Boasting a black leather strap with a flair of red stitching, the 49mm watch utilises a steelmaking process which has been practiced since as early as the third century for a eye-catching and bespoke base. Named after the capital city of Syria, Damascus steel is characterised by its unique patterns, typically reminiscent of flowing water.

Rare and resilient, the Icon Damascus' steel base is only rivaled by a collection of four black dials, each indicating the minutes and hours of different time zones. Regulated via their own series of corresponding crowns, the black dials feature white hands and hour makers, coupled with hints of red for a touch of drama, all of which is housed under anti-reflective sapphire crystal glass.

The watch is driven by Meccaniche Veloci’s hand-crafted calibre MV8880 which is created in house and includes a tourbillon mechanism: a typically Swiss technique which lessens the pressure on the timepiece for a more accurate reading. Created with a total of 328 parts and 33 jewels, the mechanical, self-winding Icon Damascus costs $12,153 and is available with perlage, sablage, rhodiage or paint finishing.

Founded in Milan back in 2006, Meccaniche Veloci blends its distinct aesthetic with an unwavering eye for perfection in order to create technically unique and aesthetically stellar high-end watches. With production limited to several thousand models each year, the company embraces collaborations with various motoring brands as a fitting tribute to its roots in the automobile industry.

Speaking to Elite Living Africa, CEO Cesar Cerrito explained, “Engines are in our DNA. Meccaniche Veloci means ‘fast mechanics’ - the piston shaped case is soaked in oil, it is a wellspring of the very Italian passion for cars, bikes, races and whatever smells like gasoline.”

Keep an eye out for the next issue of Elite Living Africa for the full interview with Meccaniche Veloci CEO Cesare Cerrito.

For more information, visit the Meccaniche Veloci website.