In an era where material innovation drives horological advancement, Venezianico has achieved something genuinely unprecedented—successfully applying ancient Damascus steel techniques to modern titanium alloys.
The new Nereide Ti-Dimascus represents the first known attempt by any watchmaker to create this hybrid material, combining three distinct titanium grades through traditional folding and hammering methods that date back centuries. This isn’t merely another exotic dial treatment; it’s a fundamental breakthrough that bridges historical metallurgy with contemporary materials science.
Forging The Future
The Ti-Dimascus process begins with Grade 2, Grade 5, and Grade 9 titanium alloys, each possessing unique properties that prevent complete homogenization during the Damascus forging process.
Through repeated folding and hammering—the same techniques that created legendary Damascus steel blades—these titanium grades create distinctive ripple patterns that capture light differently across the dial surface. The resulting texture exhibits the characteristic flow lines of Damascus work while maintaining titanium’s superior corrosion resistance and lightweight properties that have made it increasingly popular in luxury watchmaking.
The Ti-Dimascus innovation extends beyond mechanical forging into thermal artistry that transforms each dial into an individual artwork. Following the shaping process, Venezianico subjects the entire dial to flame treatment—a process similar to traditional hand bluing but applied to the complex titanium matrix.
This thermal manipulation creates iridescent color arrays spanning blues, coppers, pinks, and golds without any external pigments or coatings, relying entirely on the titanium’s natural oxidation properties under controlled heat application.
This flame treatment ensures absolute uniqueness for each timepiece, as no two dials can achieve identical color patterns or ripple configurations. The process creates depth and movement within the dial that changes appearance under different lighting conditions, offering wearers a constantly evolving visual experience that traditional dial treatments cannot match. The 0.4mm precision-cut Ti-Dimascus layer sits atop a brass base, providing structural stability while showcasing the exotic material’s full visual impact.
The technical achievement extends beyond aesthetics into practical durability advantages. Titanium’s inherent scratch resistance combines with the Damascus technique’s work-hardening effects to create a dial surface that should maintain its appearance longer than conventional treatments. The flame coloration becomes integral to the material structure rather than surface coating, suggesting superior longevity for the distinctive appearance.
Revolutionary Innovation
While the Ti-Dimascus dial commands attention, Venezianico has wisely built this innovation upon the proven Nereide platform. The 42mm stainless steel case offers 200-meter water resistance with a tungsten bezel insert, creating a robust foundation for diving activities. The Sellita SW200-1 automatic movement provides reliable 38-hour power reserve through a violet ion-plated rotor visible through the exhibition caseback.
At €1,075 for pre-orders (regular €1,295), the Ti-Dimascus represents exceptional value for genuine material innovation. Limited to 500 pieces, this release offers early adopters access to breakthrough technology at accessible pricing that reflects Venezianico’s commitment to advancing horological materials without luxury market exclusivity.
The Nereide Ti-Dimascus proves that meaningful innovation doesn’t require abandoning traditional techniques—sometimes it requires applying ancient wisdom to modern materials in ways nobody has attempted before. Venezianico has created something genuinely new in an industry where true novelty becomes increasingly rare.
