I don't know about you, but before attending an event I have the habit of imagining it in detail, with that hint of anxiety that characterises anticipation. And usually the representation does not deviate much from reality. Last week, however, reality surprised me. I could have allowed myself the greatest optimism and I would not have been wrong.
The event in question is the Vicenzaoro fair (20 to 24 January), which, beyond all expectations, was a record success, both in terms of exhibitors and visitors, surpassing pre-pandemic results.
The event also saw a not inconsiderable presence of watchmaking, and not only with the traditional VO Vintage, a section open to the public and dedicated to collectors' watches, but above all with the new Time community and its 50 exhibitors of contemporary watches. A presence that stood out and gave a clear signal: the watchmaking industry loves Italy once again.
L'Orologio contributed to the cultural side of this edition with various contents.
Special was the meeting, which I had the pleasure of moderating, with some protagonists of Italian watchmaking, from Prof. Ugo Pancani to Marco Mantovani (Locman). An hour-long conversation that revealed Italy's contribution (since 1300) to the development of mechanical watchmaking. And - mind you - to the rebirth of this industry just under 50 years ago.
If it is in fact acknowledged that thanks to distributors, retailers and the Italian press, Swiss watchmaking has believed in models that today are defined as 'iconic', it is less well known that those watches, which today have risen to 'myth' status, were in part manufactured in Italy, by local production companies of the highest quality. Today, also thanks to the emergence of independent brands proud to be Italian, the time has come to give visibility to a savoir-faire that for so many years has been relegated to the background. Work is already underway to create an association of producers, which will enhance the Made in Italy label in this sector too. We will follow developments closely.
The video of the conference 'Italian watchmaking and its secrets' is published on the channel L'Orologio Youtube. I invite you to watch it, to discover a hidden and fascinating side of watchmaking.
Dody Giussani
