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Timekeepers Club / July 2, 2024

Ace Jewelers x Nivada Grenchen F77 Amsterdam

Ace Jewelers and Nivada Grenchen have once again joined forces to introduce the F77 Amsterdam wristwatch, a new edition of the original F77 model. The latest model has been revamped with subtle yet significant alterations to give it a unique aesthetic and feel. This watch is limited to only 50 pieces, making it a true collector's item.

Ace Jewelers x Nivada Grenchen F77 Amsterdam

The Nivada Grenchen F77 Amsterdam limited edition for Ace Jewelers stands out with a sleek matte black dial, replacing the regular edition's basket weave pattern. This subtle yet significant change results in a more streamlined and minimalist appearance. Paying tribute to Ace Jewelers' Amsterdam heritage, the dial features three applied red X's below the Nivada logo, referencing the iconic Amsterdam city shield. The seconds hand is rendered in a matching red, providing a sharp contrast against the matte black dial and enhancing readability.

After two successful limited editions based on the Super Antarctic, we wanted to branch out to another favorite in the Nivada line-up – the F77. Compared to other variants, the matte black dial of our Amsterdam edition gives the watch a more instrumental look, which emphasizes the industrial lines of the case. We're also proud to represent the city we call home with the three red X's, a recurring theme in our Amsterdam series of watches," says Alon Ben Joseph of Ace Jewelers.

Nivada Grenchen F77

The story of the rebirth of the F77 began on Instagram in late winter of 2022, when a vintage watch collector posted a photo of a rare Nivada Grenchen model: an F77, 37mm in diameter with a black basket weave dial. That day, Guillaume Laidet, CEO of the brand, was scrolling through his feed like a prospector panning for gold in the river of data. Amid the endless stream of images, he came across said F77, a watch he had never seen before.

As luck would have it, the watch in the post was for sale, and Guillaume bought it on the spot. He quickly took the temperature with his Instagram community by posting a wrist shot of the original F77. Almost immediately, his post garnered a flood of likes and comments. A few hours later, Guillaume decided to put a reissue at the top of his product plan for 2023. The reborn F77 has since grown to become a firm favorite within the Nivada line-up.

Collaborating with Ace Jewelers allows us to explore new creative horizons while staying true to our heritage. The F77 Amsterdam edition is a testament to our craftsmanship and dedication to delivering exceptional timepieces that resonate with collectors and watch enthusiasts alike", says Guillaume Laidet, CEO of Nivada Grenchen.

Ace Jewelers

The Dutch Ace Jewelers is owned and run by the Ben Joseph family. It encompasses both a luxurious boutique and an international eBoutique. Situated in Amsterdam's Museum Quarter in The Netherlands, the Ace & Dik boutique proudly serves as an authorized dealer for an extensive array of top-tier fine jewelry and watch brands. These include esteemed names such as Zenith, Christiaan van der Klaauw, Nomos, Nanis, and numerous others. Ace Jewelers also has an extensive collection of Pre-Owned and Vintage watches from all major brands, including Rolex, Patek Philippe, Audemars Piguet and many more.

Over the past decade, Ace Jewelers has collaborated with various brands to create limited edition timepieces, all of which have garnered critical acclaim. Since its inception in 1975, Ace Jewelers has also maintained an extensive collection of high-end, certified pre-owned watches. In 2008, Ace Jewelers introduced the eBoutique AceJewelers.com, establishing itself as an innovative omni-channel retailer in the industry.

Availability

The Nivada Grenchen F77 Amsterdam is exclusively available from Ace Jewelers boutique in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, as well as online via AceJewelers.com. It's priced at EUR 1.270 incl. 21% VAT and outside the EU at EUR 1.050 excluding VAT.

Interview with Alon Ben Joseph, CEO of Ace Jewelers

Thank you for joining us, Alon. We're excited to talk about the latest collaboration between Ace Jewelers and Nivada Grenchen, the F77 Amsterdam. Can you start by telling us what inspired this particular model?

