Hands-On With The Venezianico Arsenale Platino And Arsenale Avventurina
It’s only been a few weeks since I wrote about the introduction article on the Venezianico Arsenale Platino. In the article, I expressed my desire to take that new model for a spin and compare it to the Arsenale Avventurina. These two special versions of the brand’s integrated-bracelet sports watch stand out in the collection. Additionally, it’s beneficial to get a feel for both watches, as there are some important differences worth exploring. Most notably, the Arsenale Platino is powered by a different caliber that is visible through a display case back. Also, the dials are inherently different, so I was excited to see which version I would prefer.
This is my first encounter with the Venezianico Arsenale, and it is a nice opportunity to compare the two models. We’ve had other versions of the brand’s integrated-bracelet sports watch in for review before, but I didn’t manage to check them out back then. For me, then, it was nice to see what the watches are all about and how they compare to the competitors. As most of you will know, there is plenty of competition. Just think of the Tissot PRX, Christopher Ward The Twelve, Yema Wristmaster, Frederique Constant Highlife, and Straum Jan Mayen. And that’s just the tip of the iceberg. This begs the question: what sets the Venezianico Arsenale apart from its competitors?
The story of the stylish Venezianico Arsenale
To answer that question straight away, it’s all in the style and the details. What I noticed first after taking the watches out of the box was the elegant style and plethora of details. The design’s elegantly flowing lines and detailed finishing instantly catch the eye. But upon picking one up, the solid build quality was also apparent. So, my first impressions of both models were quite good. That felt validating since the introduction article on the Venezianico Arsenale Platino only let me react to the images and specs.
As I explained in the intro article on the Platino, the model range gets its name from the Venetian Arsenale. It was Europe’s first major industrial shipyard, and the crenellations of its historical towers inspired the knurled pattern of the watch’s bezel. This bezel gives the watch Tonda PF vibes, which I consider a compliment. Parmigiani’s much-praised Tonda PF series is one of my favorites in the integrated-bracelet category, so a reference to that design — if done well — is welcome.
Furthermore, you can see hints of other models in the design, like the Czapek Antarctique. However, it’s inherent to the category that designs have similar influences. In that context, the dials play a big role in giving the different watches their character. With these two special dials, Venezianico has indeed added plenty of character to the Arsenale’s design.
The specs of the two Venezianico Arsenale Avventurina and Platino
Before we get more into detail, let’s take a quick look at some specs. Both Arsenale models feature a stainless steel case measuring 40mm wide, 44mm long, and 9.95mm thick, including a sapphire crystal with antireflective coating.
At just under 10mm, these watches’ slim profile fits the genre perfectly. The case is matched with an integrated bracelet that tapers elegantly from 25mm at the case to 17mm at the clasp. This H-link bracelet looks familiar in design, but the execution is lovely.
The case and the bracelet feature a predominantly brushed finish with polished chamfers for added visual brilliance. The bezel also has a polished ring that the knurled part encloses. Lastly, the brushed center links also feature polished chamfers that reflect the light depending on how it hits them. The intricate finishing is impressive and gives the watch a proper luxury feel. I also appreciate details like the size of the crown with the accompanying crown guards. They feel well proportioned, and the crown is easy to grip and operate.
The dials of the two Arsenale models
The exterior of the Arsenale shows that the team at Venezianico spent a good deal of time on all the little details. The same goes for the dials. The Arsenale Platino features a platinum-galvanized dial. The brass base dial first gets a soleil finish. The next step is to create its texture using a tumbling process.
After that, it receives a platinum galvanic treatment, resulting in a lovely silver-tone dial with a rippled surface. It creates a monochromatic presence that I like quite a lot. The second dial is a beautiful dial in aventurine glass that resembles the starry night sky. This special dial has a lot more color to it, giving this version a very distinct look.
Both dials feature a set of applied markers and the Venezianico cross. As you can see, the indexes on the aventurine dial are filled with Super-LumiNova, making them slightly different from the faceted markers on the Platino. The printed minute track on both dials sits on a color-matching ring around the perimeter. Additionally, the brand name is located at 6 o’clock on both dials. It’s funny that I had expected the hour makers to be longer when I first saw the dial.
But the modest indexes are nicely balanced by the sharp handset. The hour and minute hands are filled with lume and accompanied by a thin seconds hand. As I explained in the intro article on the Platino model, I love the minimalist branding as it leaves plenty of room to enjoy the beautiful dials.
