VO Vintage 2026: Italy’s Premier Showcase for Luxury Vintage Watches and Jewelry
Vicenza, Italy – January 7, 2026 – The eagerly anticipated return of VO Vintage is set to captivate enthusiasts and collectors alike, as the prestigious event, organized by the Italian Exhibition Group (IEG), prepares to open its doors. From January 16th to 19th, 2026, the Vicenza Expo Centre will transform into a vibrant hub, offering an unparalleled journey through the exquisite world of vintage jewelry and iconic timepieces. Building on its growing success, this edition promises to be larger and more engaging than ever, featuring an expanded roster of 55 specialized exhibitors – a significant 25% increase from the previous September event.
Entry to VO Vintage remains free of charge, inviting all passionate collectors and curious newcomers to explore its treasures. Prospective attendees are encouraged to complete a simple online registration on the official event website to secure their complimentary access. This meticulously curated event brings together 28 of the finest Italian and international vintage jewelry dealers, alongside 27 expert watch dealers, presenting an extraordinary opportunity to discover and acquire highly sought-after second-hand items. Beyond the vibrant marketplace, VO Vintage is also distinguished by its rich program of cultural events, including an exclusive exhibition dedicated to the legendary GMT-Master with Gilt dials (1960–1967) and a series of insightful discussions featuring top industry figures on Saturday, January 17th.
Located on the mezzanine level in Hall 8.1 of the Vicenza Expo Centre, VO Vintage offers a seamless visitor experience, easily accessible by escalator from the West door, which also serves as the designated entrance and exit point. This strategic layout ensures a focused and immersive environment for exploring the collections and engaging with experts.
A Curated Marketplace: Unrivaled Expertise and Exquisite Finds
VO Vintage prides itself on presenting a meticulously selected group of dealers, each bringing a wealth of knowledge, experience, and an exceptional inventory to the show floor. These aren’t just vendors; they are custodians of history, passionate experts dedicated to the provenance, rarity, and authenticity of every piece.
Among the 28 vintage jewelry exhibitors, visitors will encounter renowned names such as Zagari from Naples, a fifth-generation family of jewelers celebrated for their specialization in signed vintage pieces, antique-cut diamonds, and rare colored stones. Their deep heritage and discerning eye make them a cornerstone for serious collectors. From Bergamo, E.L.A. Antichità stands as a reference point in Italy, boasting 25 years of dedication to antique and vintage jewelry enthusiasts, offering a diverse range of exquisite period pieces. I Santi Medici, an art space hailing from La Spezia, offers a unique perspective, exhibiting period jewelry that originates from noble collections, each piece carrying its own captivating story and historical significance. Italian Vintage Jewellery from Crema, founded by two accomplished gemmologists with extensive experience in leading international diamond and jewelry firms, caters to an informed clientele who prioritize gemmological quality and aesthetic brilliance. Furthermore, Lisa Finkelman van der Plas’ EL&L Finery enriches the selection with her keen eye for unique European antique collectibles spanning the late 19th to early 20th centuries, alongside captivating vintage pieces from the 1960s to the 1980s. These exhibitors collectively represent the pinnacle of vintage jewelry expertise, offering everything from timeless classics to rare, one-of-a-kind treasures.
The 27 watch dealers present an equally impressive lineup, offering an unparalleled selection of iconic timepieces that define eras and encapsulate horological artistry. Esteemed names include Stefano Mazzariol’s Vintage Watches, known for his expert curation and deep market insight; Andrea Foffi’s Vintage Watches and Cars, a unique blend of passion for mechanical marvels; Antonio Nocco’s Il Quadrante, a destination for exceptional vintage dials; as well as other prominent names like Prezioso, Vintage Watches Milano, and Mr. Tempo Prezioso. Each dealer brings a distinctive specialization, ensuring that whether a collector seeks a specific reference, a rare complication, or a pristine example of a beloved model, VO Vintage offers the most comprehensive and trustworthy platform for acquisition. The presence of such qualified and competent dealers underscores the event’s commitment to quality, authenticity, and fostering trust within the vintage luxury market.
The Luminous Legacy: An Exclusive GMT-Master Gilt Dial Exhibition
A major highlight of VO Vintage 2026 is the exclusive exhibition dedicated to the iconic GMT-Master with Gilt dials, specifically those produced between 1960 and 1967. This exhibition offers a rare glimpse into a fascinating period of watchmaking history and a technology that is now obsolete, making these timepieces extraordinarily coveted by collectors worldwide.
The term “Gilt dial” refers to a specific manufacturing process where the text and graphics on the dial were created by plating a gold (gilt) layer onto a brass base, which was then coated with a black lacquer. The resulting effect was a striking contrast, with the metallic elements appearing in warm, radiant gold tones against a deep, glossy black background. This technique imbued the dials with a unique depth and luminosity that modern printing methods struggle to replicate. From 1960 to 1967, this Gilt dial technology was highly popular for its exceptional aesthetic appeal, lending a distinct character and luxurious warmth to watches like the GMT-Master. Today, a GMT-Master featuring a Gilt dial is not merely a watch; it is a precious historical artifact, a testament to mid-century design and craftsmanship, and a cherished treasure for any discerning collector.
