We’re living through some very interesting times in the watchmaking industry. The boom times of COVID have subsided and the bottom has not just fallen out of the secondary market but rather burst into flames that seem intent on incinerating the last scraps of consumer confidence that still remain. Buyers are evermore conscious of value and are looking towards true entry-level price points for inspiration.
Nivada Grenchen x Ace Jewelers Super Antarctic Polar - Credit Ace Jewelers
One exciting brand in this category is Nivada Grenchen, headed by the charming and prodigious Guillaume Laidet. For his brand’s latest release, he’s teamed up with Amsterdam-based retailer, Ace Jewelers. Ace has been part of Amsterdam’s cultural fabric since it was founded by David Ben Joseph in 1975. These days, David’s sons Alon and Amir run the business and have, over the past six years, cultivated a positive reputation as collaborators, working with brands such as NOMOS Glashütte, Cedric Bellon, Elka Watch Company, and Frederique Constant on limited edition drops that frequently employ elements of Dutch culture in the design.
Nivada Grenchen x Ace Jewelers Super Antarctic Polar - Credit Ace Jewelers
The Nivada Grenchen Super Antarctic Polar is no exception. The Polar white dial looks immediately at home in the 38 mm case and the orange seconds hand pops against the matte backdrop. Orange is not only the national colour of the Netherlands but is also deemed the most visible colour against snow according to the late, great vexillologist Whitney Smith, who proposed a flag design for the continent of Antarctica in a particularly vivid shade of orange because of this. As such, the marriage of orange and white is serendipitous and results in a dynamic display that has just the right amount of chromatic tension to excite the eye.
Nivada Grenchen x Ace Jewelers Super Antarctic Polar - Credit Ace Jewelers
At just under €1,000 (excluding VAT), the Super Antarctic Polar is an excellent value proposition from a brand that has won the hearts of many watch lovers since its rebirth in 2020 (the original brand Nivada was founded in 1926 before succumbing to the quartz crisis). Laidet has orchestrated this meteoric rise by always being open to trying new things. He has collaborated with major media houses, retailers, and artists, ensuring Nivada Grenchen frequently hits the headlines.
Nivada Grenchen x Ace Jewelers Super Antarctic Polar - Credit Ace Jewelers
The really nice thing about this edition, however, is how subtle it is. There are no massive logos or jarring graphics. This is a simple, clean, energizing watch. The details are, as we have come to expect from NG, where the value becomes most apparent. At this price point, thoughtful touches like the snugly-fitting proprietary end links, the satisfyingly long seconds hand, and the cutesy gold medallion on the caseback elevate this watch. Marry those quirks with top-quality finishing and you have yourself a competitive package that will surely appeal to watch lovers old and new.
- Brand: Nivada Grenchen
- Model: Super Antarctic Polar for Ace Jewelers (reference 32025A-ACE1)
- Price: €995 excluding VAT
- Material: Stainless steel
- Movement: Soprod P024
- Complications: Time only
- Crystal: Sapphire
- Dial: Polar white with orange seconds hand
- Size: 38 mm diameter, 11.1 mm thickness
- Available via Acejewelers.com (global delivery) or the Ace & Dik boutique in Amsterdam. Limited to 50 pieces.
- When the reviewer would personally wear it: This is a chameleonic watch that could easily operate as a work watch on the bracelet or an adventure watch on the supplied 1973 British Military Strap in orange. I prefer it on the latter and would enjoy putting it through its paces in the great outdoors.
- Best characteristics of the watch: It’s a welcome addition to the Super Antarctic range and feels like it’s been around for years already. As such, I’m sure it will never fall out of fashion and is a slightly more interesting conversation starter than watches I’d normally describe as “timeless”.
- The worst characteristics of the watch: While I love the proprietary end-links, I imagine the small lug gap created when wearing this watch on the 1973 British Military Strap might annoy some people. However, the solution to that annoyance is pretty straightforward — just wear it on the bracelet!
