For reference, the British Watchmakers Day in London on March 5th this year was 10:00hrs to 18:00hrs, split from the outset into a morning and afternoon session of 4 hours each. Much more reasonable.
Maybe the organisers of what might be called a 'Northern Version' (it's in Manchester and all watch brands are British) have been caught out by the enthusiasm and response?
It will be interesting to see their response to your email @iain. I've emailed too.
Guy
These users thanked the author Bahnstormer_vRS for the post:
I would be inclined to buy a ticket for both sessions if that is permitted. I will await feedback from those who have already emailed re attending all day.
Would be a shame if fellow CWF members can't all attend the same session. Maybe we will just have to extend the beer session if we can only have 2.5 hrs at the show
CW watch count - enough to keep me very happy, but always room for more!
Iain’s Law: Any discussion on the Christopher Ward forum, irrespective of the thread title or subject matter, will eventually lead to someone mentioning the Bel Canto if the thread continues for long enough.
I have had a very detailed response to my email from Hamish at the watch collectors who is organising the Manchester show.
I was happy to copy and paste their promotional emails, especially as they ended with a request to share them. However the email I have been sent doesn’t seem appropriate for sharing as it is a little more personal.
However to summarise his main points.
Feedback from the British watchmakers show was that it was still too crowded, despite having two sessions.
They are hoping to limit numbers and control the flow of the crowd within the venue to prevent some stands becoming too busy. This is why they have split it into two to limit numbers at each session while allowing as many as possible to attend.
They accept this isn’t ideal but this their first show here and it is only two people organising it. However if it is a success they will look to grow it for future years.
The idea behind the timings is that the half day has been agreed to allow companies to travel on the morning of the event to keep their costs down and reduce the need for an overnight stay.
They have thanked me for my email but looks like it is not able to be altered at this stage.
Anyway I still plan to attend as it’s not too far for me, however I can accept that this is not ideal for those travelling from further afield.
I am happy to get into Manchester before the event and stick around after if anyone wants to meet up to make it a longer day out.
So back to my suggestion that people who are planning to attend state which session they would prefer so we can co-ordinate this ahead of tickets going on sale next week.
These users thanked the author iain for the post (total 2):
Iain’s Law: Any discussion on the Christopher Ward forum, irrespective of the thread title or subject matter, will eventually lead to someone mentioning the Bel Canto if the thread continues for long enough.
Bahnstormer_vRS wrote: ↑Mon Jul 29, 2024 9:41 am
I received the same email as Iain and have replied asking if it's possible to buy two tickets, early and late.
I'll post the response I get.
Guy
Sent from my Galaxy S23 Ultra using Tapatalk
...or you could buy one ticket with your own email address and if you have access to another..eg wife's..use that for the second ticket..
These users thanked the author DavidCM for the post:
The reasoning behind the timings etc, all makes sense. I'm sure that organising this type of event (almost any event really) is a lot more work than most people imagine. While it will no doubt be possible to find a "work around" the ticket situation, it does seem to be against the spirit of the event - to get as many people as possible experiencing the event and the watchmakers. I still think that £10 is very reasonable. And, as a genuine attempt to bring this to a different audience than the usual London centred events it deserves support.
These users thanked the author exHowfener for the post (total 3):
^^^^ I've heard back from Hamish who has intimated that it may be possible to buy two tickets.
However, taking on board @exHowfener's point, there is also the morale dilemma in buying two tickets (one for each session) in that I may be preventing someone else attending.
Perhaps the balance on this is to buy one session ticket on August 9th and see nearer the time if there is a ticket available for the other session. We’ll see.
Guy
These users thanked the author Bahnstormer_vRS for the post:
If I was going to this alone I’d attend the first session and head home afterwards in time for tea.
If going with others then I’m happy to do either.
Option A, attend session 1. I can get there early but a midday start will probably mean meeting at the show, or a very close by pub for a swift half.
At 2.30 we can all head off together for a few drinks, a bite to eat and a chat until we’ve all had enough of each other or are incapable of continuing with a sensible conversation.
Option B, attend session 2. We can meet up at midday, have some lunch and a few beers before heading to the show. Once done we can either head home or out for another drink and some tea if people want.
Option B probably offers the most flexibility to people travelling and gives us the chance to eat before heading into the show. The downside being you may have a had a few pints which will help you spend once inside (the advertising emails say watches are available to buy)
These users thanked the author iain for the post (total 2):
Iain’s Law: Any discussion on the Christopher Ward forum, irrespective of the thread title or subject matter, will eventually lead to someone mentioning the Bel Canto if the thread continues for long enough.
Anyone planning to attend may want to also consider that this weekend could be the start of the Christmas Markets - though the dates are yet to be confirmed. Just a thought if you want to bring someone along with you who isn't interested in watches.
If you're coming some distance on public transport, there are often coaches visiting the markets which could make for cheaper option.
These users thanked the author exHowfener for the post:
I’ve just had another email about the show. The original price was £10 plus booking fee, however they are saying costs have increased so the price is now £12 all in. I’m not sure it will make much difference as booking fees are usually a few ££££ anyway so it would have been about £12 anyway.
Iain’s Law: Any discussion on the Christopher Ward forum, irrespective of the thread title or subject matter, will eventually lead to someone mentioning the Bel Canto if the thread continues for long enough.
Iain’s Law: Any discussion on the Christopher Ward forum, irrespective of the thread title or subject matter, will eventually lead to someone mentioning the Bel Canto if the thread continues for long enough.
