Whether you prefer the name Venice, The Most Serene Republic of Venice or its more colloquial Serenissima, the Italian region will surely be synonymous for you for art, architecture, innovation, religion and its history as a globally important trading hub.
Serenissima played a crucial role in introducing Damascus steel to Europe.
The Syrian steel is revered for its strength, the beauty of its rolled wavy pattern, and properties that allow it to be milled for the sharpest edge of a knife or sword.
The waves that can be seen in the finished steel are a fortunate bi-product of a forging, folding and hammering process used for Damascus steel and make it highly desirable as a material for independently-minded modern watchmakers.
Venezianico, a Venice-based watch business launched by Alberto and Alessandro Morelli in 2017, is drawing on this historic connection between Serenissima and the trade in Damascus steel in its new Nereide Damasco collection where every watch is unique because of the irregular waves seen in the metal.
The watches’ dials begin as a rod of Damascus steel that is cut into 0.4mm thick disks that are then given an acid treatment that enhances the natural waves and grain before being mirror-polished.
Each of the unique discs are then married with a brass base that connects to the Sellita SW200-1 automatic movement with with a custom gold-treated rotor.
The movement is presented via an exhibition back to the 42mm case.
Venezianico presents the watch on an aged leather strap or offers customers the option of a steel bracelet.
The Venezianico Nereide Damasco is available to pre-order now from the brand’s website for April 25 delivery priced at €820.
