I’ve wanted to get my hands on a Venezianico watch for years. Not because of hype, but because their story reminded me a lot of other fashion watch brands like Filippo Loreti and similar names that popped up in the past decade. You know the type — flashy marketing, good-looking designs, but when you actually get one in hand, it’s more about style than substance. I was curious if Venezianico was going to be the same… or if they’d actually step up and prove they’re a proper watch brand, not just another fashion label with a fancy Instagram feed. After what felt like endless attempts to borrow one — whether from collectors, friends, or even the brand itself — I’ve finally managed to get one in for review. So, after all this time, we’re going to find out: is Venezianico the real deal, or just another pretty face in the watch world?
Venezianico is a relatively new watch brand, started in late 2017 by two brothers, Alberto and Alessandro Morelli, while they were still studying at Ca’ Foscari University in Venice. Like many watch enthusiasts, they wanted to turn their passion for design and watchmaking into something real — a brand that captured the vibe of their hometown. There’s a story about them spotting a golden cross on top of Venice’s famous Clock Tower, which supposedly inspired their logo and the whole brand idea. Whether that moment actually happened or is just good PR, who knows? These stories always sound a little too perfect. But what matters is that Venezianico has been getting a lot of attention for making solid, good-looking watches without the usual hype and nonsense. So, let’s take a closer look and see if they live up to the reputation.
The watch we’re checking out today comes from Venezianico’s Redentore collection — a line that’s been around for a while and has seen a ton of variations over the years. Most of their other watches lean towards sportier designs, but the Redentore is their more classic, dressy lineup. The latest addition to this collection is the Redentore Bronzo, which, as the name suggests, is the only model rocking a bronze case. That immediately makes it stand out from the rest. To be honest, I was hoping to review one of their dive watches — that’s where my curiosity really was — but Venezianico sent me the Redentore Bronzo instead. And you know what? That’s perfectly fine, because this thing looks stunning right out of the box. It’s got presence, it’s got character, and bronze always adds a bit of uniqueness that steel just can’t match. So let’s dive in and see how it holds up beyond just good looks.
The Redentore Bronzo came in a simple rectangular white cardboard box, with the usual warranty card and instructions tucked inside. Nothing fancy, nothing over-the-top. Honestly, I kind of liked the minimal packaging — it’s compact and doesn’t take up space. That said, I still wish brands like Venezianico would ditch the cardboard altogether and just ship their watches in a nice travel pouch or watch roll. Functional packaging is always a win in my book. Instead of a box that’ll sit in the closet collecting dust, give me something I can actually use. Now, onto the watch itself — the first thing that caught my eye was the metal. Bronze watches usually have that warm, rose-gold-ish tint, but this one is different. The Bronzo has more of a yellowish tone, which gives it a unique look compared to other bronze pieces I’ve handled. I found it interesting right away. Another surprise was how slow the patina is forming. I’ve been wearing this watch for about three weeks now, and it’s only developed a slight patina. On some of my other bronze watches, the patina shows up within the first hour, like clockwork. This one? It’s taking its sweet time, which is actually kind of fun — makes the aging process feel more personal.
The Redentore Bronzo features a 40mm case crafted from QAI9-4 bronze, a high-aluminum alloy that enhances both durability and corrosion resistance compared to traditional tin-bronze blends. This material choice is intentional, ensuring the watch develops a patina at a slower, more refined pace, sidestepping the unattractive “dirty” phase that many bronze watches undergo. Fresh out of the box, however, the bronze leans towards a polished yellow-gold tone rather than the deeper bronze shades portrayed in the official renders. This can be surprising at first glance, but for those familiar with bronze timepieces, it’s an anticipated transition phase before the patina starts to enrich the surface. Dimensionally, it wears larger than its 40mm specification suggests. This is primarily due to the slim bezel and expansive dial, which visually amplifies its presence on the wrist. The watch measures 46.7mm lug-to-lug and is just 10mm thick, allowing it to sit comfortably even on slimmer wrists while maintaining a bold wrist presence.
The case design is elegantly simple but refined, with polished top surfaces contrasting against the brushed case flanks. The downturned lugs and subtly integrated crown guards showcase Venezianico’s thoughtful approach to proportions and wearability. The bronze crown, adorned with the Venezianico Botany Cross, doesn’t screw down, but integrates seamlessly into the design, adding a touch of character while naturally developing patina faster due to regular handling. Turning the watch over reveals a stainless steel caseback secured by six screws. While it might seem like a simple design choice, it serves an important function—bronze backs in direct contact with skin often lead to discomfort and staining. The caseback features a detailed engraving of the Horses of St. Mark, the iconic bronze sculptures that inspired this model. The engraving, though shallow, adds an element of heritage and craftsmanship to an otherwise understated reverse side.
