The Nivada Grenchen Chronoking “Paul Newman” Orange hits vintage notes for under US$500
Zach Blass- The Nivada Grenchen Chronoking is a meca-quartz chronograph that uses quartz for the time and a mechanical module for the chronograph
- This Chronoking “Paul Newman” Orange uses the famed Jean Singer numeral font for the registers also seen on Paul Newman Daytonas
- It is a limited edition, with a five-week order window period
You know the saying “if you’ve got it, flaunt it”? Well, Nivada Grenchen has aptly done just that. Reaching into their rich archives, the folks over at Nivada Grenchen have announced a limited edition Chronoking “Paul Newman” Orange watch that pays homage to a Chronoking from the ’70s. Were other brands to use popular vintage aesthetics that do not belong to their brand, it would be a bit too opportunistic and homage-y. For Nivada Grenchen, however, bringing the beloved numeral font seen on the grail-status Rolex “Paul Newman” Daytonas, among other watches, is a genuine pull from their own history.
Nivada Grenchen explains: “For this reissue, Nivada Grenchen worked on a new version of its fabled Chronomaster, inspired by a vintage Chronoking dial straight out of those wild and wonderful seventies. Originally sporting ‘Paul Newman’-style sub-dials, it was on a tonneau case housing a Valjoux 72 movement and behind this very special dial, a very special name: Jean Singer, a leading Swiss dial maker based in La Chaux-de-Fonds and highly regarded for producing some of the most iconic and collectible exotic dials the watchmaking world ever had and has to offer. Dials such as the striking Speedmaster Racing, the punchy Heuer Skipper or Universal’s intensely blue Nina were all made by the one and only Jean Singer.”
That being said, this Chronoking does not use a Valjoux 72 chronograph movement like its muse did. But, for the budget-conscious, this is not necessarily a bad thing. While I do have my own personal hang-ups with some meca-quartz movements, the usage of this hybrid technology movement allows for a much less expensive watch – which means a much greater number of people are able to get in on the fun.
At 38mm in diameter, the 100m water-resistant case is wrist-friendly and robust enough for summer adventures. The pop of orange certainly brings ’70s flair befitting of summertime vibes. At a price of US$479, and a five-week window to order this limited edition, it also rather budget-friendly as well. While nearly twice as much as the Swatch x Omega MoonSwatch, if you can stretch your budget this is a vastly superior watch in my personal opinion. Considering it can actually be swam with, has a timing bezel, double-domed sapphire crystal for vintage effect, and a Jean Singer-style dial that is very striking and handsome, this, at least for now, is one of the budget-friendly daily wearers to beat.
Nivada Grenchen Chronoking “Paul Newman” Orange pricing and availability:
The Nivada Grenchen Chronoking “Paul Newman” Orange will be available for purchase as a limited edition, with all orders placed within the five-week order window honoured and delivered by September/October 2023. Price: US$479
| Brand | Nivada Grenchen |
| Model | Chronoking “Paul Newman” Orange |
| Case Dimensions | 38mm (D) x 13.7mm (T) |
| Case Material | Stainless steel |
| Water Resistance | 100m |
| Dial | Black with orange accents |
| Crystal | Double-domed sapphire crystal |
| Strap | Black “Tropic” rubber strap |
| Movement | Seiko VK64 meca-quartz |
| Functions | Hours, minutes, seconds, chronograph |
| Availability | Limited Edition with July 27 – August 31 order window |
| Price | US$479 |