The Nivada Grenchen Chronosport turns a prototype into a production must-have
Buffy Acacia- The new Nivada Grenchen Chronosport is a remake of an unreleased 1970s prototype.
- The original’s dial was manufactured by Singer, who also made Rolex “Paul Newman” Daytona dials.
- It’s even powered by a Valjoux 7750 automatic chronograph movement for retro-thematic accuracy.
If running a resurrected watch company is like being the captain of a pirate ship, then discovering a beautiful old prototype must be like finding buried treasure. Maybe that’s a bit of a strained simile, but the point is that it must feel incredible. Well, that’s the origin story of the new Nivada Grenchen Chronosport, built as a near-one-to-one recreation of the 1970s prototype of which only 20 pieces are believed to have been made.
It wouldn’t be correct to call the Nivada Grenchen Chronosport a reissue, because the original version from the ‘70s was never “issued” in the first place. Just because a vintage watch is rare, doesn’t make it inherently desirable, but from a collector’s standpoint, the original certainly would be. The main drawcard, aside from its prototype status, is the dial made by Jean Singer & Cie who manufactured dials for the legendary Rolex “Paul Newman” Daytona references. The fact that another vintage Nivada in a completely different case with the same kind of Singer dial sold at a Christie’s auction for CHF 5,040 in 2022 proves how desirable they are. The squared-lollipop markers on the subdials along with the whimsical Arabic numeral font are instant hallmarks of Singer’s work, without there being any sense that this is a homage or even direct reference to the Daytona.
A closer inspection of the dial reveals some gorgeous attention to detail that feels intricate and cohesive without sacrificing any legibility. The black backdrop has a soft matte texture making the red line of water resistance pop, and the mocha-brown of the subdials at 9 and 12 o’clock just feels delectably vintage. The hour markers along with the baton hands and bezel pip have spots of Super-LumiNova for after-dark visibility too, and you’re able to choose whether you’d like them to look yellowed with age or crisp white as if brand new. The aluminium bezel design itself is neat too, with a bumpy outer edge and dual 60-minute/12-hour markings that are unique to this watch.
All of the visual details are spot-on for this remake, even to the proportion of the jumbo crown. There are a couple of little tweaks, however. The once-37mm case has been slightly bumped up to 38mm, more likely for manufacturing reasons than stylistic ones. The thickness of 15.7mm will definitely be a turn-off for some enthusiasts who prefer slimmer watches, but the slab-sidedness of the case design kind of suits a chunky look. Plus, you have to expect thickness when talking about an automatic chronograph with 200 metres of water resistance.
You may also have noticed that the dial says 25 jewels instead of 17 on the original, which is due to the Valjoux 7750 movement. It’s thematically on-point for a ‘70s chronograph having been ubiquitous in those days (the original being powered by the Valjoux 7765), and provides a reliable 42 hours of power reserve, a 4Hz beat rate, and a date display. The stainless steel bracelet is a nice inclusion when a leather strap could have easily suited the style, its end-link smoothly meeting up with the harsh facet of the lugs. The flat three-link style is appropriately retro and tapers down to a chunky folding clasp. Having said that, just like Nivada’s other watches, there are plenty of strap options available.
Nivada Grenchen Chronosport pricing & availability
The Nivada Grenchen Chronosport will be available for pre-order from the Time+Tide Shop from July 25th, with delivery expected in October 2024. Price: US$2,180
| Brand | Nivada Grenchen |
| Model | Chronosport |
| Case Dimensions | 38mm (D) x 15.7mm (T) x 44.3mm (LTL) |
| Case Material | Stainless steel |
| Water Resistance | 200 metres |
| Crystal(s) | Sapphire |
| Dial | Black with white or yellow lume |
| Strap | Stainless steel bracelet |
| Movement | ETA/Valjoux 7750, automatic |
| Power Reserve | 42 hours |
| Functions | Hours, minutes, small seconds, date, chronograph |
| Availability | Pre-order from July 25, delivery in October 2024 |
| Price | US$2,180 |