Alon Ben Joseph: Thank you for having me. The inspiration for the F77 Amsterdam stems from our desire to expand upon the success we've had with the Super Antarctic Polar editions. We wanted to explore another iconic model from the Nivada line-up, and the F77 seemed like the perfect choice. Its 1970s design with an integrated bracelet has a timeless appeal. For this edition, we aimed to create a sleek, minimalist aesthetic that pays homage to our home city, Amsterdam.

The design changes on the F77 Amsterdam are subtle yet impactful. Can you elaborate on the decision to use a matte black dial and the red 'XXX' motif?

Absolutely. The matte black dial was chosen to give the watch a more instrumental and industrial look, which aligns with the bold lines of the case. Removing the basket weave pattern helped achieve a streamlined, minimalist appearance. The red 'XXX' motif is a mainstay in our Amsterdam series of watches. It's a direct tribute to the iconic Amsterdam city shield, symbolizing our deep connection to the city. Our first watch to feature this was the 2018 NOMOS Club Campus Amsterdam. The F77 Amsterdam is the sixth watch, across four brands, to sport this feature. The red seconds hand complements this design, adding a touch of vibrancy and improving readability.

This is your third collaboration with Nivada Grenchen. How has your partnership with them evolved over time?

Our partnership with Nivada Grenchen has been incredibly rewarding. Each collaboration has allowed us to explore new creative horizons while staying true to the heritage of both brands. With the Super Antarctic editions, we tested the waters and found a significant positive response from the watch community. This encouraged us to take bolder steps with the F77 Amsterdam. Working with Guillaume Laidet and his team has been a fantastic experience; their dedication to craftsmanship and quality aligns perfectly with our own values at Ace Jewelers.

You mentioned the watch community's response. How important is community feedback in your design process?

Community feedback is crucial. The initial idea for reviving the F77 came from a vintage watch collector's Instagram post that caught Guillaume Laidet's attention. The enthusiastic response to his post confirmed that there was a strong interest in this model. Similarly, our customers and followers provide valuable insights that help shape our designs. Their feedback ensures that we create timepieces that not only honor the brand's legacy but also resonate with modern collectors.

With only 50 pieces available, the F77 Amsterdam is quite exclusive. What do you hope collectors take away from this limited edition?

We hope that collectors appreciate the unique blend of history and modernity encapsulated in the F77 Amsterdam. Each piece is a testament to our commitment to quality and design excellence. The limited nature of this edition makes it a rare privilege to own, and we believe it will become a cherished item in any collection. Moreover, the watch stands as a tribute to Amsterdam, making it particularly special for those who share a connection with our beautiful city.

 Finally, can you give us a hint about any future collaborations or projects in the pipeline?

While I can't reveal too much, I can say that we are always looking for ways to innovate and surprise our customers. Our partnership with Nivada Grenchen is ongoing, and we have some exciting ideas that we're exploring. We look forward to continuing to create unique, high-quality timepieces that delight watch enthusiasts around the world. Stay tuned!

Thank you for your time, Alon. We're excited to see what comes next from Ace Jewelers and Nivada Grenchen.

Thank you. It's been a pleasure discussing our latest collaboration!

Technical specifications


Ace x Nivada Grenchen F77 Amsterdam

Reference: 68014A77

Limited edition of 50 pieces

Case

  • Material: Brushed and polished stainless steel 3-part case
  • Diameter of 37 mm
  • Height of 12.6 mm
  • Double domed Sapphire Glass
  • Closed case back; engraving “Ace Jewelers xx/50”
  • Water-resistant up to 10ATM/100m/330feet

Dial and hands

  • Black dial with matt finishing, unique to Amsterdam edition
  • Shiny Silver Applied indexes
  • Applied XXX signature at 12:00, unique to Amsterdam edition

Movement

  • Soprod P024
  • Frequency: 28’800 vph (4 Hz)
  • Number of jewels: 25
  • 38-hour power reserve

Functions/Indications

  • Hours, minutes, centre seconds

Strap and buckle

  • Stainless steel bracelet

MSRP

  • EUR 1'270 (incl. taxes)
  • EUR 1'050 (excl. taxes)

For more information, please visit acejewelers.com

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