VO Vintage will proudly showcase 15 exquisite examples of these Gilt dial GMT-Masters, presented in chronological order to illustrate their evolution over this pivotal seven-year period. This comprehensive display is made possible through the generous loans from both private collectors and esteemed dealers, ensuring an authentic and deeply insightful experience. Beyond the watches themselves, the exhibition, meticulously curated by Fabrizio Artioli, Marco Di Falco, and Andrea Piccinini, will be enriched with a wealth of historical memorabilia and original advertising materials. This additional context provides a holistic understanding of the cultural and horological landscape in which these legendary timepieces thrived. The curators themselves, recognized experts in the field, will also be part of the discussions on Saturday, January 17th, offering further insights into the significance and allure of the Gilt era.
A Symposium of Knowledge: The States General of Vintage and Beyond
Beyond the impressive marketplace and the captivating Gilt dial exhibition, VO Vintage truly distinguishes itself as a premier educational and cultural platform through its meticulously planned schedule of events. Saturday, January 17th, in particular, will be an extraordinary day of learning and discussion, all hosted in the elegant Canova Room, drawing together leading voices in the vintage watch and jewelry communities.
Saturday, January 17th: A Day of Expert Insights
- 11:30 AM – The States General of Vintage: Kicking off the day’s intellectual feast, this highly anticipated panel will bring together some of Italy’s most prominent figures in collecting. Esteemed personalities such as Stefano Mazzariol, Tony Musumeci, Andrea Foffi, and Antonio Nocco will engage in a vibrant dialogue with industry influencers Michele Mengoli, Giorgione, and Jacopo Giudici. This session promises a lively comparison of perspectives, exploring the evolving landscape of vintage collecting, market trends, challenges, and the passions that drive this unique segment of the luxury market. It’s an invaluable opportunity to hear directly from the protagonists shaping the Italian collecting scene.
- 2:00 PM – The History of Italian Watchmaking: Following a morning of marketplace exploration, Professor Guido Pancani from the prestigious Fondation Haute Horlogerie in Geneva will present his compelling “History of Italian Watchmaking.” This captivating journey will trace the rich horological heritage of Italy, from its medieval origins – often overlooked but profoundly influential – to the modern resurgence of “Made in Italy” in contemporary watch design and manufacturing. Professor Pancani’s deep academic insights offer a unique perspective on Italy’s enduring contribution to global horology.
- 3:00 PM – Book Presentation: GMT-Master 1675 – The Gilt Era: Directly complementing the special exhibition in Hall 8.1, this session will unveil the comprehensive book “GMT-Master 1675 – The Gilt Era.” This seminal work offers a deep dive into the dials on display, providing exhaustive technical analyses, meticulous studies on the materials and production processes involved in creating Gilt dials, and invaluable comparisons between different models. Furthermore, the book offers profound insights into the cultural and design context of the 1960s, truly bringing to life the era that gave birth to these legendary timepieces. It is an essential resource for anyone wishing to understand the intricacies and historical significance of the Gilt dial GMT-Master.
- 4:00 PM – The Collector, This Unknown Figure?: As the afternoon progresses, Dody Giussani, Editor-in-Chief of the influential monthly magazine L’Orologio and co-creator of the popular Laboratorio podcast, will join forces with Pietro Pannone, Founder of Ghiera Orologi. Together, they will lead a fascinating discussion titled “The Collector, This Unknown Figure?” with the internationally recognized expert Giorgia Mondani, Founder of Mondani Web. This panel will delve into the multifaceted identity of the modern collector, exploring motivations, evolving tastes, the impact of digital platforms, and the future of collecting in an increasingly interconnected world.
Sunday, January 18th: Innovations and Deep Dives
- 12:00 PM – Made in Italy with Venezianico: Sunday’s program begins with a focus on contemporary Italian watchmaking innovation, featuring “Made in Italy with Venezianico.” Alessandro Morelli, COO and co-founder of the brand, alongside Andrea Menegazzo, Product Manager and Head of Technical Development and co-creator of the groundbreaking V5000 calibre (in collaboration with Fausto Berizzi, former Technical Director of OISA 1937), will share insights into their brand’s philosophy, design principles, and technical achievements. This session highlights the vibrant future of Italian horology, demonstrating how traditional craftsmanship can converge with modern innovation.
- 3:00 PM – Richard Mille: Analysis on Split-Seconds Chronographs: Concluding the extensive program of events, Enrico Zazzali of Edizioni Complicate will lead a highly technical and analytical discussion on “Richard Mille: Analysis on Split-Seconds Chronographs.” This session promises a deep dive into the engineering marvels and intricate mechanics behind Richard Mille’s highly complex split-seconds chronographs, exploring their design philosophy, technical challenges, and the brand’s impact on high horology. It is an essential event for connoisseurs of advanced watchmaking and those fascinated by the pinnacle of mechanical innovation.
Your Invitation to VO Vintage 2026
VO Vintage 2026 is poised to be an unmissable event for anyone with a passion for the timeless elegance of vintage jewelry and the intricate artistry of historic timepieces. Whether you are a seasoned collector searching for your next prized acquisition, an emerging enthusiast eager to learn from the best, or simply someone who appreciates beauty and history, this event offers an enriching and engaging experience. The unparalleled selection from 55 expert dealers, the rare opportunity to witness the iconic Gilt dial GMT-Master exhibition, and the comprehensive program of educational seminars and discussions create a truly unique platform. Mark your calendars for January 16th to 19th, 2026, and join the global community of vintage aficionados at the Vicenza Expo Centre. Remember, online registration is free and essential to secure your entry to this extraordinary celebration of vintage luxury.