WatchIt! Watch Fair FAQs
When is WatchIt! Watch Fair?
WatchIt! Watch Fair takes place on Saturday 20 June 2026.
VIP entry starts at 10:00am, general admission starts at 11:00am, and the event closes at 4:00pm.
Where is WatchIt! Watch Fair?
WatchIt! is being held at:
voco St. John’s Solihull
651 Warwick Road
Solihull
Birmingham
B91 1AT
The venue is easy to reach from Birmingham, Coventry, Warwickshire and the wider Midlands.
How do I get tickets?
Tickets are available online in advance via the WatchIt! ticket page.
We recommend booking before the day, as it helps us manage numbers and make sure the event runs smoothly.
What’s the difference between VIP and general admission?
VIP tickets give you earlier entry to the event from 10:00am, giving you the first opportunity to browse the brands, meet exhibitors and enjoy the fair before general admission begins at 11:00am.
VIP visitors also receive a free drink, although limitations apply.
General admission gives you entry from 11:00am.
Is there parking?
Yes. There are around 250 free parking spaces on site at the venue.
Once those are full, visitors can also use Lode Lane multi-storey car park, which is only a short walk from the hotel.
Lode Lane Car Park
Lode Ln
Solihull
B91 3AB
Is the venue easy to get to by train?
Yes. The venue is close to Solihull train station, which is within walking distance or a short taxi ride from the hotel.
What brands will be there?
WatchIt! brings together 52 watch brands, including independent watchmakers, microbrands, established names, accessory brands and more.
It’s one of the biggest watch events in the UK and a brilliant opportunity to try watches on, meet the people behind the brands and discover something new.
Can I buy watches at the event?
Many brands will have watches available to buy or order on the day, but this may vary from brand to brand.
Even if you’re not planning to buy, WatchIt! is a relaxed, hands-on event where you can try watches on, ask questions and get a proper feel for the brands in person.
Do I need to be a watch expert to attend?
Not at all. WatchIt! is designed to be friendly, relaxed and welcoming, whether you’re a long-time collector or completely new to watches.
There’s no snobbery, no pressure and no need to know all the technical terms. Just come along, try some watches on and enjoy the day.
Are children allowed?
Yes, children are welcome, but they must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
Please bear in mind that there will be valuable watches and displays throughout the event, so we ask parents and guardians to keep a close eye on younger visitors.
Will there be giveaways?
Yes! We’ll be running giveaways during the event, with prizes including watches, accessories and other watch-related goodies.
Current giveaway prizes include:
- Christopher Ward C60 Trident Reef
- Maystone Prosperity GMT Red Kite
- MD Watches Supernatural Caturix
- 20 WatchGecko goody bags
- 2 Loresum straps
- Golby swag
- Octane & Lock T-shirt
- Pompeak T-shirt
The main giveaways are planned for 2:30pm–3:00pm during the event. More details on how to enter will be shared at the fair.
What is the Watch Maker Experience?
The Watch Maker Experience is a hands-on activity hosted by Cotswold Watch Company, giving visitors the chance to get closer to the craft behind mechanical watches.
You can book a 15-minute slot and choose one of four practical mini-sessions:
Movement regulation & using a timeographer
Learn how a watchmaker checks the accuracy of a mechanical movement using a timeographer, then see how small adjustments can help improve its timekeeping.
Hand finishing
Try your hand at carefully finishing watch hands, exploring the tiny details and steady technique that go into creating a refined final look.
Hour marker finishing
Discover how hour markers are shaped and finished, and have a go at working on the small details that help bring a dial to life.
Hand fitting + broaching
Learn how watch hands are prepared and fitted to a movement, including carefully broaching the centre hole so each hand sits correctly and securely.
The sessions are suitable for beginners as well as existing watch enthusiasts, but spaces are limited so booking is recommended.
What is the WatchIt! Experience App?
The WatchIt! Experience App is designed to help you get more from the event.
You can browse brands, view the table plan, shortlist the brands you want to visit, make notes, scan QR codes at tables, take part in the event quiz and use helpful features if you’re new to watches.
It runs in your browser, so there’s nothing to download from the App Store or Google Play.
Will there be food and drink available?
The event is being held at a hotel venue, with food and drink available on site.
There are also plenty of cafés, restaurants and shops nearby in Solihull town centre.
Is the event accessible?
The event is held at a modern hotel venue with accessible facilities.
If you have any specific accessibility requirements, please contact us before the event and we’ll do our best to help.
Can I bring watches, try watches on or take photos?
Yes. Many visitors enjoy wearing or bringing along watches to talk about with other enthusiasts. Any watches you bring are your own responsibility, so please take care of them during the day.
Most brands will be happy for you to try watches on, ask questions and get a proper feel for them. Please just be respectful when handling watches and follow each exhibitor’s guidance.
Photography is generally welcome, but please ask exhibitors before taking close-up photos or filming at their table.
Who organises WatchIt!?
WatchIt! is organised by Joshua Clare-Flagg, founder of 12&60 and a long-time watch reviewer, photographer and enthusiast.
The event is run for the love of watches and the community around them, with the aim of creating a relaxed, friendly and hands-on watch fair for everyone.