Nivada Grenchen’s new F77 MKII stuns with a Dark Blue Aventurine dial
Tom Austin- Nivada Grenchen pushes forward with the revered F77, unleashing new dials for the MKII, such as the stunning Dark Blue Aventurine stone
- Updates for the MKII include a redesigned bracelet, a slimmer case with a refined lug profile, plus some subtle dial tweaks, including a new dauphine handset
- The new F77 MKII retains all the style and character of the previous model, while adding subtle refinements that elevate the final result
Generally, society today dictates that product cycles must deliver something fresh and new faster than ever before. For example, I’m old enough to remember when car designs used to stay the same for about 10-15 years before a new model was released. These days, that timeline feels much more contracted. Just when you get used to one thing, the new one is just around the corner, and it’s almost always completely different. However, the watch industry tends to be different. There are several examples in the watch industry where brands take the “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” approach, in which subtle tweaks and gentle refinements take precedence over entirely new design-language refreshes.
Nivada Grenchen is taking the same approach with the F77 MKII. Originally launched in 2023, the F77 was a reissue of the 1977 original, an uncompromising integrated bracelet design which was very much of its time. Today, the F77 still retains that stylish character with a hint of tool-like aesthetics, but the MKII brings more of what modern collectors expect in a contemporary model. It’s these kinds of incremental adjustments that can elevate a watch from being “just another integrated bracelet sports watch” to a true contender in what is a rather busy end of the market.
At first glance, it’s quite challenging to see the differences from the previous model, and that’s the point, but the differences are important. First of all, the 316L stainless steel case is now 38mm in diameter, compared to the MKI’s 37mm, giving the watch a little more presence on the wrist. The overall thickness is now 12.2mm, down from 12.65mm of the previous models, balancing out that extra millimetre of case width. While the case features an integrated bracelet design, it also has lugs that follow the bracelet profile, and these lugs have been curved slightly for a more slender, refined look, despite a lug-to-lug size increase to 46.2mm. These lugs have also been drilled, too, which, by modern standards, is arguably a step backwards compared to other watches; however, from an enthusiast’s perspective, drilled lugs are always a solid win.
The MKII also features a newly designed stainless steel bracelet, which features the same 3-link foundation but is tapered with improved ergonomics for enhanced comfort and wearability. This can be easily swapped out for an alternative rubber strap, or for a utilitarian twist, a velcro canvas number, thanks to those neat new drilled lugs. It’s clear that functionality remains an important feature of the F77’s case, with the MKII offering 100 meters of water resistance thanks to the screw-down crown and the double-domed sapphire crystal, which is sandwiched into the case via the softly curved octagonal bezel. It’s relatively unusual to see a domed crystal on a watch like this, but with its 1970s heritage, it’s nice to see it retains some vintage inspiration. What’s less vintage-inspired, though, is the anti-reflective coating on the crystal, ensuring that sumptuous dial is in clear view at any time of the day.
The F77 MKII’s dial sees some subtle improvements, too, alongside a strong selection of dial finishes and materials. The particular model pictured is the Dark Blue Aventurine, highlighting one of the best stone dials on offer from Nivada Grenchen. The inky dark blue stone is scattered with sparkling inclusions that give it a striking resemblance to a night sky, and while that’s probably the most clichéd metaphor for this dial, it is the most accurate because it’s absolutely gorgeous. Everything on the dial is clear and straightforward, with polished applied hour markers marked with tiny pips of lume at the ends, alongside a new set of polished dauphine hands, which give it a somewhat dressy vibe.
Despite the case changes, the same movement sits inside: the Soprod P024 automatic no-date calibre. It offers 38 hours of power reserve while beating at 28,800 Vph, and keeps everything as simple and reliable as it needs to be. Thankfully, it’s a true no-date variation, meaning there are no phantom date positions when operating the crown, which is great to see. The P024 is a no-nonsense Swiss-made automatic calibre, and a solid alternative to the likes of the 2824 from ETA, so you can always rely on the F77 to remain accurate and on time.
Nivada Grenchen F77 MKII Dark Blue Aventurine pricing & availability
The Nivada Grenchen F77 MKII Dark Blue Aventurine is available directly from Nivada Grenchen now. Price: £1,450GBP/US$1,360
| Brand | Nivada Grenchen |
| Model | F77 MKII Dark Blue Aventurine |
| Reference | 68047A77 |
| Case Dimensions | 38mm (D) x 12.1mm (T) x 46.2mm (LTL) |
| Case Material | 316L stainless steel |
| Water Resistance | 100 meters |
| Crystal(s) | Double-domed sapphire, anti-reflective coated |
| Dial | Dark blue aventurine stone |
| Lug Width | 22mm |
| Bracelet | Integrated stainless steel, rubber strap, or velcro canvas strap |
| Movement | Soprod P024 automatic |
| Power Reserve | 38 hours |
| Functions | Hours, minutes, seconds |
| Availability | Available now |
| Price | Price: £1,450GBP/US$1,360 |