The Bite Magazine - Spring/Summer 2024 - Issue 35

bitewatches W hile studying at the Ca’ Foscari University of Venice, brothers Alberto and Alessandro Morel- li, who love watches and design, start- ed their watch brand Venezianico in 2017. The idea was inspired by a walk in St Mark’s Square when they noticed a peculiar detail atop the ancient Clock Tower, a gold Renaissance cross sym- bolising the passage of time, which they adopted as their logo. The cross connects the city’s political heart to the Mercerie, the historic mer- chant’s street, setting its pace midway between politics and business since the 15th century. Venezianico’s visual iden- tity recalls the materials used in Venice’s construction over the centuries, such as the building base made from Istria stone. This grey sandstone of the calli paving is juxtaposed with the sparking gold of stuccos and mosaics, reflecting Venetians’ tenacity, perseverance, and refinement. Venezianico’s latest Bucintoro 1969 watch, named after the ceremonial boat of the Doge, the ruler of the Venetian re- public, is a tribute to a historic moment, a piece of adventure, and a marvel of precision engineering. Inspired by the monumental achievement of the Apol- lo 11 mission in 1969, this limited edi- tion timepiece encapsulates the essence of human exploration and innovation, instilling confidence in its quality and craftsmanship. The tribute timepiece, limited to 69 pieces worldwide, pays homage to the iconic Lemania 1873 calibre, the same movement that measured the seconds on the wrists of the Apollo mission crew. Swiss-made, the movement is re- nowned for its precision and reliability, symbolising the spirit of exploration and technological advancement that de- fined the space race era. This iconic timepiece’s journey began with the restoration of the Lemania 1873 movement. After six months of meticu- lous work, the mechanical masterpieces were returned to life, preserving their original beauty and functionality. With a balance wheel oscillating at 21,600 al- ternations per hour and a power reserve of approximately 40 hours, the calibre served as the Bucintoro 1969’s beating heart. The Bucintoro 1969 is a masterpiece that seamlessly blends history and inno- vation. Its multi-level dial, adorned with a sunburst finish, radiates elegance and sophistication. The ingot-shaped index- es and gold-coloured hands honour the gold metal coatings often used in space missions, while the black dial represents the vast expanse of space. Every detail serves a purpose: the inner rehaut features references to the launch phases at Cape Canaveral in Florida, with a second tachymetric scale mark- ing the countdown phases. The chron- ograph counters, bordered by a thin contrasting gold line, boast a pattern reminiscent of the lunar surface, created with a 3D printer. The caseback made of sapphire glass offers a glimpse into the intricate work- ings of the movement, personalised by Venezianico. Enhanced by a serigraphy commemorating the epochal moment of the lunar module landing, the glass signifies a new beginning for humanity, a step forward into the unknown. Even the packaging is a work of art. Housed in a handmade walnut wood case crafted in the region of Venice, each watch comes with two black straps, one in leather with a Velcro closure sys- tem inspired by spacesuits and the other in rubber, along with the iconic Canova steel bracelet. In essence, the Bucintoro 1969 sym- bolises human ingenuity, the enduring spirit of exploration, and a reminder of the historic achievement of the Apollo 11 mission. As one of the privileged few to own this limited edition timepiece, you become more than a wearer; you become a custodian and narrator in this legendary historical moment. www.venezianico.com