In the cozy atmosphere created last April by Davide Permegiani's Monaco Legend auction, we had the opportunity to discuss with Pier Luigi Santi about his Time On Show project. Born as an experiment, the event quickly gained acclaim among collectors and luxury watch enthusiasts.
Santi tells us how, thanks to a combination of winning elements and strategic collaborations with leading personalities such as Auro Montanari, Paolo Borgomanero and Permegiani himself, Time On Show has exceeded initial expectations, laying a solid foundation for the future.
With the 2024 edition now just around the corner, Santi anticipates some of the planned innovations and new international stages, including expansion to Paris and Monte Carlo. Despite organizational challenges, a commitment to safety and quality of experience remain top priorities. Through personal reflection, he also shares his journey into the world of watchmaking, a journey that has only recently begun but is already full of passion and discovery.
We take advantage of Davide Permegiani's hospitality to talk about Time On Show.
"Last year, as you know, we started with the edition we called 'Zero' in the sense that it was basically a challenge."
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A challenge concluded as?
"I must say that the challenge succeeded."
In Time on Show what changes and what remains unchanged from last year?
"Last year the event had fourteen exhibitors, which in the 2024 edition will become sixteen: it will take place from October 24 to 27, always during Auto e Moto d'Epoca. The main partner will once again be Riva, which has given us great support and visibility."
Will Bologna remain your only date?
"No, we are also planning to export it to others in other locations, the first one will certainly be in Paris from February 5 to 9 during Salon Rétromobile, which will be held at Paris Expo Porte De Versailles. We are also considering with Davide Parmegiani to do a joint thing here in Monaco, and then come back another time in October 2025 and in Bologna."
An edition in Monte Carlo? During the days of the Monaco Legend auction?
"That might be the idea. David would like to make it a time dedicated to enthusiasts and collectors from all over the world."
How did Time On Show come about?
"It was born at the end of June last year while we were eating noodles at Rodrigo's in Bologna. I was with Auro Montanari and Paolo Borgomanero. The idea seemed interesting to us and I proposed it to the Bologna Fair, which found it attractive and decided to believe in the project."
In such a short time, since the last edition was also held at the end of October, it is not easy to organize everything.
"We managed to organize it in three months thanks also to the support of Davide Parmegiani, despite the difficulties encountered along the way. We relied on some of the key elements: the contemporaneity with Auto e Moto d'Epoca, looking for the affinity between watches and cars; making a large living room with a splendid reception provided by the Riva Lounge; and taking careful and meticulous care of the security of the event."
Security is an issue that plagues somewhat all events where prestige watches are displayed.
"We know this, and in fact we have ensured 24-hour security for both exhibitors and visitors, with an attentive and numerically consistent security guard service."
Feedback on the 2023 edition?
"The numbers give it: 1,400 square meters of exhibition space; 5,000 accredited visitors; 14 selected exhibitors; 2,000 vintage watches for sale."
One last question: when we met, in Bologna, you were not a big watch collector. Has that changed today?
"Living now on a daily basis in this world, I have begun to "absorb" notions of watchmaking..."
But you always remain a machinist....
"That's right, I grew up around cars, including as a Ferrari dealer in its capital Modena and Bologna, and there I was able to appreciate "the beautiful." As Alberto Galassi, the ceo of the Ferretti group and therefore of Riva says, "the great affinity of beautiful things eventually binds them." To return to the initial question: being with all of you I am learning to appreciate watchmaking, to call myself a collector will still take some time."
Time On Show - October 24-27, 2024 - Bologna
Exhibitors: Antonio Nocco, Bernardini Milano, Bonanno Watches, Cacciari and Salvati, Caso Watches, Le.Ma, Mattioli & Stefani, Matt Spirit, Mr. Tempo Prezioso, Monaco Legend Group, Piretti, Tempus, Alessio Zenga - Vintage Watches, Vintage Watches & Cars, Watches in Rome.
TIME ON SHOW can be accessed (after online accreditation) from Auto e Moto d'Epoca, whose ticket is valid for both shows.
PRE-OPENING THURSDAY, OCT. 24
Admission hours for visitors from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
FRIDAY AND SATURDAY, OCTOBER 25-26
Visitor entrance hours from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 27,
Visitor entrance hours from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Those arriving by car can take advantage of two paid parking lots near the entrances to Michelino Street and Constitution Square.
