A brand that was initially created over 100 years ago is now back, respectfully honouring watches from their history book in a way we haven’t seen before…
From the brand that brought us the Chronomaster Aviator Sea Diver, Nivada Grenchen is set to make their return with pre-orders now open for their re-issues of the Sea Diver chronograph and the Antarctic.
Nivada Grenchen Chronomaster Aviator Sea Diver - Image Credit: Nivada Grenchen
Although their story started in 1879, the tale of the brand’s rebirth began in Paris two years ago during a discussion between Guillaume Laidet (French entrepreneur in the watch industry who is former Jaeger-LeCoultre, Zenith and founder of William L.1985) and Remi Chabrat, the owner of the Montrichard Group. Remi was in business with the Mexican group (Grupo Industrial Omega SA deCV) who owned the Nivada brand. Guillaume advised them that the Nivada brand was perfect for making a comeback as this iconic brand has some fantastic models associated with them such as the Chronomaster Aviator Sea Diver, the legendary Antarctic, the Depthmaster, Datomaster, Travelmaster and many more.
Nivada Grenchen Antarctica - Image Credit: Nivada Grenchen
And so, a year later, the Industrial Omega SA de CV group gave them the license to use the Nivada Grenchen copyright. For the past 12 months, they have been working on this new project to bring back Nivada Grenchen and ensure the collector who is looking for a Nivada Grenchen has a reliable, well built, modern-day equivalent.
The Chronomaster and the Antarctic are the first two models back on the scene. If these two models are received positively then the Depthmaster and Datomaster will be next up. The core aim with these watches is to respect the original designs and stick to authentic specifications while offering approachable prices.
Nivada Grenchen Chronomaster Aviator Sea Diver - Image Credit: Nivada Grenchen
Chronomaster Automatic Stats:
Case width: 38mm
Thickness: 14.8mm
Movement: Sellita SW510 BH B
Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds & chronograph
Power reserve: 48 hours
Case: stainless steel brushed and polished
Water-resistance: 10 atm
Dial: Matt black or matt white as well as two dial variation choices
Strap: 5 strap options include leather, metal and rubber
Price: from 1,755 CHF
Availability: Pre-order now open with delivery in December 2020
Nivada Grenchen Chronomaster Aviator Sea Diver - Image Credit: Nivada Grenchen
Chronomaster Manual Stats:
Case width: 38mm
Thickness: 13.75mm
Movement: Sellita SW510 M BH B
Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds & chronograph
Power reserve: 48 hours
Case: stainless steel brushed and polished
Water-resistance: 10 atm
Dial: Matt black or matt white as well as two dial variation choices
Strap: 5 strap options include leather, metal and rubber
Price: from 1,755 CHF
Availability: Pre-order now open with delivery in December 2020
Nivada Grenchen Antarctica - Image Credit: Nivada Grenchen
Antarctic Date / No Date Stats:
Case width: 38mm
Thickness: 11.5mm
Movement: Sellita SW200
Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds, date for date version
Power reserve: 38 hours
Case: stainless steel
Water-resistance: 20atm
Dial: vertically brushed in black, silver, champagne, blue, grey
Strap: Various options include leather, metal and rubber
Price: Starting from 650 CHF
Availability: Pre-order now open with delivery in December 2020
First impressions
Nivada Grenchen Antarctica - Image Credit: Nivada Grenchen
It will probably come as no surprise to hear that re-introducing a well-loved and appreciated brand to market is difficult. I’ll be honest, we’ve seen many names come back onto the market and it’s taken them 2 or 3 years to get things right. Be it case sizes, quality control or even just where they position themselves in the market.
But this is where Nivada Grenchen bucks that trend. Both the Chronomaster and the Antarctic look truly fantastic. It’s clear they have stuck to their brief faultlessly. Both models fully embrace the past which in turn allows them to offer many options. If it’s one thing, watch collectors like it’s options. How often do you hear either yourself or a friend say “Watch x is perfect, if only it had…”. These Nivada Grenchen models squash that issue by offering a huge amount of models.
In fact, there are 60 options to choose from for the Chronomaster and 90 for the Antarctic. So if you’re a no date fan who loves beads of rice bracelets, they have you covered. Or you like your chronographs to be manual wind only on rubber straps, Nivada Grenchen is the brand for you. My choice would be the Antarctic 32015A08 (no date, brushed silver dial on straight link oyster bracelet) if you were wondering. Pricing is extremely honest and sensible for watches that look to value quality and historical accuracy equally.
Nivada Grenchen Chronomaster Aviator Sea Diver - Image Credit: Nivada Grenchen
I think both models deserved in-depth articles asap…
To find out more, and to pre-order your very own Nivada Grenchen, click here.
