The coral trade flourished in the Mediterranean since ancient times, with red coral harvested along the coasts of Sardinia, Tunisia, and Spain. This material—long regarded as a symbol of wealth and protection—was carried aboard merchant ships to distant lands, where it was crafted into jewelry, ornaments, and works of art. With its vibrant color and richly veined surface, red coral became a prestigious material, highly sought after by the European courts. Each coral creation was more than just a beautiful object—it told a story of trade and tradition, linking distant shores and diverse cultures.
We’ve developed a unique crafting technique that sets us apart from the standard industry practices, which often favor uniform, unvaried dials. Our process begins with the careful assembly of coral fragments, skillfully arranged using a mosaic composition method to form a larger, cohesive block. This approach preserves the natural variation of the material, highlighting the individuality of each piece. The coral is then precisely cut using a waterjet technique, which maintains the material’s integrity and prevents cracks or imperfections. Finally, each dial undergoes a delicate polishing process, giving it the refined, high-end finish characteristic of fine coral jewelry.
The connection between Venice and coral is beautifully depicted in Giambattista Tiepolo’s fresco“Neptune Offering Gifts to Venice,”a tribute to the strength of the Serenissima. In the artwork, Neptune—the god of the sea—offers coral as a symbolic gift to the city, representing both commercial prosperity and the maritime prowess of the Venetian Republic. Once adorning the walls of the Doge’s Palace, the fresco stands as a testament to Venice’s central role in the coral trade. Within this rich historical context, the art of coral craftsmanship flourished, evolving into a deeply valued and refined tradition.
Wearing a watch with a coral dial is more than a statement of style—it's a journey through time, connecting us to the sea’s beauty and to the legacy of Venice, a city that made coral one of its most prestigious symbols. With each glance at the wrist, one dives into a story that spans centuries: from the ocean depths where coral slowly forms, to the skilled hands of artisans who transform it into a masterpiece. The natural veins and hues that run across the coral’s surface speak of ancient traditions, maritime trade routes, and a culture that has long celebrated the harmony between nature and craftsmanship.
Nereide Corallo is powered by the Sellita SW200-1 caliber, a movement renowned for its reliability and accuracy. Its custom-designed rotor embodies both technical performance and visual elegance. Skeletonized to reveal the movement beneath, it features a radial Côtes de Genève finish that adds refined texture and depth. The anglage-polished openings highlight the brilliance of the metal, while the 3N gold galvanic treatment enhances its geometry and detail—an homage to the color that symbolizes our heritage.