Italian brand Venezianico has unveiled one of its most visually arresting models to date: the Nereide Ti-Damascus. Combining the rugged, layered beauty of titanium Damascus steel with a robust diver’s design, this watch offers something rare in the under-$2,000 category: true material artistry with everyday functionality.
From Venice with design: the ethos behind Venezianico
Founded in 2017 by brothers Alberto and Alessandro Morelli, Venezianico (formerly Meccaniche Veneziane) has rapidly carved out a name for itself in the world of affordable yet distinctive mechanical watches. The brand is based in Venice, and its design language is deeply tied to Italian aesthetics—clean, architectural, and often daring in its use of materials or finishing. The Nereide collection, named after the 1913 Italian submarine “Nereide”, has become its flagship dive watch line. This new Ti-Damascus edition pushes the envelope further, bringing exotic metallurgy to a daily-wear diver.
Forged from layered titanium: specs and technical appeal
The centerpiece of this watch is its 42mm case, crafted from stainless steel—despite the name of the watch- combine with a dial made of titanium fused and folded using the traditional Damascus technique, layered and heated to create a unique wave-like pattern, meaning no two dials are exactly alike. The sapphire crystal is slightly domed, while the 120-click unidirectional bezel sports a matching Damascus insert, giving the piece remarkable visual cohesion.
Under the hood beats the Sellita SW200-1, a reliable Swiss automatic movement with 38 hours of power reserve and a date complication. Water resistance is rated to 200 meters, making it more than suitable for recreational diving. A screw-down crown and transparent caseback round out the professional specs with a spectacular purple rotor to create a link with the face of the watch. The bracelet features a sleek, angular link design and a deployant clasp with fine adjustment—an unexpected luxury at this price point.
For design lovers, not just desk divers
With its sculptural lines and hypnotic Damascus pattern, this watch isn’t just made for underwater adventures. It’s clearly aimed at design-savvy collectors who want a watch that feels as expressive as it is capable. The gradient multicolored dial, paired with polished indices and hands, plays beautifully with light, echoing the movement of water and the texture of the case.
While it retains all the hallmarks of a functional diver, the Nereide Ti-Damascus is equally at home under a cuff or paired with casual wear. It’s not about toolish minimalism—it’s about elevated, tactile utility, with a story forged in metal and water. The name may come from a submarine, but the look lands closer to industrial sculpture.
Pricing, availability, and final thoughts
The Venezianico Nereide Ti-Damascus is priced at $1,295 USD, a fair ask considering the rarity of Damascus finishing in the market. It is available now through Venezianico’s website in limited to 500 pieces, and given the uniqueness of each dial, each watch feels almost bespoke.
In a sea of traditional divers, this is one of those rare pieces that genuinely surprises—and delights—with both concept and execution. It’s Italian design with Swiss precision, layered with intention and depth. And honestly? It’s the kind of watch you’ll catch yourself staring at long after you’ve checked the time. And if purple is your thing, you really need to check out Vulcain’s Skindiver Nautical GMT latest release !
