Whether a local, someone who occasionally passes through, or someone who watches from Instagram, it's common knowledge that London has an incredible watch scene. From buyers, community, and some of the world’s best collectors calling it home, the scene here is thriving. And yet, many watch shows have come and gone over the years. Oftentimes with too much of a focus on sponsors and advertisers, watch events in London have never been able to stick with widespread agreement of success across the board, but after the inaugural London Watch Week in June, there’s one aspect of this new show that could just make it the one to buck the trend: community.

From buyers, community, and some of the world’s best collectors calling it home, the scene here is thriving.

Established by Justin Hast, Lucy Cheesewright, and Tom Exton (known as @tge online), London Watch Week was created to champion the art of fine watchmaking, with watch brands, independent watchmakers, retailers, collectors, and pre-owned specialists all meeting over a few days through various events and get-togethers around the city. From Bonhams to Pragnells, Zenith to Andersen Genève, and Somlo London to Watch Brothers London, every corner of the watch industry participated to some capacity in London Watch Week, as the founding trio successfully encapsulated each facet of London’s nuanced watch scene. While Justin and Tom regularly attend watch shows and events worldwide as guests, Lucy is an established name in the UK watch scene as someone who has successfully organised events from SalonQP to WatchPro Salon. The trio is strong, and while attending the multiple happenings during the week, their shared knowledge and experience of what makes watch shows ‘work’ was clear to see. From timings throughout the days, a selection of locations and happenings for attendees each day, talks, or simply things such as venues with great natural light.

For WatchBrothers London, it was an opportunity to officially exhibit at a show for the very first time, and Ben went all out. With one of the biggest and certainly most jam-packed displays, the level and volume of neo-vintage gems on display really was second to none.

Of course, I was there with my camera in hand to document WBLDN’s attendance and some of the watches spotted on the wrist of fellow guests, and it's fair to say the rumours are certainly true: there’s one hell of a diverse watch community here. I’ll let the pictures do the talking.