![]() ![]() The story started in Paris in 2018 during a discussion between Guillaume Laidet, a French entrepreneur in the watch industry (former Jaeger-LeCoultre, Zenith, and founder of William L.1985), and Remi Chabrat, owner of the Montrichard Group (a private label watchmaker). However, two watch entrepreneurs decided to bring the name back. However, the watchmaking industry had to face the quartz crisis in the 1970s and Nivada failed to adapt to the demand for electronic and battery-powered watches. Nivada was, as many other brands back in the days, sourcing parts from external suppliers, including movements by Venus, Valjoux or Landeron. From the earliest days, the company focused on instrument watches that went beyond the simple indication of the time – among the first to offer water-resistance, automatic movements, or to feature a chronograph with additional functions. ![]() The company remained under the control of the Schneider family until its 50th anniversary in 1976. ![]() Nivada was founded in Grenchen (Granges), Switzerland in 1926 by Otto Wüllimann, Hermann Schindler and Jack Schneider. Let’s have a closer look at this vintage-inspired watch, modelled after what was once named the Super Chronograph. Finally, the best news is that the most iconic watch ever produced by the brand, the Chronomaster Aviator Sea Diver, has been faithfully re-edited. What’s even more noticeable is the fact that the name Nivada Grenchen, a niche but cult brand specialized in instrumental pieces, is coming back. Furthermore, to find one in this condition? Not so easy.About a week ago, we introduced you to a rather cool watch, the Nivada Grenchen Depthmaster, which marked the return of a highly original and important model in dive watch history. While Chronomasters are fairly common, it is much harder to find the higher quality Croton variant. With its deep black bezel in an almost unused condition, the unpolished stainless steel case along with a perfect dial, this is what the term ‘collectors grade’ means. This example is particular is in particular collectable as it is in exceptional condition. While the others used lower grade movements, the American bound watches were powered by the industry-leading column wheel Valjoux 23. Some were branded under the Nivada Grenchen name which was powered by the Valjoux 92, but the Chronomasters that went to the US were branded Croton and this variant is by far the highest quality. The Chronomaster came in several variants. This is exactly what the current market loves and it is no wonder the Chronomaster is a perennial favourite. It has a large 38mm stainless steel case with bevelled lugs, an aluminium minute/hour bi-directional bezel and of course, large broad arrow hands. With this example, it is all about the aesthetics- a first execution model that features a classically 60s sports chronograph styling. The Chronomaster came about during a time where adventures and exploration was a hot topic and many watch manufacturers took advantage of this, releasing multiple sports watches. Quite the mouthful, but talk about tapping into as many demographics as you can! This is perhaps one of the most epic watch model names to have come out of the 20th century- the Croton Chronomaster Aviator Sea Diver. ![]()
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