The Story Behind the Humboldt GMT 2026 Chicago Edition
Windup Chicago feels a little different for us. It's our hometown show, which means we get to spend the weekend catching up with longtime Owners, meeting new ones, and sharing what we've been working on. This year, we wanted to bring something special that could only be found in Chicago.
The result was the Humboldt GMT 2026 Chicago Edition.
Limited to just five pieces, this special edition paired everything we love about the Humboldt GMT with a couple of details created exclusively for Windup Chicago. A black PVD bezel insert gives the watch a slightly more understated, tool-watch feel, while the custom Chicago-themed caseback engraving serves as a quiet tribute to the city we've proudly called home since Oak & Oscar began.
Everything else remains exactly as it should. The Swiss-made Sellita SW330 automatic GMT movement, anti-shock and anti-magnetic protection, 20ATM of water resistance, a brushed 40mm stainless steel case, bi-directional bezel, and our fully articulated bracelet with a quick-adjust clasp all make it a watch that's equally comfortable traveling across time zones or heading off on its next adventure.
The five Chicago Editions found five new Owners in about ten minutes, which honestly caught us by surprise.
But if we're being honest, selling out wasn't what made this release feel successful.
Success was seeing people stop in their tracks when they spotted the black bezel. It was hearing someone notice the Chicago engraving on the caseback and smile. It was watching conversations start around the table and seeing how many people connected with the idea of creating something that celebrated our hometown in a subtle, thoughtful way.
The watches may have found new wrists in the first few minutes of the show, but seeing how enthusiastically they were received all weekend is what we'll remember most.
The best part of Windup has never been selling watches. It's seeing familiar faces, introducing ourselves to people discovering Oak & Oscar for the first time, hearing stories about watches that have traveled the world, and spending a few days surrounded by people who appreciate mechanical watches as much as we do. The Chicago Edition simply became another reason for those conversations to happen.
To everyone who stopped by our booth this weekend, thank you. Whether you picked up one of the five Chicago Editions, tried on a watch for the first time, or simply stopped to say hello, we're grateful you spent a little time with us.
And congratulations to the five new Owners. We hope your Chicago Edition serves as a reminder of a great weekend and many adventures still to come.