New
Timekeepers Club / July 9, 2024

Nivada Grenchen Chronosport 38mm

Nivada Grenchen presents new Chronosport 38mm. A previously unreleased vintage chronograph prototype is gearing up for a sensational debut!

Since 1926, Nivada Grenchen watches have embodied the excellence of Swiss watchmaking. In 2018, Guillaume Laidet took the helm of the brand with a clear vision: to reissue and make the iconic models of the Maison accessible to a wider audience. Today, the revival of a rare vintage watch from the 70s, the sleek and sophisticated Chronosport, promises to captivate watch enthusiasts worldwide.

Another Epiphany

When Guillaume Laidet happened upon the Chronosport model on an auction site, it was pure serendipity. Seconds later, he posted a photo on his social media, and the Insta instantly went viral, sparking huge demand for a reissue from the community. It’s estimated that only 20 prototypes of this watch were produced in the 70s. As prototypes, they were never commercialized, making them even more interesting and precious in the eyes of collectors. The kind of rare treasure, a once in a lifetime find that you can only dream of unearthing one day.

Two versions available

The new Chronosport stands out for its elegant design, advanced technical features, and most notably, its one-of-a-kind face. Indeed, its dial is both striking and original, deserving a closer, deeper look to fully appreciate its exceptional beauty: a textured matte black background; two embossed sub-dials (minutes and seconds) in taupe with a hint of khaki, positioned in an inspired move at 12 and 9 o’clock. The tachymeter scale surrounding the dial adds a sophisticated tool watch touch. The pointed baton indices, enhanced with white Super-LumiNova® and a white or yellow dot, underscore the design’s refinement. Similarly, the hands, also filled with yellow or white, echo the elegance. The bold white logo and the Paul Newman Art Deco typography contribute to a fascinating sense of visual depth.

Another notable element is the dial’s origin, designed by Jean Singer, one of the greatest dial makers in Switzerland. His exotic creations, such as the Omega Speedmaster Racing and the Heuer Skipper, are among the most sought-after in the watchmaking world. The Chronosport incorporates these successful elements with a unique style that is sure to captivate discerning collectors.

Valjoux-7750-ETA automatic

At the heart of this watch beats the automatic Valjoux-7750-ETA movement, featuring a 42-hour power reserve and full functions: central hours, minutes, seconds, date, and more (see below). The 38mm 316L stainless steel case, with a thickness of 15.7mm, is protected by a domed sapphire crystal with an anti-reflective coating, ensuring both durability and clarity.

The Chronosport also boasts a stunning fluted unidirectional rotating aluminum bezel, highlighted by a white or yellow dot at 12 o’clock that elegantly makes it pop.

Water-resistant up to 200 meters, this watch is both a stylish and practical choice for aquatic activities. Customization enthusiasts will be delighted by the 10 strap options available, ranging from metal to leather to fabric.

The Need for Speed

For those who feel it, the Chronosport comes equipped with a tachymeter scale, allowing you to measure speed over a known distance, a technical feature cherished by pilots and race car drivers. This functionality is both practical and aesthetic, enhancing the appeal of this exceptional watch.

The Tachymeter Scale

  1. Start: When the object or vehicle begins to move, start the chronograph.
  2. Stop: Stop the chronograph after the object or vehicle has traveled a known distance (1 km or 1 mile).
  3. Read the Speed: Read the average speed directly on the tachymeter scale where the chronograph second hand has stopped.

For example, if the car travels one kilometer in 30 seconds, the second hand will stop at the 120 mark on the tachymeter scale, indicating an average speed of 120 km/h.

The new Chronosport from Nivada Grenchen will be available for pre-order starting July 25th for one month: all these pieces will be individually numbered. After this date, the chronograph will join the permanent collection but without individual numbering.

Technical specifications


Nivada Grenchen Chronosport 38mm

2 versions available: Indexes and hands SLN off-white or white

Case

  • Material: 316L stainless steel, polished & brushed
  • Diameter: 38 mm
  • Thickness: 15.7 mm
  • Crystal: Double-domed sapphire
  • Bezel: Unidirectional rotating
  • Case Back: Solid, screw-in
  • Water-resistant to 200 meters (20 ATM)

Dial and hands

  • Black dial
  • Hands and indices coated with SLN off-white or white

Movement

  • Valjoux-7750-ETA automatic with date
  • Diameter: 30 mm (13 ¼ lignes)
  • Height: 7.9 mm
  • Frequency: 28'800 vph (4 Hz)
  • Power reserve of 48 hours

Functions/Indications

  • Central hours, central minutes, central seconds, date, tachymeter

Strap and buckle

  • Solid steel bracelet or calfskin leather strap

MSRP

  • USD 2'180 / EUR 2'035 / CHF 1'960 / GBP 1'725

For more information, please visit nivadagrenchenofficial.com

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