![]() ![]() For pilots and travelers: 12-hour markings on the bezel (look closely) to track another time zone or count flight hours (the latter for pilots, specifically).For motorsports: a tachymeter scale on the dial's periphery used in conjunction with the chronograph to measure speed.For divers: 200m of water resistance and a rotating bezel with minute markings.It claimed a wide range of possible applications, all accomplished by its chronograph functionality, rotating bezel, design and durability features: The Chronomaster stands out for being intended as an all-purpose professional watch. So, what kind of watch is the Chronomaster, then? It's usually easy to spot a watch made for, say, pilots or race car drivers, and most chronographs of the era were made for a specific use. The mid-20th century was a time when a range of sports and industries (like diving and aviation) were developing or becoming newly more accessible to the general public - and they all needed timekeepers. Look a bit closer, however, and it's got even more quirks and features than are at first apparent. Just looking at the Chronomaster, it's easy to understand why: it's a perfect storm of handsome seriousness and fun sportiness that captivates so many fans of this era of watches. In many ways, the Nivada Chronomaster feels representative of sporty 1960s chronographs, a genre of watches that holds special fascination for many collectors. If it's the retro feel and history your after, and can spend a bit more, check out Sinn's 158 Bundeswehr ($2,880) or Breitling's reissues like the Navitimer Ref. There are a couple military-themed watches in this category as well from German brands: Hanhart offers the 417 ES ($1,970) and Limes has its aggressively priced Nightflight (~$1,280). Based on vintage models, both use a Seiko automatic chronograph movement and offer a very solid build quality but don't go quite as far into the details as Nivada. Yema's Speedgraf ($1,499) and bronze Yachtingraf ($1,699) watches are about the closest you'll get, the former giving off a strong motor racing vibe and the latter meant for sailing. If you want something with the 60s panache of Nivada's Chronomaster, however, that's a bit tougher. Quality mechanical chronograph watches under $2k are still rare, but it's exciting that there are indeed some great options. There simply aren't that many Swiss mechanical chronographs with the Chronomaster's captivating 60s look and size available today - and far fewer in its price range. Watch enthusiasts not particularly deep in the weeds of vintage patina and reference numbers might also find the Chronomaster appealing - especially those with slim wrists who find most chronographs to be overly bulky. Considering that actual vintage models often cost more (sometimes significantly more) than this homage, it could be seen as a relatively affordable way for those collectors to get the Chronomaster on their wrists - with, of course, the added benefits of modern watchmaking. Who It's ForĬollectors who are steeped in the history of 1960s sport watches and the current market for vintage chronographs will have a certain appreciation for this recreation of the Chronomaster. Perhaps most remarkable, however, is the value for its level of detail, features and looks that the Chronomaster offers at under $2,000. At 38mm, it feels small for a modern chronograph, but that makes it approachable for thin- to average-wristed individuals who want a wearing experience similar to that of many time-only watches. The Chronomaster looks and wears like a vintage watch because it very accurately replicates an actual 1960s model right down to its size and design details. Movement: Sellita SW510 manual or automatic We got to find out how this modern reissue fits into the watch's story and how it feels on a modern wrist. It also happens to look as captivating as the vintage model and nicely captures its compelling history. ![]() Nivada didn't survive the era of emerging battery-powered watches called the Quartz Crisis, but its name remained high in the consciousness of vintage collectors and was recently revived, along with the Chronomaster.Īrguably the brand's most recognizable model, the resurrected Chronomaster neatly fills a market niche: it offers one of the most classic models of its era, but at a price without much direct competition. But if you know those watches from back in the 60s and 70s, chances are you also know one called the Nivada Chronomaster. ![]() You don't have to be a vintage collector to know the famous midcentury chronographs from the likes of Heuer, Breitling, Zenith and Omega. Nivada Chronomaster Aviator Sea Diver, ~$1,700 ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |