Joshua Ganjei’s Thoughts on the Original Miami Beach Antique Show 2025

When you think about the Original Miami Beach Antique Show, or any antique show for that matter, you might not initially think that it is one of the biggest watch events on the yearly calendar. But that is exactly what the Original Miami Beach Antique Show has developed into over the years. Hosting exhibitors and media from around the world, it has become a must-visit for anyone in the secondary market watch retail space. I was lucky to attend the most recent iteration of the event, held from January 9-13, 2025.

It had been five or six years since my last visit as business commitments in Boston had left little room for this kind of travel. With European Watch Company being such a prominent part of the secondary watch market, I wanted to prioritize attending this year’s event (even though we focus more on the modern than vintage market). Beyond the business aspects of the show, I missed having the opportunity to walk around the event, see the exhibits and reconnect with friends.

While visiting, I observed several notable changes. From the first day, I immediately noticed a decrease in attendance compared to previous years. The once bustling event, characterized by crowds and long lines, now appeared much more subdued.

I attended the show with my wife, Hannah Ganjei (known as Hannah Florman professionally) and she was eager to gather inspiration for her eponymous jewelry brand. Upon entering, the venue felt noticeably different: I could see straight to the other end of the hall, a stark contrast to the past when countless exhibitors obscured the view. The smaller scale made the show more navigable and much less overwhelming.

The effort involved in transporting antiques to the show was evident. Many exhibitors were not local to Miami with some traveling from across the country or even internationally. Silver and art exhibitors were particularly prominent and the intricate displays of sterling silver statues and rare decorative lamps highlighted the significant time and effort invested by these exhibitors in setting up their booths.

In past years, navigating the entire exhibition required two or three days, but this year, it was feasible in just one. Despite the smaller scale, the show still offered a wide range of items. Although I wasn’t specifically seeking to purchase watches, I enjoyed meeting fellow watch dealers and admiring their collections.

It is important to note that the Miami Beach Antique Show is a retail event, not a wholesale one. Prices are set for collectors rather than dealers looking for bargains. My Italian friends thrive in such environments, valuing camaraderie and cultural experiences over transactions.

While I didn’t find any exceptional deals at the show, I did acquire a few pieces from close friends, including the Davidoff brothers and Ignacio from Ancienne in Barcelona (from whom I bought a Patek Philippe). That being said, the most rewarding aspect of the show was reconnecting with people after a long absence.

In conclusion, the Miami Beach Antique Show remains an excellent venue for exploration of vintage items and potential purchases. Whether you are interested in bags, silverware, art, watches, jewelry, or diamonds, there is something for everyone. However, the event also underscores the challenges of the physical marketplace: many exhibitors face significant logistical and financial hurdles, which may be why the event has decreased in size.

While I can’t say for certain when I’ll attend again, I have immense respect for the exhibitors who pour their energy and passion into making this show a success year after year. It’s a testament to their resilience and dedication to their craft.