Upon unboxing the new Venezianico Nereide 42 – 3321502C, I became unexpectedly nostalgic. Working in the world of watches, I’ve developed strong connections to certain brands, and Venezianico is certainly one of them. Six years ago, I reviewed the very first Nereide GMT back when the brand still called itself Meccaniche Veneziane, one of my very first watch articles ever written. Seeing how far they’ve come since then feels almost personal.
Back then, Venezianico started as a Kickstarter project, driven by passion and Venetian heritage. Today, it has evolved into a serious watch manufacturer with its own flagship store in San Donà di Piave, near Venice. Beyond that, they’ve built an impressive network of authorized dealers worldwide, and we at Watchbandit are proud to have been one of the very first partners since the brand’s very beginning. The brand’s growth in quality, packaging, and design direction is remarkable.
The brand’s progress speaks for itself. Besides offering models powered by the Swiss Sellita SW200-1, Venezianico recently made a major step forward by developing their own Swiss automatic GMT movement, the Cal. V3290, in collaboration with Soprod SA for the Nereide GMT Ceratung™. Yet, they continue to offer affordable mechanical watches powered by the reliable Seiko NH35A, giving enthusiasts a wide choice across different price ranges.
Recently, I picked up the Nereide Ultraleggero 42 Ref. 3921509, a striking black PVD-coated skeleton diver for myself. Now, with Christmas approaching, I wanted something elegant and reliable for my father, a watch he could wear daily alongside his blue Omega Seamaster 300, when he wants to wear something more inexpensive, but yet with a good design and quality. The Venezianico Nereide 42 – 3321502C immediately came to mind. High quality, robust, fairly priced, and finished in his favorite blue.
First Impressions – Nereide 42 on the Wrist
Venezianico Nereide 42 – 3321502C on an 18 cm / 7″ wrist
The Nereide 42 sits perfectly on my 18 cm (7″) wrist. With its 42 mm diameter, 49 mm lug-to-lug, and a total thickness of 13.3 mm, it offers a confident wrist presence without feeling bulky.
Since this watch will be a gift for my father (as a reliable daily companion alongside his Omega Seamaster 300) the fit will be just right. Interestingly, the Seamaster shares nearly identical dimensions (42 mm diameter, 49.9 mm lug-to-lug, 13.56 mm thickness), making the transition between the two easy.
Venezianico Nereide 42 – 3321502C on an 18 cm / 7″ wrist
The 316L stainless steel case alternates between polished and finely brushed surfaces, a thoughtful combination that gives the watch a sporty, yet elegant appearance.
The sunray-finished blue dial is where this watch truly shines. The engraved radial pattern catches the light beautifully, creating a dynamic play of reflections that shift from deep ocean blue to a vivid metallic tone. This touch of luxury makes it far more than just a simple diver.
Bezel, Case, and Details
Crown guards flank the screw-down crown, which proudly bears the Venezianico cross, a beautiful reminder of its Venetian heritage. The 120-click unidirectional bezel turns with satisfying precision. Its BK7 crystal insert complements the dial color perfectly. BK7 glass, known for its optical purity and low dispersion, is lighter than mineral glass and offers superb clarity, an elegant and practical choice.
The Canova Bracelet – Design That Stands Apart
One of Venezianico’s most recognizable elements is the Canova bracelet, a registered design that sets it apart from typical Oyster or Jubilee styles. The bracelet alternates concave and convex links, combining brushed and polished surfaces that mirror the case finishing.
Sixteen separate molds are required to produce this bracelet, a proof of the brand’s dedication to design originality. It sits comfortably on the wrist, tapering gently toward the butterfly clasp, which integrates nicely into the final link for an uninterrupted flow and also proudly shows the Venetian cross.
Everyday Performance
Still covered by its protective foil – The solid case back is beautifully engraved with the Nereide submarine, the historic vessel that inspired the model’s name
Powered by the Seiko NH35A, the Nereide 42 offers reliable accuracy and ease of servicing. The 200-meter water resistance, sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating, and Swiss BGW9 Super-LumiNova ensure it’s ready for daily wear, from office settings to seaside adventures.
Conclusion
The Venezianico Nereide 42 delivers exceptional value for money. It’s built with care, finished beautifully, and carries the unmistakable DNA of Italian design. For those who appreciate the charm of mechanical watches without spending a fortune, or looking for a good looking inexpensive daily-beater, this model is a fantastic choice: reliable, stylish, and fairly priced. I’m certain my father will enjoy wearing it and I can already see it becoming one of his daily favorites. While I wouldn’t mind if it were a touch slimmer (perhaps achievable with a Miyota 90S5) the proportions still feel well-balanced.
As one of the very first authorized dealers of Venezianico, we at WatchBandit are proud to witness their impressive journey since the very beginning. The Nereide 42 stands as proof that the brand continues to honor its roots while confidently evolving, introducing high-end models powered by Swiss movements, yet remaining true to its philosophy by offering accessible timepieces with reliable Japanese calibers.
Venezianico Nereide 42 Specifications
- Case: 316L stainless steel, Ø42 mm, 49 mm lug-to-lug, 13.3 mm thick
- Movement: Seiko NH35A automatic, 3 hands with date
- Crystal: Sapphire with anti-reflective coating
- Bezel: 120-click unidirectional with BK7 crystal insert
- Dial: Brass with sunray finish
- Bracelet: Canova design, brushed and polished
- Lume: Swiss BGW9 Super-LumiNova®
- Water Resistance: 200 m (20 ATM)
- Caseback: Engraved with Nereide submarine motif
