Nivada Grenchen is one of those hidden gems of the vintage watch scene, a brand with a rich history and fascinating models such as the famous Chronomaster Aviator Sea Diver or Depthmaster. Having existed for several decades, the brand was recently revived by French entrepreneur Guillaume Laidet, who acquired the license to use the Nivada Grenchen copyrights in 2019. Following this, Laidet began reissuing some of the brand's most renowned models, including the brand's first waterproof automatic watches - the Antarctic. As a proponent of original, bold designs, he did not hesitate to reproduce the ultra-cool 'Pacman' dial, and today it is another bold and unique look that returns to the scene with the Nivada Grenchen Antarctic Spider Re-Edition.
The Nivada company was founded in Grenchen, Switzerland, in 1926 by Otto Wüllimann, Hermann Schindler, and Jack Schneider. The company remained under the control of the Schneider family until its 50th anniversary in 1976. From its early days, the company focused on producing watches that went beyond mere time indication. They were among the first to be waterproof, with automatic movements or chronographs with additional functions. However, in the 1970s, the watch industry faced the quartz crisis, and Nivada could not adapt to the demand for electronic and battery-powered watches. However, two watch entrepreneurs decided to bring back the name.
The story began in Paris in 2018 during a discussion between Guillaume Laidet, a French entrepreneur in the watch industry, and Remi Chabrat, owner of the Montrichard Group (a private label watch manufacturer). The latter was dealing with a Mexican group (Grupo Industrial Omega SA de CV) that owned the name Nivada, and in 2019 they obtained a license to use the Nivada Grenchen copyrights. Since then, the brand has focused on reimagining the glorious designs of the past using modern constructions, such as the Chronomaster (Nivada's most famous model), Depthmaster, and Antarctic.
The latter is one of the most classic models of the brand. In 1930, Nivada Grenchen was one of the first to produce automatic watches. This led to the creation of Nivada Grenchen's first waterproof automatic watch, the Antarctic, in 1950. These watches were worn by members of the American Navy vessel Deep Freeze 1 during the expedition to the South Pole in 1955-1956. Since then, the brand has reissued these watches, altering their design but so far focusing only on the most classic dials. But now one of the quirkiest, most original, and boldest dials of Nivada Grenchen is returning.
Although the basis for these Nivada Grenchen Antarctic Spider watches was old, their re-release story is anything but vintage. The typical 'connected' background... Indeed, it all started on Instagram when a fan of the brand shared their vintage watch with a rather (to put it mildly) unusual dial. As soon as the brand reposted, a flood of messages came in asking Nivada to recreate these watches... And here they are, the new Nivada Grenchen Antarctic Spider, a visually faithful model adapted to modern standards and construction.
The Antarctic Spider is not just a new dial. In fact, compared to other Antarctic watches, it is new on almost every level, starting with the case, which is almost as original as the dial. The case has a restrained diameter of 38 mm with a polished and smooth bezel and an overall restrained appearance that initially seems classic. But what changes are the lugs. Replacing the traditional straight design of other Antarctic models, the 'Spider' version features twisted lugs, combining a matte outer surface with an inner curved polished edge.
Although the design of the watch is inspired by vintage watches, the technical specifications of the Nivada Grenchen Antarctic Spider Re-Edition are quite modern. The watch is equipped with double-domed sapphire crystal (creating pleasant distortions), a date magnifier like the original watch, a screw-down crown, and a massive steel screw-down case back, providing a comfortable water resistance level of 200 meters. The watch case is compact, with a thickness of 11.1 mm and a lug-to-lug length of 45 mm. The overall construction is clean and neat, creating a pleasant sense of quality.
Of course, the main attraction of these Nivada Grenchen Antarctic Spider watches is their dial... And what an unusual design it is. Typically, these are watches with a disruptive design that some will not like. The dial is graphic, polarizing, attention-grabbing, and unlike anything else currently on the market. But this is precisely what gives this re-edition its special charm. Forget about the radially arranged applied markers found on most watches. This dial is a bit crazy... And very appealing.
The base is a beautifully executed silver sunburst dial. The nickname 'Spider' needs no explanation, as the resemblance to arachnids is obvious: eight vertically applied hour markers and eight 'legs' emanating from the center of the dial. The rest of the dial is certainly faithful to the original model, down to the vintage logos, small luminous dots, and polished dauphine hands. Those with arachnophobia might want to steer clear.
Inside the case is a classic Swiss automatic movement supplied by Soprod. The caliber P024 is an alternative to the ETA 2824, with the same dimensions and characteristics - 25 jewels, 4 Hz frequency, a power reserve of about 40 hours. A solid movement that helps keep the price reasonable.
The Nivada Grenchen Antarctic Spider is available on several straps and bracelets (lug width 20 mm). These include the current retro-style brown leather strap, as well as a black tropical-style rubber strap. Stainless steel Oyster bracelets with rice beads or expandable bracelets with folding clasps are also available.
AVAILABILITY AND PRICE
The Nivada Grenchen Antarctic Spider watches are available for pre-order on the brand's website. Deliveries will begin in January 2022. The watch is priced at 650 euros or 700 Swiss francs with a leather or tropical strap and 850 euros or 900 Swiss francs with a steel Oyster bracelet.
For more detailed information or to place an order, visit nivadagrenchenofficial.com.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS – NIVADA GRENCHEN ANTARCTIC SPIDER
Case: 38 mm diameter x 11.1 mm height – 45 mm lug to lug – stainless steel case, matte and polished – double-domed sapphire crystal with date magnifier – steel case back – screw-down crown – water resistance 200 m
Dial: silver-white dial with matte 'sector dial-spider' design with black printed lines and applied hour markers – polished hands – cream Super-LumiNova on hands and hour markers
Movement: Soprod P024 (ETA 2824 clone) – automatic – 25.60 mm x 4.6 mm – 25 jewels – 28,800 vibrations/hour – 40-hour power reserve – hours, minutes, seconds (hacking) and date
Strap: leather or tropical-style rubber strap
also available Oyster bracelets with rice beads or expandable Oyster bracelets
Availability: pre-order campaign open – deliveries in January 2022
Price: 650 euros or 700 Swiss francs for leather or tropical strap, EUR 850 or CHF 900 on steel bracelets