Interview with Gábor Schwarz and Endre Kun, the dreamers of the Premium Watch and Pen Fair
Where did the idea come from to organize a “own” watch fair?
Gábor: We wanted to create an occasion that focuses on the concept of premium, where the watches, the environment, the atmosphere, and the surroundings reflect this quality. Our goal was not to compete with other events, but to offer something new, something different – an elegant, sophisticated, yet approachable meeting point for all those who appreciate the stories, techniques, styles – passion behind the watches. A place where one can meet, talk, exchange experiences in an environment worthy of premium watches – and of course admire some truly special pieces.
The Premium Watch Fair will be held for the second time on April 13th. What experiences did you gather from the first event?
Endre: The feedback from both exhibitors and visitors at the first Premium Watch Fair was extremely inspiring. It was delightful to see what a vibrant and dedicated community gathered – collectors, dealers, and enthusiastic watch lovers alike. Based on the feedback, they particularly appreciated the event's exclusive yet friendly atmosphere, the diversity of the exhibited watches, and the opportunity to meet like-minded people in person.
Gábor: It was a special joy for us to experience the high demand for such a high-quality event, where not only the watches but also the relationships and community experience are in focus. These positive experiences provided us with the confirmation and momentum to turn the fair into a tradition and elevate it to a higher level.
How do you see the Hungarian market: is there a need for more watch fairs?
Gábor: The Hungarian market is also constantly changing – „developing.” The demand for premium watches is increasing. There is a clear need for a fair that reflects high standards, added value, reliability, and durability! Within the premium segment, the trust of buyers and visitors is ensured by expertise, authenticity, and personalized service.
How does the Premium Watch Fair differ from competing events?
Endre: We pay special attention to the customer experience: participants can receive expert advice, attend professional presentations, and encounter personalized services and innovative novelties. Through elegance, high-level organization, and premium services, our event offers not just a „market,” but a real experience for watch enthusiasts.
The theme of the April fair changes somewhat compared to the previous one: alongside watches, pens will also be featured. Why was the choice made for writing instruments?
Endre: The presentation of writing instruments, especially premium pens, perfectly complements the spirit of the event so far. The parallels between the world of watches and pens – such as precision, tradition, and respect for craftsmanship – have emerged as a natural choice. Both product categories represent elegance, quality, and excellent expertise, thus the merging of the two worlds adds an exciting new dimension to the event.
The venue is also connected to writing instruments: The Goy and Kovalszki office machine factory operated at 11 Nádor Street in Budapest, where Goy Andor and his brother, László, once worked on one of the first versions of the ballpoint pen.
Gábor: The demand for premium pens and watches attracts similar customer groups who appreciate intricate details, design, and sophistication. The presentation of writing instruments provides an opportunity for visitors to experience a new, yet equally exclusive experience, while the allure of elegance and premium products further enhances the uniqueness of the event. This expansion not only ensures a more diverse offering but also provides customers with new, premium-level experiences.
How large do you think the market for premium writing instruments is in our country today?
Endre: The market for premium writing instruments in Hungary still represents a relatively narrow but continuously growing segment. Premium writing instruments, such as luxury pens, are particularly attractive to those who appreciate the art of writing, for whom a writing instrument is not just a practical tool but a „lifestyle” or even a collector's item. The growing interest in premium products in the market, as well as the demand for personalized, unique pieces, is continuously expanding this segment. An increasing number of buyers in both the business world and among private individuals are willing to pay a premium price for a high-quality, unique pen that symbolizes craftsmanship and exclusivity.
Although the market for premium writing instruments is smaller than that of watches, stable growth is expected due to its „niche” nature and the demand from discerning customers. Events similar to the premium watch fair in April also contribute to this market expansion, as they provide opportunities for buyers to get acquainted with the world of premium writing instruments and discover their unique appeal.
Do you have a favorite writing instrument brand?
Gábor: Montegrappa, and not just because it's Italian 🙂
You're not alone in this; there are also collectors among the members of the Pens & Watches group who are passionate about Italian fountain pens 🙂 Speaking of which, the professional partner of the April event is the TPens and Watches Facebook group. It will be. What do you expect from this collaboration?
This collaboration offers an exciting opportunity to reach an even wider audience who truly appreciate the world of premium watches and writing instruments. The group members are already dedicated fans, so we are confident that we can present personalized, expert content and exclusive offers to the audience. The expertise of the group is an important value that we build on: during the event professional presentations can also be attended by visitors. Through this collaboration, the event can become even more of a meeting place for passionate collectors and those interested in premium products.
