If you’ve been following me, you know I’ve loved the AuroChronos Festival since its first edition in 2017.
This year, it was back after several shutdowns (damn Covid), and what we can say is that the show was a huge success.
More than 1,200 attendees, over 40 brands from around the world, unique timepieces unavailable in mass distribution, and prestigious awards presented by an international jury — this was AuroChronos Festival 2025, the largest event in Poland dedicated to independent watchmaking.
This was the first edition of the festival held in Warsaw (Poland) — and also a return after a six-year break. Despite coinciding with an election weekend and the event being ticketed, attendance exceeded 1,200 people, which the organizers unanimously consider a great success and a clear sign that the idea of independent watchmaking continues to grow in Poland.
“This edition was special in many ways,” says Paweł Zalewski, organizer of AuroChronos Festival. “Not just because of the number of attendees and exhibitors, but most importantly because of the atmosphere we created together. We saw great engagement from guests and enthusiasm from the brands. After a few years’ break, we felt that this event was truly awaited — and such a warm reception is the best confirmation that AuroChronos has a strong future ahead.”
Watches That Express More Than Just Time
For two days, Mysia 3 — the heart of Warsaw’s design scene — transformed into a hub of independent horology. Among the timepieces on display were both innovative designs and watches inspired by history. Attendees could admire a fully hand-crafted tourbillon pocket watch made in Poland, pieces featuring jumping day-date complications, and models made from extraordinary materials such as artillery shells or pre-war silver coins. The festival brought together both recognized manufacturers and debuting microbrands.
AuroChronos Awards — Prestigious Prizes Announced
During Saturday’s gala, six awards were presented by an international jury of experts from Poland, the Netherlands, and Switzerland:
Grand Prix – GoS Watches Sarek Frost
For its exceptional aesthetics and cohesive concept — from the hypnotic, frost-inspired dial to the hand-finished case and unique design details drawing on Swedish nature. This model perfectly blends contemporary craftsmanship with cultural and artistic depth.
-> My personal take : 100% yes. Patrik’s creations are always incredible.
Best Men’s Watch – Oriorwaith J. Sarnowski Y Sgowt
For an original concept and craftsmanship rooted in Welsh tradition. Y Sgowt is a watch born from contradiction: elegance forged through ruggedness, clarity achieved through complexity, and modernity grounded in deep tradition. At its heart lies a natural Amethyst or Lapis Lazuli dial—each one organically unique and saturated with beautiful colours. The stone is topped with multiple layers of different metallic patterns and a metal chapter ring, before being finished off with some lumicast hour markers.
-> My personal take : It’s truly deserved. A young independent who is just starting out and who really came to the fore during Aurochronos.
Best Women’s Watch – Arach AH93
For the elegant yet bold blend of sporty style and modern form. Designed to accompany you in your active life, the Arach A93H watch combines the agility of a spider with the elegance of a mechanical heart.
A sporty style makes it both classic and practical.
-> My personal take : As much as their pieces are nice, I didn’t understand that, with a 38mm very sporty design, these watches receive the women’s award… I think Havaan Tuvali would have been a good candidate for this award.
Innovation Award – Isotope Watches Chronograph Moonshot Terra Maris
For its creative approach to chronograph complications and a design that skillfully integrates symbolism, functionality, and originality.
-> My personal take : If we’re talking about innovation, the award definitely goes to Kneijnsberg and its Hugenius watch, which features a Jumping Day function.
In any case, Isotope deserves an award, but not in this category.
Craftsmanship Award – Polpora Emalie
For its exquisite enamel dial, fine guilloché, and masterful attention to detail, demonstrating top-level horological and jewelry craftsmanship.
-> My personal take : This one works for me as they make really nice watches and the level of craftsmanship is amazing. Maybe they are a bit too expensive as other brands in the world of watchmaking also prosose these kind of pieces but at a lower price. And maybe Isotope could have won in this category with their Mercury Unique Marquetry collection.
Audience Award – Stowa Watches
Awarded through online and in-person voting — for perfectly combining timeless design, quality, and emotional value.
-> My personal take : Given that the award is judged both on-site and online, it was obvious that Stowa would win, based on their number of followers, for example.
Would this award have been fairer to other brands if it had only considered the votes of show visitors? I think so… But that’s just my opinion.
Jury Members:
– Marc André Deschoux (WatchesTV, Switzerland) – Jury President, founder of WatchesTV and Horopedia Foundation project
– Kalle Slaap (Chronoglide, Netherlands)
– Magdalena Piekarska (Magazyn Chronos)
– Maciej Kopyto (Zegarki i Pasja)
– Krzysztof Skórka (Klub Miłośników Zegarów i Zegarków)
– Maciej Miśnik (Miśnik w Warszawie) – Guest Jury Member
More Than Just Watches
AuroChronos is not just about watches — it’s about people, stories, and meaningful encounters. A children’s treasure hunt, photo zone, meetups with content creators, the opportunity to buy books and festival merchandise, as well as engaging presentations and discussions all contributed to the warm and welcoming festival atmosphere.
The organizers express their heartfelt thanks to all who helped make this edition a success — exhibitors, partners, volunteers, and most importantly, every guest who joined us this May.
Join us in May 2026 in Warsaw for a unique event that blends a passion for watches with bold creations by independent brands. Meet the makers who are reshaping the future of watchmaking, discover cutting-edge designs, and immerse yourself in an atmosphere like no other.
More details coming soon!
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Jonathan Kopp
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