Nivada Grenchen continues to re-release fan favourite, desirable watches from the archive (today its the Pac-Man...)
The recently re-launching Nivada Grenchen continues to share the good news with another classic Nivada creation returning for the masses to enjoy. In fact, this is likely their most popular design from the past; known by its nickname ‘The Pac-Man’. Yes, that's right, Nivada Grenchen is bringing back the Depthmaster in a big way!
The Nivada Grenchen Depthmaster
The New Nivada Grenchen Depthmaster 1000 - Image Credit: Nivada Grenchen
Much like the Chronomaster re-editions announced in 2020 (click here to see what we thought of those), the idea with the modern Depthmaster was to re-produce everything that was wonderful with the original designs but with modern tweaks where appropriate. Nivada Grenchen aims to honour the watch by keeping the “the same original spirit and guts” to put it in their own words.
The New Nivada Grenchen Depthmaster 1000 - Image Credit: Nivada Grenchen
Arguably the main attraction of this watch is the art deco dial design which of course hasn’t gone anywhere. We see a small buff in the cushion-shaped case size from 38mm to 39mm. Altering case diameters on re-issues can be risky business, but a 1mm change should still please original fans. The thickness is just 13mm which is rather impressive considering this watch has a waterproof resistance rating of 1,000m (100 atm).
The New Nivada Grenchen Depthmaster 1000 - Image Credit: Nivada Grenchen
In true modern-day Nivada Grenchen style, there are plenty of dial options to choose from including two dial types: art deco ‘Pacman’ and a design which mixes numerals and indices.
Watch Statistics:
Case width: 39mm
Thickness: 13mm
Movement: Sellita SW200 no date (without ghost position) and date version
Functions: hours, minutes and seconds (a date window at 3 pm for dated models)
Power reserve: 38 hours
Case: Stainless steel cushion case finished in polished and brushed
Water-resistance: 100 ATM (1000 meters) with automatic helium escape valve for saturation diving
Dial: black dials with either yellowed lume or white lume depending on the model
Strap: Leather straps in brown or black, beads of rice bracelet and extendable oyster bracelet available
Price: €850 on leather straps/tropic straps, €1050 on a metal bracelet
Availability: The Preorders will start mid-February via https://nivadagrenchenofficial.com with the watches beginning delivery in June 2021.
First Impressions
The New Nivada Grenchen Depthmaster 1000 - Image Credit: Nivada Grenchen
With its funky design, fantastic dimensions and endless charm the Depthmaster from Nivada Grenchen is one of their most recognisable watches. Vintage watch collecting connoisseurs will be very familiar with this piece as the cat has been out of the bag for some time with how beautiful and unique the design is. Many of Nivada’s watches from the past have a touch of the ‘me too’ vibe to them which although hugely understandable, it has the potential for the brand to fade into the background when it comes to re-issuing. However, there is no chance of that with the Depthmaster as this true product of the 60s is extremely hard to forget once you’ve seen it. It’s memorable in the best possible way.
An original Depthmaster from Nivada Grenchen we went hands-on with in London a couple of years ago - Image Credit: WatchGecko Online Magazine
An original example from the 1960s can easily set you back a couple of thousand pounds, and to find one in a reliably wearable condition could take some time. But yet again through an honest execution, one that hasn’t strayed too far from the centre, modern-day Nivada Grenchen has released a watch that is destined for success at (once again) a sensible price point.
The New Nivada Grenchen Depthmaster 1000 - Image Credit: Nivada Grenchen
When it comes to Nivada Grenchen, this is the one people have been waiting for and I know this is going to get a lot of people excited.
To find out more be sure to head over to the Nivada Grenchen website. Preorders will start mid-February starting from €850.
