Four years ago, like a phoenix, Nivada Grenchen rose from the ashes to reintroduce two of its most famous watches: the Chronomaster Aviator Sea Diver and the Antarctic. Shortly after, the Depthmaster and the F77 re-emerged, the latter joining the integrated bracelet sports watch craze that has gripped the industry over the last decade. In 2023, in collaboration with Fratello, they launched their Racing Chronograph, a 38mm tonneau-shaped, manually wound watch deeply inspired by the automotive world, mixing many features and design cues from Nivada models from its back catalog. And now, for 2024, Nivada Grenchen is re-introducing the Chronosport, one of their rarest historical pieces.
Only ten original Nivada Grenchen Chronosport watches from the 1970s were ever produced, making this model quite sought after by collectors. That is precisely why they have decided to reintroduce it, allowing more enthusiasts to own one. This new model utilizes the same 38mm stainless steel case as the Racing Chronograph. However, the similarities end there. Instead of an outer tachymeter scale printed on the bezel, it is replaced by a unidirectional diver’s bezel. The tachymeter scale is printed on the outer edge of the dial under the double-domed sapphire crystal.
The Chronosport’s dial was designed by Jean Singer, who was responsible for the dials on the Omega Speedmaster racing and the Heuer Skipper. Both watches are famous for their good looks and functionality. Mr. Singer knows a thing or two about dial design, though this one is quite unorthodox. This chronograph only has two subdials: one at 9 o’clock displaying the running seconds and one at 12 o’clock showing the chronograph minutes. Where the chronograph’s hour accumulator would typically be, you will find the watch’s depth rating printed in red lettering, along with the jewel count and the word Incabloc in white.
The textured black dial features beige taupe subdials with familiar-looking markings, reminiscent of the famous Paul Newman Daytona. Vintage effect lume is present on the hands, and the dots at the inner tips of the hour indices. Meanwhile, at 3 o’clock, there is a stark white date display. Underneath the dial is the ETA 7750 cam-lever automatic chronograph movement, which beats at 28,800 BPH (4Hz) and has a power reserve of 48 hours. A solid screw-down case back keeps the movement secure and ensures the watch is water-resistant up to 200 meters.
The new bracelet measures 20mm at the lugs with fitted end links, then widens to what looks like 24mm and tapers down to 16mm. This heavily plays to its vintage appeal, and if anyone is worried that a 38mm watch may be small, this bracelet and its 15.7mm case height provide plenty of presence to compensate for it. It is fitted with a twin-trigger clasp that does not offer on-the-fly micro-adjustability, but there are plenty of anchor points to correctly dial in your size. You can also buy it with their beads-of-rice bracelet, various leather straps, and even a rubber Tropic strap.
The Nivada Grenchen Chronosport is available for $2380 with a steel bracelet or $2180 with your choice of strap. Head to the Nivada website for additional details.
