Deep Freeze: the cool history of the Nivada Grenchen Antarctic
D.C. HannayWe’re huge fans of Nivada Grenchen here at T+T, and with good reason. Not only does the legendary name boast a deep catalogue of iconic references with genuine history, present-day Nivada brings those classic looks and rock-solid functionality to collectors at approachable prices.
Aashdin K. Billimoria has been hunting vintage watches for most of his life, with an enviable collection that numbers in the hundreds. A dedicated historian and archivist, he’s also an author, having written two books on vintage Nivada Grenchen watches. What follows is his fascinating history of one of Nivada’s most iconic models, the Antarctic.
At the time of its introduction in the early 1950s, the Nivada Aquamatic (Waterproof + Automatic) was widely regarded as the company’s most reliable model. Nivada utilized this as the foundational concept for the Antarctic series, which was introduced in the years 1954 and 1955. Specifically, the latter was promoted as follows:
“This is the watch that went to the Antarctic with the U.S. Navy Operation Deepfreeze. It was repeatedly submerged in icy waters, knocked against ice & immersed in deep snow… yet it maintained steadfast accuracy wherever men and machine could go. Waterproof, selfwinding, shock resistant and antimagnetic …the Nivada Antarctic can take whatever wear you give it…anywhere!”
The Nivada Grenchen Antarctic was the first watch to be sent to the Antarctic. It was delivered to Admiral Richard Byrd and his United States Navy crew in 1955/1956 so that they could take it with them on their expedition to the South Pole as part of Operation Deep Freeze I. The model won a position in the annals of horology, thanks to a remarkable accomplishment of enormous proportion. On the other hand, up until relatively recently (before it was brought back into production), it was among the most undervalued expedition watches ever.
Doyle Dane Bernbach, a well-known advertising agency in New York City, was responsible for the first Antarctic advertisement, featuring an individual smoking a cigarette and wearing a first-execution Antarctic. The man in the photo was model Peter Jarman (sporting a fake beard), and apparently, the advertisement was so striking that Nivada approved it and began showing it internationally. This caused Cuban strongman Fulgencio Batista to become enraged, believing that Jarman bore an uncomfortably close likeness to a particular Fidel Castro, with whom he was fighting at the time. As a result, the advertisement was not allowed to be shown in Cuba!
The very first execution of the Antarctic had the longest production run, which lasted for over eight years. It possessed a powerful personality that was all its own. Adorned with huge applied numerals and markers in the art deco style. On the outside border of the faceted markers, the lume plots were arranged in a complementary V shape, whereas behind 3, 6, 9, and 12 they were arranged in a straight line. The size of the case was 35mm without the crown, and it had a thick bezel, flat beveled lugs, and a small number of cases had embossing on the caseback. The majority of them were driven by an ETA calibre 1256 movement, which was subsequently superseded by calibre 2375, 23XX, and 24XX. In contrast to the typefaces used in subsequent revisions, the ones that were employed were straight and neatly spaced. Nivada went on to launch Antarctic II, III, IV, V, VI, and other models as a result of the success of this particular model. During the 1950s, Antarctic developed its diver’s series in addition to a multitude of other models.
Shown above are two examples of the first execution models. The name ‘ANTARCTIC’ was printed on the dial only after the watch went to the Antarctic with Admiral Byrd and his crew. The one on the right is a rare example of the pre expedition Antarctic. In addition to the original pedigree line, the Antarctic series included a multitude of models. A wide variety of watches, including divers, dress watches, explorer watches, and more. There were even some that have their chronometer certification. Their casings were either made of solid gold, gold-plated with a stainless steel case back, or made of stainless steel. There was a COW code carved into the Nivada Grenchen movements of the models that Croton imported for the market in the United States. In that era, a great number of watch firms engaged in this activity.
From “Operation Deep Freeze I” in 1955-1956 to “Operation Deep Freeze II” and “Operation Deep Freeze Ill” and so on, the United States has used the codename “Operation Deep Freeze” to refer to a succession of missions that have been conducted in Antarctica. Admiral Richard Byrd was the one who gave the suggestion for the name. The International Geophysical Year (IGY), which took place between 1957 and 1958, was the primary impetus behind Deep Freeze I. IYG was a collaborative effort to carry out a variety of scientific research from the North Pole to the South Pole and at various places in between. It was carried out by forty different nations. A group of countries, including the United States of America, New Zealand, France, the United Kingdom, Japan, Norway, Chile, Argentina, and the Soviet Union, came to an agreement to travel to the south pole, which was the least explored and most desolate region on Earth. The primary objective of their expedition was to acquire and investigate knowledge regarding the hydrography and weather systems of Antarctica, as well as glacial movements and marine life. The United States Navy was tasked with providing assistance to the American scientists who were conducting their part of the IGY investigations. The position of commander in charge of the expedition was given to Rear Admiral Richard E. Byrd, who had previously participated in four Antarctic Expeditions. Task Force 43, which was formed in 1955 and was directed by Rear Admiral George J. Dufek, was responsible for providing logistical support for the mission to be undertaken. During the course of Operation Deep Freeze I, which took place between November 1955 and April 1956, a permanent research station was established, which provided the foundation for subsequent operations that would involve more thorough research.
One of the most fascinating aspects of the watch is the medallion that symbolises the Nivada Antarctica and is embedded into the caseback. The operation Deep Freeze I scenario is depicted on it, and you are transported back in time to experience it. The engraved aircraft has a narrative that goes as follows. After a flight of twelve and a half hours from Christchurch, New Zealand, a Douglas C-124 Globemaster II, more commonly known as “Miss North Carolina”, became the first aircraft to land in Antarctica on October 21, 1956.
In 2018, two individuals, cognisant of the original brand’s increasingly popular vintage fanbase, endeavoured to resurrect Nivada Grenchen in its native Switzerland. Guillaume Laidet, a French entrepreneur and founder of the brand William L. 1985, has established his presence in the watch industry by creating and manufacturing affordable vintage-style models with automated movements. Remi Chabrat, his partner, gained recognition as the Chief Executive Officer of Montrichard Group. This company is involved in the supply of parts and the manufacturing of timepieces, with a specific focus on producing watches efficiently for small brands and private labels.
Chabrat and the Montrichard Group were able to acquire the licensing rights to use the Nivada Grenchen name and the discontinued models from Nivada Swiss. This was made possible by an existing business relationship with the owners of the Nivada Swiss brand in Mexico. Therefore, Laidet and Chabrat embarked on a mission to provide collectors with precisely what they want, and effectively revived Nivada Grenchen by reintroducing three of its most historically significant timepieces in 2020: the Chronomaster, Depthmaster, and Antarctic.
Aashdin’s third book, A Comprehensive Guide To Vintage Swiss Watches, is available to order via his Instagram page.