Forged in Time: A Damascus Steel Journey from Everyday to Extraordinary - Our Top 5 Choices
Damascus steel has always intrigued—its wavy, layered patterns whisper of ancient forge secrets and artistry that stands the test of time. Worn on the wrist, it’s more than a material—it’s a conversation piece, a narrative in metal. Here are five Damascus timepieces, ordered by GBP price, each with its own layered story and personality.
Credit - Oceaneva
Oceaneva Deep Marine Explorer II Damascus – £650
The Oceaneva Deep Marine Explorer II Damascus is an impressive entry into Damascus steel for the price—around £650 when on special pre-sale. Dialed in with serious specs (1,250m water resistance, helium escape valve, robust SW200 movement), it’s a watch built for real adventure, not just Instagram aesthetics. Yet it manages to wear the Damascus case as its armour with style, combining utilitarian function with striking visuals.
There’s a boldness to this watch that feels effortlessly cool. The brushed steel pattern catches the light in stripes that seem to shift as you move your wrist—and that’s before you notice the tiny, numbered edition badge hinting at its exclusivity (even if there are a thousand of them). Whether you wear it diving, beaching, or just enduring a 9–5, it holds its own.
For collectors who want durability, standout craftsmanship, and accessibility, this Oceaneva makes an excellent first foray into Damascus. It’s proof you don’t need a high price tag to experience the magic of layered metal.
Credit - McQuaide
McQuaide Q1 Damascus – £750
Dial up to £750 and you land on the McQuaide Q1 Damascus. This piece strikes a fascinating balance between muscular functionality and bespoke artistry. It’s built like a tank—1,000m depth rating, helium valve, SW200-1 movement—yet that hand-forged Damascus pattern on the hefty 43mm case ensures no two watches look the same. Each one is unique, a wearable fingerprint of steel.
The visual drama is undeniable—dark swirls almost seem alive, contrasting with the clenched lines of the bezel and dial. It’s not subtle, and that’s precisely the point. This watch says “I know what I want, and yes, I’ll wear it loudly.” But there’s also an unspoken respect for craftsmanship, for finishing, for the kind of watch that doesn’t just tell you the time—it earns your attention.
If the Oceaneva was your gateway, the Q1 is your first collector purchase: bold, thoughtful, and just rare enough to feel special every time you strap it on.
Credit - Sinn
Sinn 1800 Titandamaszener – £8,310.92
Slide into serious territory with the Sinn 1800 Titandamaszener, priced at approximately £8,310. It’s Damascus steel—but make it titanium, Tegiment-hardened, and unmistakably German-engineered. The result? A watch surface that’s as tough as it looks, with patterns dancing across metal that laughs at scratches and wears.
The beauty here is in restraint—with its muted tones and blue accents, it evokes more Nordic fjord than flashy metal. It’s a sculpture, not a show-off. You admire the details: subtle Damascus grain, cold titanium finish, thoughtful sizing. It’s a statement for those who know—and for those serious about their tech being as impressive as its looks.
Once you’ve had fun with bold steel, this is your upgrade: sophisticated, purposeful, and ready to impress in boardrooms as much as in bunkers.
Credit - GoS
GoS Völund Fullerö Sword – £9,500
Moving into the realm of artisanal myth, the GoS Völund Fullerö Sword comes in around £9,500. Every element of this watch is crafted with story in mind—from its dial extracted from a Viking sword pattern, forged by master bladesmith Conny Persson, to its braided bezel and mythical design cues.
It isn’t just a watch—it’s a wrist-mounted legend. You carry a piece of Scandinavian lore wrapped in modern engineering and artisanal detail. The La Joux-Perret movement, skeletonised rotor, and carefully curated finishing elevate it behind the scenes—meaning your watch looks like myth but beats like tomorrow.
If storytelling matters as much as timekeeping, the Fullerö Sword doesn’t just tell the time—it tells a tale. And wearing one feels like you’re part of that saga.
Credit - Robert Dubuis
Roger Dubuis Knights of the Round Table – Damascus Titanium – £316,000
Finally, there’s nothing quite like the Roger Dubuis Knights of the Round Table in Damascus Titanium—commanding a jaw-dropping £316,000. We’re no longer talking watches; now it’s wearable high art. Twelve hand-sculpted knights in pink gold surround a Murano-glass table dial—all housed in Damascus titanium and certified with the Geneva Seal.
Wearing this is akin to carrying a miniature chapel of craftsmanship and fantasy on your wrist. The Damascus steel is just the canvas; the real work is the sculpted figures, the mythical tableau, the filigreed story frozen in motion. It’s limited, it’s museum-worthy, and frankly, it might make your bank manager faint—once they clock the cheque.
If your watch tells you that time has value, this one tells you time has grandeur.
Final Thought
Damascus steel is more than just layered metal—it’s history, personal story, and artistry rolled into every swirl. From the are-you-serious affordability of the Oceaneva, through the purposeful boldness of the Q1, to Sinn’s refined steel-tech, and all the way to myth in the Fullerö and the Roger Dubuis – there’s a Damascus watch for every stage of taste (and budget).
Pick the one that pulls at your imagination—and remember, time isn’t just passing; it’s yours to wear, tell, and enjoy.