The Precision of an Ancient Art

The crafting of Damascus steel is a long and meticulous artisanal process that requires great expertise. It is created by layering steels with complementary properties, which are then forged, hammered, and folded up to a hundred times. This process can take days, resulting in an extraordinarily durable material with a dense and uniform internal structure. The iconic wavy patterns emerge from the repeated fusion of alloys, creating unique motifs that make each piece truly one of a kind.

From Forge to Dial disc

After cutting, the Damascus steel disc undergoes an acid treatment that enhances its veins, revealing the distinctive pattern created by the layering of metals. This is followed by a precision mirror polishing, further defining the contrast between finishes. With a thickness of just 0.4mm, the disc is then paired with a brass base to ensure stability and compatibility with the movement. The final steps include the printing of details and the application of indices and logo, completing the face of the timepiece.

Venice and the Legacy of Damascus Steel

As a vital hub of trade between East and West, Venice played a key role in bringing Damascus steel to Europe. With its strategic position and thriving trade routes with the Middle East, the city facilitated the import of this prized material, renowned for its exceptional strength and distinctive wavy patterns. Though not originally produced in Venice, the city's skilled metal artisans mastered and reinterpreted Eastern forging techniques, helping to spread the reputation of Damascus steel across Europe. Through commerce and craftsmanship, Venice became instrumental in elevating Damascus steel from a legendary weapon material to a symbol of luxury and refinement.

Beyond function, a sign of recognition

To fully enhance the Sellita SW200-1 caliber, we did not simply customize an existing component—we designed a completely new rotor from scratch. Developed and manufactured in-house, its design introduces solutions that refine both aesthetics and finishing quality. Featuring an openwork structure that replicates our logo, the rotor showcases a radial Côtes de Genève decoration, creating a dynamic visual effect. The openings, finished with anglage polishing, reveal glimpses of the movement beneath, adding depth to the structure. A 3N red gold galvanic treatment completes the process, highlighting the rotor's details and geometry.

The Art of Forging on Your Wrist

Wearing a watch with a Damascus steel dial means carrying the result of an ancient craft, refined over centuries by generations of artisans. The meticulous metalworking process—comprising forging, folding, and manual treatments—ensures that each piece is unique, with intricate patterns that narrate the story of its creation. This timepiece is not just the product of mechanical precision but also a tribute to the ingenuity and metallurgical tradition that Venice helped to spread. An embodiment of artisanal craftsmanship, where every detail reflects experience and dedication.

The Mirror of the Venetian Lagoon

The surface of Damascus steel reflects light in a unique way, much like the rippling waters of the lagoon stirred by the passing wind. The wavy patterns of the dial are born from a centuries-old forging process, where layers of metal are stacked, worked, and etched to reveal ever-changing designs. The contrast between polished and matte finishes creates depth and movement, bringing to life a dial that shifts with the angle of light—just like the hues of the lagoon transform throughout the day.