Introducing Venezianico Unveils the Nereide GMT Xi’an

Venezianico begins the year by expanding its Nereide GMT collection with the Xi’an Limited Edition, a model inspired by the historic Silk Road and the centuries-long cultural exchange between Europe and East Asia. The watch establishes a symbolic connection between Venice, one of the western gateways of the Silk Road—and Xi’an, widely regarded as the eastern starting point of the ancient trade route.

The Silk Road stands as one of the most historically significant trade networks in the world, linking Europe with East Asia for centuries. In the West, its terminus extended to key Mediterranean ports such as Venice, while in the East it is commonly considered to end in Xi’an, a major cultural and political center in central China. With the Nereide GMT Xi’an Limited Edition, the Venice-based brand pays tribute to this enduring historical bond between the two cities, timed to coincide with the upcoming Chinese New Year.

The stainless steel case measures 39 mm in diameter, with a thickness of 11.9 mm and a lug-to-lug distance of 45.5 mm, resulting in compact and highly wearable proportions. Finished predominantly in brushed surfaces, the case conveys a restrained, utilitarian character. At 3 o’clock, a fluid-shaped crown is protected by integrated crown guards, while water resistance is rated at 100 meters, making the watch well suited for daily wear.

A rotating bezel features a 24-hour scale rendered in Chinese numerals, along with a day-night indicator. Used in conjunction with the central 24-hour GMT hand, it allows the display of multiple time zones simultaneously, an essential function for a travel-oriented timepiece.

Turning the watch over reveals a stainless steel case back engraved with the Chinese Terracotta Army, located in Xi’an. This UNESCO World Heritage site represents one of the most extraordinary testimonies of imperial Chinese civilization. The finely detailed figures evoke their original role as guardians and protectors of the First Emperor’s tomb.

The dial is presented in red, a color associated with luck and prosperity in Chinese culture, and is crafted from a hand-assembled mosaic of mother-of-pearl forming a traditional cloud motif. Gold-colored hands and applied hour markers further reinforce the theme of good fortune. Despite the visual richness of the mosaic surface, legibility remains a priority, thanks to the Nereide’s dive-watch DNA, oversized markers, and generous application of Super Luminova. A date window is discreetly positioned at 3 o’clock.

The dial’s craftsmanship relies on an entirely manual process. Carefully selected mother-of-pearl is cut into small tesserae inspired by the cloud motif, then individually applied to a brass base to create a precise and harmonious composition. The material’s natural iridescence, combined with its red tones, ensures that each dial is unique, with subtle color variations that shift depending on the light.

Powering the watch is the Japanese Miyota 9075 automatic movement, offering a 42-hour power reserve. This true GMT caliber allows for independent adjustment of the local hour hand, enhancing practicality for frequent travelers.

The Nereide GMT Xi’an is fitted with a stainless steel Sansovino bracelet secured by a folding clasp. Limited to 500 pieces, the watch is priced at EUR 950, which is approximately AED 4,050.

For more information, visit Venezianico's official website.