The Allure of Engraved Watches: Discover the Venezianico Arsenale Bizantino
When it comes to watch collecting, the allure of a captivating timepiece can come from many sources. Luxury brands often spark interest by releasing exclusive designs that ignite our desire to add them to our collections. Personally, my approach to acquiring watches has shifted; I no longer chase the latest novelties from specific brands. Instead, I’m fascinated by various aspects of different models, like the stunning Venezianico Arsenale Bizantino.
Finding My Next Watch Project
I regularly embark on what I call “watch projects,” driven by models that intrigue me, even if they don’t perfectly match my preferences. The reasons can vary—from being priced far beyond my budget to simply not fitting right. Sometimes, it could be a design element that captures my attention, even if the watch itself isn’t quite right for my collection. This fascination often turns into a “bee in my bonnet,” compelling me to explore further.
The Art of Engraving
My journey into the world of engraved watches began in 2015 when I stumbled upon a Panerai Radiomir featuring a beautiful engraving. The intricate design added an extra layer to its elegance. Unfortunately, it was both hard to obtain and quite pricey—around €25,800 for a limited edition of 99 pieces, the PAM00672.
Later, I found Magrette, a New Zealand brand offering engraved models adorned with unique Maori motifs. While these models are relatively affordable, none made me take the plunge. Fast forward to 2021, when Maurice Lacroix introduced the Aikon Urban Tribe, an engraved bracelet timepiece that drew my interest but didn’t quite fit my style.
Meet the Venezianico Nereide Acquaforte
Last year marked a turning point when Venezianico unveiled the Nereide Acquaforte. With a budget-friendly price of €850, it features a remarkable engraving achieved through an ancient nitric acid process, showcasing Renaissance motifs that struck all the right chords for me. I couldn’t resist and made the purchase.
But then, Venezianico dropped another engraved beauty—the Arsenale Bizantino.
Design Inspired by Byzantine Art
The Arsenale Bizantino’s stunning decoration draws inspiration from Byzantine art, extending the engraved pattern to the bracelet as well. This meticulous attention to detail ensures that each link of the bracelet maintains a harmonious design. Unlike other engraved models, where patterns might be filled with black varnish, the Arsenale Bizantino features matte details against a polished surface, adding a touch of elegance with its gray fumé dial.
The sunray finish on the dial creates stunning reflections, while the dauphine hour and minute hands ensure easy readability. The sleek, thin seconds hand may blend into its surroundings under certain conditions, but it still signifies that the watch is ticking away. The ingot-shaped hour indexes add a flair that elevates the watch’s overall sophistication.
A Bracelet Like No Other
One standout feature is the broad, polished chamfer running from the case to the bracelet, tying the two together visually. The engraved pattern is thoughtfully varied across the bracelet links, showing that no detail was spared. While the screws securing the bracelet to the case may be less than appealing up close, they don’t detract from the aesthetic when worn.
The bracelet connects via screws rather than pins—a notable detail at this price point. The solid, well-constructed folding clasp enhances both durability and form, preventing the unsightly tinplate closures found in many budget options. The bracelet tapers from 25mm at the case to 17mm at the clasp, initially a hair-puller, but it quickly became comfortable after a few wears.
The Heart of the Watch: Miyota 9039 Movement
Powering the Arsenale Bizantino is the reliable Miyota 9039 caliber, known for its thin profile and durability—a perfect fit for this exquisite timepiece. While it may not offer a display back, the brand has chosen a beautifully decorated case back featuring an intricate engraving of Eastern Roman Emperor Justinian I and Empress Theodora, harmonizing with the overall design theme.
Features like a detailed engraving around the rim mirror the watch’s bezel, showcasing the dedication to craftsmanship.
Wearing the Arsenale Bizantino
The shiny finish on the Arsenale Bizantino adds to its elegant appeal, making it an ideal choice for daily wear without being too flashy. For my 19cm wrist, the 40mm case size is just perfect, with a comfortable thickness of 9.95mm. The integrated design allows for a compact lug-to-lug length of 44mm—perfect for comfort.
The engraved pattern blends seamlessly into the overall design, ensuring it’s not too ostentatious. The subtle branding on the dial adds a mysterious quality, aligning beautifully with my personal taste.
Having not found an engraved watch to my liking for quite a while, the arrival of two options from Venezianico is a delightful surprise. With an outstanding value for money, I could comfortably add both to my collection. While I’m thrilled about both, the Arsenale Bizantino holds a special place in my heart, showcasing exceptional build quality at a price of just €900. I doubt I’ll find another engraved timepiece that intrigues me for the foreseeable future.
The first batch of the Arsenale Bizantino has already sold out, but you can pre-order one now from the next batch. For more information and to secure yours, visit Venezianico’s website.
What are your thoughts on the Arsenale Bizantino? Are you drawn to its unique design, or do you prefer a more classic approach?