Venezianico Nereide GMT Grand Tour 3521510

Path of the East – A Tribute to the Silk Road

The Path of the East is a limited edition of 500 pieces that honors the cultural exchange along the historic Silk Road. It creates a poetic dialogue between Venice and the East, inspired by Xi’an, the starting point of this millennia-old network of trade and cultural routes. The watch combines history, symbolism, and contemporary watchmaking art into an extraordinary narrative composition.

Dial – Symbolism and Craftsmanship

At the center is the hand-assembled dial made of red mother-of-pearl, crafted using an elaborate mosaic technique. The design interprets the traditional cloud motif, a symbol of luck, prosperity, and positive omens in Chinese culture. The ordered rhythm of the pattern recalls imperial decorations, while gold-colored indices and Chinese numerals in ideogram form echo the visual language of the ancient imperial city of Xi’an.

The natural iridescence of the mother-of-pearl, combined with its warm red tones, gives each dial an individual radiance. Subtle color nuances change depending on the light – each piece is unique.

Handcraft – Made Piece by Piece

The dial is produced through a completely manual process. The mother-of-pearl is carefully selected, cut into small fragments inspired by the cloud motif, and individually applied to a brass base. Step by step, a precise and harmonious composition emerges, reflecting the highest craftsmanship and emphasizing the uniqueness of each timepiece.

A Tribute to Xi’an

The design concept of this edition is the result of an intensive engagement with the cultural symbols of Xi’an. The cloud motif on the dial is complemented by a engraved depiction of the Terracotta Army on the case back. These world-famous warriors, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a testament to imperial power, appear here as modern “guardians” of the watch. Each engraving is accompanied by a consecutive numbering from 1 to 500, emphasizing the limited character of each piece.

The bezel with Chinese characters completes the design and translates traditional iconography into a contemporary visual language – as a sign of the ongoing dialogue between East and West.

Case, Glass & Proportions

The case is made of 316L stainless steel and measures 39 millimeters in diameter, with a lug-to-lug length of 45.5 millimeters and a total height of 11.9 millimeters. The dial is protected by an anti-reflective sapphire crystal, ensuring clear readability.

The bezel is fitted with a polished BK7 crystal insert, characterized by high optical clarity and low dispersion. With a water resistance of 10 atmospheres (100 meters), the watch is also perfectly suited for everyday use.

Movement – Modern Functionality

Inside works the Miyota 9075 automatic movement, a reliable caliber with traveler GMT function and date display. This design allows independent adjustment of the hour hand when traveling, making the watch a functional companion across time zones. For optimal readability in the dark, it features BGW9 Super-LumiNova® from Switzerland.

The Silk Road – Origin of Inspiration

The Silk Road emerged during the Han Dynasty in the 2nd century BC as an extensive network of trade and cultural connections between China and the Mediterranean region. While Xi’an formed the eastern center, Venice developed into one of the most important western hubs. Along these routes, goods, ideas, and knowledge traveled – establishing one of the most enduring intercultural dialogues in history, which continues to inspire today.

Limited Edition & Presentation

The Path of the East is delivered in a specially designed presentation box, understood as a natural extension of the concept. The deep red surface is adorned with golden ideograms showing both the ancient name Hao (镐) and the modern name Xi’an (西安). The surrounding cloud motif echoes the dial design and creates a visual continuity that impressively underscores the character of this limited edition.

Specifications

• CASE
• Ø39 mm, lug-to-lug 45.5 mm, total thickness 11.90 mm
• MOVEMENT
• Automatic caliber Miyota 9075, traveler GMT with date display
• MATERIAL
• 316L stainless steel
• DIAL
• Mother-of-pearl mosaic, cloud decoration
• GLASS
• Sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating
• INSERT
• BK7 crystal, polished and durable with high optical clarity and low dispersion (Abbe ~60)
• LUMINOUS MATERIAL
• Swiss-made BGW9 Super-LumiNova®
• WATER RESISTANCE
• 10 atmospheres (100 m/338 ft)