The dial is undoubtedly the star of the Redentore Bronzo. Made from brass, it undergoes a multi-step artisanal finishing process that gives each piece a unique, hand-antiqued appearance. Starting with a soleil finish, followed by a burnished coating and a tumbling treatment that selectively strips away layers to reveal underlying textures, the result is a dial that feels organic, almost alive. Thin golden strands shimmer subtly across the weathered surface, echoing the aged bronze aesthetic and tying back to the Horses of St. Mark motif. What makes the dial truly compelling is its minimalist approach. There are no indices, no date windows, and no extraneous text. The only visual elements are the finely applied Venezianico Botany Cross logo at 12 o’clock and the slender dauphine hands that match the bronze tone of the case. This design demands a certain “faith” in reading time as aesthetics take precedence over legibility. While this may deter those who value instant readability, it also elevates the watch into a statement piece—more art object than instrument. The absence of lume reinforces its purpose as a dress-oriented watch rather than a functional tool watch, leaning into the notion that this is a timepiece best suited for slower-paced, deliberate occasions.
Powering the Redentore Bronzo is the Miyota 9039, a reliable, no-date automatic caliber from Citizen’s premium 9000 series. With 24 jewels and a high beat rate of 28,800 vibrations per hour, it delivers smooth seconds hand motion and respectable timekeeping accuracy. The movement is known for its slim profile, which contributes to the watch’s refined 10mm thickness, a noteworthy achievement considering its robust bronze case. Unlike the Seiko NH3x series previously used in the Redentore line, the 9039 is a clear step up, offering not just improved specifications but also eliminating the phantom date position that often plagues no-date watches using date-capable movements. While accuracy can vary, my review sample was running at +4 to +7 seconds per day, which is well within expectations for this movement category. Although not visible through a caseback, the choice of the 9039 reflects Venezianico’s aim to elevate the Redentore Bronzo above the entry-level microbrand space, positioning it closer to mid-tier offerings from more established independent brands.
Completing the package is a high-quality Italian leather strap, measuring 20mm at the lugs and tapering elegantly to 16mm at the bronze pin buckle. The strap’s distressed finish complements the watch’s weathered aesthetic, and the curved spring bars ensure a snug, integrated fit against the case, a detail often overlooked at this price point. The bronze buckle is not just a simple accessory; it carries the same brushed and polished contrasts found on the case and is deeply engraved with the Venezianico logo. This level of detail on such a seemingly minor component underscores the brand’s commitment to cohesive design. The strap’s supple texture adds to the overall comfort, making the watch suitable for all-day wear, while the choice of distressed leather bridges the gap between dressy and casual, allowing the Redentore Bronzo to transition effortlessly between different styles.
So, after years of curiosity, does Venezianico live up to the hype—or rather, the lack of hype? I have to say, they’ve impressed me. The Redentore Bronzo isn’t just another good-looking fashion watch trying to pass as a serious timepiece. It’s thoughtfully designed, well-executed, and strikes a delicate balance between aesthetics and quality. The materials feel premium, the case finishing is well above what I expected at this price, and that dial… well, it’s one of the most unique dials I’ve seen under $1,000. It has personality. It has soul. Sure, it’s not without quirks. The minimalist dial won’t be everyone’s cup of tea—it’s a watch that asks you to feel the time more than read it at a glance. The bronze patina develops slowly, which might frustrate impatient collectors looking for that instant “wabi-sabi” look. And the packaging? Could be better. But none of these are deal-breakers. In fact, they feel like deliberate choices that give the Redentore Bronzo its distinct character.
Most importantly, Venezianico has managed to step out of the shadow of other “design-first” microbrands by showing that they care about more than just looks. The movement choice, the attention to detail on elements like the buckle and caseback, and the overall cohesiveness of the design suggest that this is a brand with real staying power. In a watch world overflowing with “minimalist” brands that fade as quickly as they appear, Venezianico feels like one that’s building towards something more meaningful. The Redentore Bronzo may not be a “tool watch” or a specs powerhouse, but it doesn’t try to be. It’s an artistic, thoughtful timepiece that delivers substance beneath the style — and that’s exactly what I was hoping to find.
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