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Nivada Grenchen: Pushing Boundaries Since 1926
Nivada Grenchen are a distinguished name in the watchmaking industry, founded in 1926 by Jacob Schneider in the Swiss town of Grenchen. The company have remained at the forefront of horology, embracing both challenges and opportunities to redefine what is possible in watch design and performance. Nivada Grenchen's legacy are built on the principle of pioneering new features for their timepieces, many of which were groundbreaking for their era. From the early days of the brand, they established a reputation for creating highly functional and reliable watches that were suited for both everyday wear and extreme conditions. They were one of the first companies to introduce automatic watches in the 1930s, a significant milestone that set the stage for future innovations. By the 1950s and 1960s, Nivada Grenchen have cemented their place in watchmaking history with iconic models designed to perform in the harshest environments. Today, the brand continues to attract attention for their reissues of legendary models and the revival of its classic designs, showcasing a seamless blend of heritage and modern horology.
Nivada Grenchen Collections: Watches Made For the Bold And The Brave
One of the most celebrated collections of Nivada Grenchen is the Antarctic, which made its debut in 1950. The Antarctic was an immediate success, particularly for its robust construction and reliability in extreme environments. The timepiece became legendary when it was worn by the members of the American Navy’s Deep Freeze 1 expedition to the South Pole between 1955 and 1956. The original Antarctic was praised for its resistance to cold and pressure, making it the ideal companion for the harsh conditions of the Antarctic. Nivada Grenchen revived this iconic model with the Super Antarctic, which stays true to the design of the 1950s original but is updated with modern features such as sapphire glass and a Swiss automatic movement. The Super Antarctic reissue has quickly become a favourite among watch collectors, with its signature sword and lollipop hands offering excellent legibility and style.
The Chronomaster collection, introduced in 1961, marked another milestone for the brand. Known for its waterproof design and precision, the Chronomaster became one of the most recognised chronographs of its time. The chronograph was capable of withstanding depths of up to 200 metres, making it a reliable tool for professional divers and adventurers alike. The Chronomaster was offered in various iterations over the years, each maintaining the brand's commitment to robustness, while also introducing new features to meet the needs of divers and watch enthusiasts. In more recent years, the Chronomaster has been revived, retaining its vintage appeal while incorporating modern technologies and materials. First introduced in the 1970s, the F77 collection represents a bold period in Nivada Grenchen’s design history. Characterised by its integrated bracelet, angular case, and distinctive dial patterns, the F77 was a model that embraced the avant-garde aesthetics of the 1970s. Its futuristic design appealed to those seeking both functionality and a modern, edgy look.
The Depthmaster collection is another hallmark of the brand’s expertise in dive watches. Introduced in 1964, the Depthmaster was a true innovation, being the first diver’s watch to include a depth indicator, or bathymeter. The Depthmaster earned the nickname “Pac-Man” among enthusiasts, further cementing its status as a cult favourite. The model's design, built to withstand depths of up to 1000 metres, was revolutionary for its time. Today, the Depthmaster continues to embody the brand’s legacy of creating watches that excel under pressure, both literally and figuratively. In addition to these iconic collections, Nivada Grenchen has also introduced the Chronosport, a model that was first introduced in the 1970s. This timepiece, though originally produced as a prototype, was recently reissued due to popular demand. The Chronosport has an unmistakable aesthetic with its distinctive dial design, which features embossed sub-dials and a tachymeter scale, making it a functional yet sophisticated watch. It draws inspiration from the design work of Jean Singer, one of Switzerland's most renowned dial makers, ensuring that it appeals to collectors and enthusiasts who appreciate fine details and originality.