Iconic timepieces with their characteristic crown-protecting bridge and luminescent dial that can be read even in the depths of the sea, Panerai is part of 20th century watchmaking history. And above all, an essential part of the history of Italian watchmaking: functionality, design and technological innovation are inextricably linked to this brand, founded on the banks of the Arno river, in Florence. The history of Panerai plays a leading role at VO Vintage, which Italian Exhibition Group opens to the public of enthusiasts and collectors from 17th to 20th January. Held at Vicenza Expo Centre - Italy, admission is free of charge on prior registration on the event website.

For those who already own, or dream of owning, a Panerai that was worn on the wrist of a navy commando, or even just for those who want to know more about how Italian technological research has been combined with Swiss watchmaking quality, VO Vintage offers a double date with the history of this brand. A journey through the so-called “Pre-Vendôme” period, from its birth in 1935 to 1997 until its acquisition by the Vendôme Luxury Group, or rather, the Richemont Group. Carlo Maria Ceppi, curator of Panerai Heritage, Mario Paci, former head of watches at Officine Panerai (“Pre-Vendôme”), will converse with Stefano Mazzariol, vintage expert and dealer, and Loris Pasetto, expert connoisseur of Panerai and author of the book “Panerai. Una storia italiana” (Panerai. An Italian Story), published by Lugs Edizioni, which features the most complete historical and iconographic documentation from 1935 to 1997. Double appointment: Saturday 18th at 3.00 pm in Canova Room (Hall 8.1) and Sunday at the same time but in Tiziano Room (Hall 7.1).

More watches designed for the most extreme situations, from the ocean depths to flying high with “65 years... and they flew! Frecce Tricolori and the book on Italian Watchmaking”, again on Saturday 18th , with Carlo Maria Ceppi, Panerai, Federico Ferrari, editorial director of Bologna-based Scripta Manent Edizioni; Urbano Floreani, Italian Air Force General Staff (in video link), Ugo Pancani, professor at the Fondation Haute Horlogerie in Geneva, Benedetto Perrotta, sole administrator of OISA 1937, Marco Mantovani, president of Locman, and Mariassunta Morello, lieutenant colonel of the Italian Air Force Staff.

Similar to the foyer of a theatre between one opera act and the next, visitors to VO Vintage will be able to purchase, or even just admire, the vintage watches and jewellery in the display cases of 40 exhibitors on the first floor of IEG’s Vicenza Expo Centre and then participate in other events on vintage culture such as “Collecting in Italy, between tradition and new trends” with Dody Giussani, editor of the monthly magazine L'Orologio, and Francesco Magnoni, business coordinator for Italy at the Antiquorum auction house (4 pm, Canova Room). The schedule is enriched by a series of events curated by Michele Mengoli, Director of Watch Insanity and advisor of VO Vintage, featuring talks with industry experts and dealers, as well as “chats” in partnership with the Forum Watchouse, dedicated to watch enthusiasts and founded by Giorgione, key opinion leader in the sector