So, why was the Chronomaster named the Super Chronograph? The best idea is to list its features: a stop-watch/chronograph 200m water-resistance a tachymeter scale a rotating bezel for diving or to display a second time zone and a sailing regatta countdown. All models, whether marked Nivada, Croton, Nivada Grenchen or Croton Nivada Grenchen, are housed in a 38.5mm stainless steel case and, depending on the year of production, can be equipped with quality hand-wound chronograph movements – Venus 210, Valjoux 92, Valjoux 23, Landeron 248 or Valjoux 7733. The Chronomaster was presented in 1961 and was produced until the early 1970s. The design of the Nivada Grenchen Chronomaster is perfectly in line with the style of the early 1960s, and is mostly driven by the functions displayed on its dial and bezel. As described in the old brochures, it was the Super Chronograph. It was actually packed with functions and features. It wasn’t only a pilot’s or a racing chronograph, nor was it a watch only for land. Born in the early 1960s, at a time when the sports and instrument watches were developing at a rapid pace, it made a name for itself by being more than just a simple chronograph. If there’s a single watch to remember from Nivada’s glorious days it has to be the Chronomaster. And the adventure started last year, with the successful relaunch of the Chronomaster, the Depthmaster and the Antarctic. The latter was in business with the Mexican group (Grupo Industrial Omega SA de CV) owner of the name Nivada, and in 2019 they obtained the license to use the Nivada Grenchen copyright. The story started in Paris in 2018 during a discussion between Guillaume Laidet, a French entrepreneur in the watch industry (former Jaeger-LeCoultre, Zenith, and founder of William L.1985), and Remi Chabrat, owner of the Montrichard Group (a private label watchmaker). However, two watch entrepreneurs decided to bring the name back. However, the watchmaking industry had to face the quartz crisis in the 1970s and Nivada failed to adapt to the demand for electronic and battery-powered watches. Nivada was, as many other brands back in the days, sourcing parts from external suppliers, including movements by Venus, Valjoux or Landeron. From the earliest days, the company focused on instrument watches that went beyond the simple indication of the time – among the first to offer water-resistance, automatic movements, or to feature a chronograph with additional functions. The company remained under the control of the Schneider family until its 50th anniversary in 1976. Nivada was founded in Grenchen (Granges), Switzerland in 1926 by Otto Wüllimann, Hermann Schindler and Jack Schneider. Let’s have a closer look at this vintage-inspired watch, modelled after what was once named the Super Chronograph. Finally, the best news is that the most iconic watch ever produced by the brand, the Chronomaster Aviator Sea Diver, has been faithfully re-edited. What’s even more noticeable is the fact that the name Nivada Grenchen, a niche but cult brand specialized in instrumental pieces, is coming back. About a week ago, we introduced you to a rather cool watch, the Nivada Grenchen Depthmaster, which marked the return of a highly original and important model in dive watch history.
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