When Guillaume Laidet, the man at the helm of Nivada Grenchen since its relaunch in 2018, happened upon a Chronosport model on an auction site, and he posted a photo of it on his social media. It is estimated that only 20 prototypes of this watch were produced in the 70s. As prototypes, they were never commercialized, making them even more interesting and desirable in the eyes of collectors. Thus, the image went viral, sparking a demand for a reissue from the community.
The new Chronosport stands out for its elegant design, advanced technical features and, most notably, its dial, which deserves a closer look to fully appreciate its beauty. The background is a textured matte black. The two embossed sub-dials for minutes and seconds, in taupe with a hint of khaki, are positioned unusually at 12H and 9H. The tachymeter scale surrounding the dial adds a sophisticated tool watch touch.
The pointed baton indices, enhanced with white Super-LumiNova and a white or yellow dot, underscore the design’s refinement. Similarly, the hands, also filled with yellow or white, echo the elegance. The bold white logo and the Paul Newman Art Deco typography contribute to a fascinating sense of visual depth.
Another notable element is the dial’s origin. It was designed by Jean Singer, one of the greatest dial makers in Switzerland. His exotic creations, such as the Omega Speedmaster Racing and the Heuer Skipper, are among the most sought-after in the watchmaking world.
At the heart of this watch beats the automatic Valjoux-7750-ETA movement with 42 hours of power reserve. It supports central hours, minutes, seconds, date, and the tachymeter scale, which allows one to measure speed over a known distance.
The 38mm 316L stainless steel case, with a thickness of 15.7mm, is protected by a domed sapphire crystal with an anti-reflective coating, ensuring both durability and clarity. The Chronosport also boasts a stunning fluted unidirectional rotating aluminium bezel, highlighted by a white or yellow dot at 12 o’clock that elegantly makes it pop.
Water-resistant up to 200 meters, this watch is a stylish and practical choice for aquatic activities. Customization enthusiasts will appreciate the 10 strap options available, ranging from metal to leather to fabric.
The new Chronosport from Nivada Grenchen will be available for pre-order starting July 25th for one month: all these pieces will be individually numbered. After this date, the chronograph will join the permanent collection, but without individual numbering.
