery.

Once again, over 50 brands from around the world—this time from 22 different countries—will be in attendance. Enthusiasts will have the chance to interact face-to-face with brand owners and representatives, diving deep into the world of independent watchmaking.

From timeless classics to groundbreaking innovations, the Vancouver Timepiece Show promises an immersive experience like no other. Some of the brands confirmed include Christopher Ward, Formex, Fears, Fortis, Isotope, and Jack Mason. Readers of The Calibrated Wrist will also recognize familiar names like Beaubleu, Elliot Brown, Hanhart, Laco, Marathon, Nivada Grenchen, RZE, Venezianico, and YEMA.

The amount of work behind an event like this is staggering. And Jason Hutton, ever the visionary, is already looking ahead to the next Toronto Timepiece Show, set for September 19th-21st, 2025. “Be prepared for a whole other level of experience,” says Hutton. “My planning horizon is 12-14 months out. I had booked the next venue for Toronto before the last show even took place.” This time, the venue will be the Meridian Arts Centre, with more than 80 brands anticipated.

Hutton is also launching an adjunctive horological awards program juried by an international committee that will culminate in a star-studded gala event during the next Toronto show.

The launch of The Calibrated Wrist

For us at The Calibrated Wrist, Vancouver will hold special significance—it will mark the launch of our first-ever print edition, a semi-annual publication with the Fall/Winter Edition expected at the Toronto Show later this year. This milestone reflects our commitment to the ever-growing world of independent watchmaking and the vibrant community that surrounds it.

We’re on the scene

The Calibrated Wrist will be on site in Vancouver to cover the unfolding of events in depth. Expect regular updates on our social media channels, including interviews and highlights. Throughout the weekend, we’ll be reporting on new releases and publishing brand features.

Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just starting your watch journey, the Vancouver Timepiece Show will be an unmissable event. Get ready for a weekend filled with craftsmanship, innovation, and the camaraderie that makes this hobby so special. See you in Vancouver!