This Affordable Dive Watch Utilizes the EDC Industry’s Funkiest Material

Damascus steel might be the most famous alloy in history, steeped in legend and mystery. Even though most people don’t know much about it, they’ve probably at least heard the name before.

Damascus titanium is a much newer development that magnifies all of its predecessor’s best qualities, and as it turns out, looks really good on a watch dial.

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Venezianico, an Italian watch brand founded in 2017 by two Venetian brothers, had the bold idea of making a metal dial plate from Damascus titanium, and the results are stunning.

The super alloy blends Grade 2, Grade 5 and Grade 9 titanium, which is itself an alloy, through a folding and hammering process. Because the various grades react differently to heat and pressure, it creates a rippling effect on the smooth surface.

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Various watchmakers have used Damascus steel for decorative components in the past, and Damascus titanium has become a favorite material in the EDC world, but its use on watches remains rare (Singaporean microbrand Zelos is the most frequent user of the material).

Purple haze

In the Middle Ages, Damascus steel developed a reputation for strength and durability, especially in swords. Then it became mysterious after the closely guarded smithing process was lost around the start of the Industrial Revolution.

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Eventually, scientists and metallurgists recreated, or at least approximated, the process in the 21st century. In short, it involves folding and hammering steel under intense heat to increase its density and make it less brittle.

The same smithing process can be applied to other metals, and when applied to titanium, it creates a beautiful rippling texture that can be enhanced with a flame treatment.

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After the different grades of titanium are compounded, the alloy is flamed to create a rich pattern of blue, purple and copper hues that resemble a psychedelic tiger.

Flaming is the same process used on watch hands to create the famous blued steel, which was historically done to resist corrosion, but is now a sought-after look associated with luxury.

A discreetly capable diver

The Neveride Ti-Damascus offers more than a mesmerizing dial. It is a capable 42mm steel dive watch powered by a Sellita calibre SW200-1 automatic movement with a 40-hour power reserve.

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In an unconventional but effective move, six exposed screws secure the exhibition case back to help ensure 200m of water resistance. A customized purple rotor is visible on the caseback, as is the engraved number of each watch in the 500-piece limited edition production.

The bezel insert is made of polished tungsten, which has a silvery appearance and the highest melting point of any elemental metal. It is marked with a dive track, including a purple triangle as the zero indicator.

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Damascus titanium has been used in the EDC industry for some time, and it’s starting to become more common in the watch industry as well. The results speak for themselves, and once it is forged, Damascus titanium is easier to work with than meteorite or precious stones.

Availability and pricing

The Venezianico Nereide Ti-Damascus will be available on July 25 from Venezianico for $1,075.

It is a limited edition run of only 500 pieces. Each watch is numbered on the caseback and, because of the production process, no two dial plates are identical.

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Venezianico Nereide Ti-Damascus

Specs

Case Size	42mm
Movement	Sellita caliber SW200-1 automatic
Wate Resistance	200m

• $1,075 at Venezianico
  $1,295 (17% off)

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