symbol of the wealth and magnificence of the Serenissima Republic, Venetian craftsmanship has ancient roots, dating back to the Byzantine period when the lagoon city became a centre of refined artistic production. Skilled artisans created extraordinary works using techniques passed down from generation to generation, as evidenced by the golden details of the Basilica of San Marco. This mastery in the use of gold adorned not only Venetian churches and palaces but also artefacts representing the power and grandeur of the Republic.

Embodying the values of “Venetianity”, the Morelli brothers today reinterpret their diver, the Nereide, with a 42mm case made of 316L steel, applying a special 24-carat gold-finished dial that recalls the ancient lamination of precious metals.

An emotional homage to the gilded inner walls of the Basilica of San Marco, covered with mosaics from the 9th and 13th centuries, made with coloured and gilded glass tesserae depicting biblical scenes, saints, and geometric decorations, following a medieval technique that used thin gold leaf on glass, covering over 8,000 square meters of surface area.

The noble metal, whose craftsmanship made Venice famous over the centuries and requires uncommon artisanal skill, is presented on the dials of the Nereide Aureo with an extraordinary rippled finish that makes each model a unique piece. Each metal disc undergoes a tumbling process to achieve a surface with deliberate imperfections, followed by a galvanic treatment where it is immersed in an electrolytic solution containing pure gold particles.

The subsequent application of electric current allows the particles to deposit evenly on the surface of the disc, creating a durable and brilliant gold layer that, coated with transparent protective varnishes, is shielded from scratches, oxidation, and other damage, ensuring superior durability and resistance compared to traditional lamination methods, all to guarantee an impeccable and resilient surface.

The treatment offers the dial, enriched with baton indexes in Super-LumiNova BGW9 for perfect night vision, not only the same aesthetic quality as lamination but also superior resistance and uniformity over time. Everything is perfectly harmonised under high-quality sapphire glass, with the unidirectional bezel in polished tungsten, one of the hardest materials in the world.

To count hours, minutes, and seconds, within the elegant and satin-finished case lines, there is the Swiss precision of the Sellita SW200 movement, while the case back pays homage, through engraving, to the majesty of the main nave of the Basilica of San Marco, with its walls adorned with gold leaf, simultaneously celebrating the rich artisanal tradition of Venetian goldbeaters.

The watch is completed by a new bracelet inspired by the works of Renaissance sculptor Jacopo Sansovino, known for his mastery and attention to detail. Composed of five links, two polished and three satin-finished, the Sansovino Bracelet, through a solid deployant clasp with dual finish and micro-adjustment, ensures a comfortable and secure fit, ideal for diving enthusiasts and those who love the perfect balance between elegance and sportiness.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

CASE MATERIAL: 316L Stainless Steel
DIAL: 24k Gold Treatment, Ripple Finish
DIMENSIONS: Ø42 mm, lug-to-lug 49.00 mm
MOVEMENT: Automatic Swiss Made Cal. Sellita SW200-1
CRYSTAL: Sapphire Crystal with Anti-Reflective Coating
LUMINOUS PIGMENT: Super-LumiNova BGW9
BEZEL: Tungsten Insert, 120 Clicks
WATER RESISTANCE: 20ATM (200m)
BRACELET: Sansovino, with Micro-Adjustment