Different calibers for the two watches
Besides the different dials, there is also a difference in their movements. The Arsenale Avventurina is powered by the Miyota 9039. This 24-jewel automatic movement operates at 28,800vph, offers 42 hours of power reserve, and has an official accuracy of -10/+30 seconds per day. The caliber is part of Miyota’s premium offerings and has proven to be a reliable powertrain for many watches from smaller independent brands. The movement hides behind the all-steel case back, which features an engraving depicting a historical image of the brand’s hometown of Venice.
For the Arsenale Platino, the team at Venezianico decided to upgrade the movement to the Swiss-made automatic caliber V3250, which is based on the Soprod M100. The movement operates at 28,800vph and offers 42 hours of power reserve.
As I explained in the intro article, master watchmaker Daniele Zorzetto assembled and regulated the caliber at Venezianico’s San Donà di Piave atelier to an accuracy of -4/+6 seconds per day. Lastly, the caliber features a custom skeletonized rotor and is visible thanks to the case back’s sapphire display. The Soprod-based caliber is a step up from the Miyota in performance, adding a link to Swiss heritage to the watch.
Wearing the Venezianico Arsenale models
The upgrade is also reflected in the price of both watches. The Venezianico Arsenale Avventurina is available for €800 on a blue integrated rubber strap. However, the stainless steel bracelet adds €100, bringing the total to €900. The Arsenale Platino is available for €1,450 and comes standard with the stainless steel bracelet. The H-link bracelet is the same for both models and has a nice butterfly clasp. Additionally, it is easy to size thanks to the screw pins. Simply removing two links from each bracelet allowed these watches to fit my wrist perfectly.
Once I put them on my wrist, I instantly noticed two things. First, the watches wear really nicely. The slim profile and the quality feel make for the Venezianico Arsenale a joy to wear. That comfort is backed up by the looks. As a result of the special dials, my eyes kept returning to both watches.
But while the dials play a huge part, they are only part of the magic. I was also seriously impressed by the overall presence of the Arsenale. The design flows elegantly, there are plenty of small details that you will only notice once wearing the watches, and the finishing gives a proper luxury feel.
Appreciating the differences
The most obvious differences between the two watches are the dials, of course. Picking between the two is a matter of personal preference. Honestly, I love both dials for different reasons. The color of the Platino dial gives the watch a monochromatic presence. However, it also offers plenty of intricate details thanks to the special texture, which kept my eyes coming back to the dial.
The blue aventurine glass dial of the Avventurina model creates a richer and deeper overall presence that is also slightly more flashy. While I would generally gravitate towards the Platino version, I do not have a blue-dial watch in my collection, and I would consider this one.
Whether you notice the difference in movements, the sapphire display is an obvious distinction. Also, if you spin the rotor by flicking the wrist, each caliber makes a distinct sound. The Miyota is slightly louder, whereas the Soprod caliber has a higher-pitched tone. But you will only notice that if you have the two watches present, as I did for this review. Ultimately, the daily accuracy should tell the difference between the two. On top of that, the Swiss-made caliber comes with a standard premium, partly explaining the higher price.
Final thoughts on the Venezianico Arsenale models
Would that influence my preference? Honestly, both models offer great value. At €1,450, the Arsenale Platino is a wonderful pick that competes with the Christopher Ward The Twelve, Yema Wristmaster, Frederique Constant Highlife, and Straum Jan Mayen. It offers a richer and more elegant overall feel compared to those watches. If you want that distinct Italian style, this is the one to go for. Regarding overall quality, it is hard to beat Christoper Ward and Straum. These two brands have raised the quality standard to brilliant levels. As I found out, though, Venezianico certainly pulls its weight in this regard.
If you take that into account and then focus on the Arsenal Avventurina, which can be yours for €900 with the bracelet, you’ll see the incredible value for money. At that price, the brand is competing with the Tissot PRX and offers a great alternative in the same category at a similar price.
On top of that, you get a beautiful aventurine dial that makes this even more special. I was impressed by the two Venezianico Arsenale models and had great fun wearing them for a week. If you are looking for an affordable sports watch with an integrated bracelet and some proper Italian flair, the Venezianico Arsenale certainly fits the bill.
Check out the full Arsenale collection on Venezianico’s official website, and let us know which of the models is your favorite.
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