Go exploring with The Ace x Nivada Grenchen Super Antarctic Polar
Fergus NashThe Amsterdam-based Ace Jewelers are really making their name known throughout the watch world thanks to their collaborations, especially with the likes of Nomos and the Diversity Series with Elka. Nivada Grenchen have had quite an extraordinary comeback in recent years, simultaneously embracing their storied heritage and experimenting with fun collabs. The new Ace x Nivada Grenchen Super Antarctic Polar also does both, paying tribute to the Operation Deep Freeze mission of 1955.
The International Geophysical Year beginning in 1957 was a huge undertaking by forty countries to study across the globe, from pole to pole. Of course, in order to do that, the United States had to first send scientists to the South Pole. The first Operation Deep Freeze was the codename for the US Navy’s Antarctic expedition in 1955-56, supporting the scientists in the upcoming IGY. Nivada Grenchen also supported the mission, sending their brand new (at the time) Antarctic model to test out its waterproofing and anti-magnetism. A later advertisement claimed “They were subjected to prolonged immersion, extreme altitude and high-magnetism. They were dropped and knocked against ice. They were never wound. Through all these tests, Nivada’s Antarctics kept perfect time.”
Although the modern iteration of the Super Antarctic differs in ways from the original Antarctic, Nivada Grenchen’s team-up with Ace Jewelers has given it a crisp, white Polar dial in honour of that exploration. The dial’s finishing is neither totally matte nor too shiny, reflecting the empty whiteness of an Antarctic snowstorm well. The vintage-style numerals are quite dimensional with the height of luminous material applied, and bordered by black outlines for easy legibility. A burst of orange has been used for the seconds hand, as orange is one of the most easily-visible colours when surrounded by bleak landscapes.
The stainless steel case hits a good middle ground between vintage accuracy and modern wrist presence, with a 38mm diameter and 12mm height including the double-domed sapphire crystal. The lug-to-lug length is 45mm, making it extremely comfortable and easily a gender neutral option. It’s powered by the Soprod P024, which is another Swiss alternative to the ETA 2824 or the Sellita SW200. Soprod is a division of the Festina Group, and the P024 has a 38-hour power reserve, 4Hz beat rate, and accuracy rating within +/-12 seconds per day. The movement is covered by a solid caseback, emblazoned with a golden medallion depicting an Antarctic scene. Accompanying the watch is a stainless steel beads-of-rice bracelet which carries lots of 1950s character, and a bright orange NATO strap for a more casual, sporty feel.
The Ace x Nivada Grenchen Super Antarctic Polar pricing and availability
The Ace x Nivada Grenchen Super Antarctic Polar is limited to just 50 pieces, and is available from the Ace Jewelers online store, and the Ace & Dik boutique in Amsterdam. Price: €955 Excluding VAT (€1,555 Inc. VAT)
| Brand | Nivada Grenchen |
| Model | Ace Jewelers x Nivada Grenchen Super Antarctic Polar |
| Reference Number | 32025A-ACE1 |
| Case Dimensions | 38mm (D) x 12mm (T) x 45mm (LTL) |
| Case Material | Stainless steel |
| Water Resistance | 100 metres |
| Dial | White |
| Crystal(s) | Double-domed sapphire |
| Strap | Stainless steel beads-of-rice bracelet and orange NATO strap |
| Movement | Soprod P024 |
| Power Reserve | 38 hours |
| Functions | Hours, minutes, seconds |
| Availability | Limited to 50 pieces, exclusive to Ace Jewelers |
| Price | €955 Excluding VAT (€1,555 Inc. VAT) |