The Venezianico Nereide Ultraleggero 42 – Reference 3921509 is a great example of taking a classic dive watch and redesigning it with modern, almost industrial elements, while keeping the Italian charme of the brand. A lot has changed since the early Nereide models, which were originally branded as Meccaniche Veneziane (admittedly a somewhat long name). The design has seen significant improvements in its details, including more finely shaped lugs, uniquely designed bezel grip teeth, and an overall enhanced quality feel. This timepiece, with its sleek black PVD-coated case and bezel, offers a versatile option for micro brand watch enthusiasts. Let’s take a closer look.
First Impressions
Upon unboxing the Nereide Ultraleggero 42, the first thing that catches the eye is its industrial aesthetic; all black everything, finely brushed black bezel, glossy black indices and numbers on it and if course the skeletonized dial. The black PVD coating gives the watch a stealthy, almost tactical appearance while ensuring durability and resistance to scratches. The 42mm case size offers a perfect balance for a sporty watch like this, making it suitable for a variety of wrist sizes without appearing too bulky.
Like a golden eye with a red pupil, the balance stands out from the skeletonized dial
Venezianico Nereide Ultraleggero 42 on the Wrist
The Nereide Ultraleggero 42 has a nice wrist presence with its 42 mm case diameter, making it a perfect fit for a 18 cm (7″) wrist without feeling oversized. The case is crafted from 316L stainless steel and this particular model offers an entirely PVD black-coated case. Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD) is a vacuum deposition method used to produce durable coatings, giving the watch a striking appearance. It looks particularly stunning when paired with a black strap, such as our collection of black WB Original straps.
Venezianico Nereide Ultraleggero 42 on an 18 cm / 7″ wrist
The dial of the Nereide Ultraleggero 42 maintains a minimalist yet highly legible design. The watch face is protected by a sapphire crystal, which is known for its excellent scratch resistance and clarity. Adding to this, the Nereide Ultraleggero 42 features a skeletonized dial that offers a spectacular view of the movement, allowing enthusiasts a glance at the intricate mechanics and craftsmanship that lie beneath the surface every time they look at the watch.
Design and Build Quality
The case and bezel are crafted from 316L stainless steel and then treated with black PVD coating. This not only enhances its visual appeal but also adds an extra layer of protection. The unidirectional bezel, also black, with glossy filled indices and numbers, features a detailed minute scale that enhances its functionality and contributes to its military look.
Movement
At the heart of this timepiece is the reliable automatic movement, the Automatic caliber Seiko NH70A. Known for its precision and durability, this movement ensures that the Nereide Ultraleggero 42 keeps accurate time, while also offering a power reserve of approximately 41 hours. The skeletonized dial allows a glimpse into the movement, showcasing the attention to detail and craftsmanship that goes into each watch.
Comfort and Wearability
One of the standout features of the Nereide Ultraleggero 42 is its wearability. Despite its name “Ultraleggero,” which means “ultra light” in italian, the watch is not particularly lightweight, weighing in at 114 grams on the rubber strap. It seems the name was chosen to reflect the light and airy appearance of the skeletonized dial rather than the actual weight. Nevertheless, the watch falls within a normal weight range and wears comfortably on the wrist. The black rubber strap complements the overall design while providing a comfortable fit for extended wear. The strap is also interchangeable, allowing for customization based on personal preference or occasion.
The case back of the Venezianico Nereide shows the Vitruvian Man by Leonardo da Vinci, which is a renowned drawing that illustrates the ideal human body proportions based on the writings of the ancient Roman architect Vitruvius, depicting a man in two superimposed positions with his arms and legs apart inside both a circle and a square.
Practicality and Functionality
The Nereide Ultraleggero 42 is designed to be as practical as it is stylish. It comes with a strong water resistance of up to 200 meters, making it suitable for swimming, snorkeling, and other water activities. The screw-down crown further enhances its water resistance, ensuring that the internal components remain protected. The deep black backdrop is punctuated by luminescent indices and hands, ensuring visibility in low-light conditions.
BGW9 Super-LumiNova® with a beautiful blue lume
Conclusion
The Venezianico Nereide Ultraleggero 42 – Reference 3921509 showcases Venezianico’s dedication to modern Italian design, functionality, and quality. The sleek black PVD-coated case and bezel, along with the reliable automatic movement, ensure this watch is both versatile and durable, perfect for daily wear and special occasions. One of the standout features is its skeletonized dial, which offers a captivating view of the movement, adding a unique industrial touch to the design.
Over the past years, the brand has significantly improved its watches, featuring more detailed case designs, better finish quality and unique elements. Additionally, the brand name was shortened to Venezianico, making it more memorable and connecting it directly to Venice (Italian: Venezia) and mechanic (Italian: Meccanico).
All of this comes at a price of only 650€ incl. 19% VAT, which is a very good price for a skeletonized dive watch of this league. If you are looking for a modern watch, that stands our from the crowd of dive watches, the Nereide Ultraleggero 42 is an excellent choice.
Specifications
Case and Crystal
- Material: 316L Stainless Steel
- Dimensions: Ø42 mm, lug to lug 49.00 mm, lug width 22.00 mm, thickness 13.15 mm
- Crystal: Sapphire Glass with anti-reflective coating
- Crown: Screw-down
- Bezel: 316L Stainless Steel, Unidirectional, 120 clicks
- Water Resistance: 20 ATM (200 meters)
- Weight: 114 g on the rubber strap
Movement
- Caliber: Seiko NH70A Automatic
- Jewels: 24 rubies
- Vibrations: 21,600 bph
- Power Reserve: 41 hours
- Winding: Bi-directional automatic winding, manual winding supported
- Hacking Function: Supported
- Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds
- Manufacturer: Seiko Instruments Inc.
Luminous Material
- Type: BGW9 Super-LumiNova®
Strap
- Type: Rubber band
- Origin: Made in Italy
Price
- 650€ incl. 19% VAT
Warranty and Support
- Warranty: 2 years from the date stamped on the Certificate of Authenticity
- Support: Contact Customer Care Team or the closest Authorized Dealer
