Try our newest merchandise
Many love a wonderful mecaquartz chronograph. Manufacturers can spend extra money on the seems to be of such watches because of their reasonably priced actions. These watches typically punch above their weight, not less than visually. Others say they’re low cost interpretations of the actual deal, a timepiece with a mechanical motion. I acquired the brand new Nivada Chronosport Blue (computerized) and the Chronosport Mecaquartz Salmon concurrently, and the latter felt pretty much as good as the previous. Now, just some days after publishing my assessment of the Chronosport Blue, listed below are my ideas on the Chronosport Mecaquartz Salmon.
Earlier than we get into it, you must know that the Salmon model pictured right here is, sadly, now not out there. It was just for sale throughout a pre-order window, however on account of an unlucky miscommunication, we weren’t capable of publish this text in a extra well timed style. Our apologies for that, and we hope, if nothing else, this text will nonetheless function a helpful assessment of the Chronosport Mecaquartz typically. Additionally, I ought to be aware that I’m not making an attempt to instantly evaluate the Mecaquartz model(s) to the mechanical Chronosport fashions. Except for their seems to be, we’re speaking about very totally different timepieces. Nonetheless, we can not communicate in regards to the Chronosport Mecaquartz Salmon with out mentioning the Chronosport Blue since they got here out concurrently.
The Nivada Chronosport
The primary trendy Nivada Chronosport, which I reviewed some time again, is available in two variations. You will get it with trendy white lume, or for a extra classic really feel, you’ll be able to go for yellow lume. My assessment watch had the latter. Quickly after, Nivada launched the Chronosport Mecaquartz to serve an viewers with much less finances however equal thirst for vintage-inspired chronographs. The Mecaquartz takes inspiration from the common Chronosport, but it surely has a 12-9-6 sub-dial structure as a substitute of simply two sub-dials. It begins at simply €550 versus €2,395 (and extra) for the mechanical computerized model. Each examples draw direct lineage to the unique Chronosport from the late Seventies. Lately, Nivada expanded the road with a brand new blue-dial model of the mechanical Chronosport and the limited-edition Mecaquartz Salmon mannequin you see right here.
Chronosport Mecaquartz Salmon
To the bare eye, the Nivada Chronosport Mecaquartz Salmon seems to be acquainted. That’s as a result of the primary Chronosport Mecaquartz comes with a black dial and taupe sub-dials. The Salmon mannequin seems to be similar, other than the totally different shade sub-dials. Because the model places it, the “matte black textured dial is adorned with Artwork Deco-inspired sub-dials in salmon tones, including depth and a singular classic attraction.”
Certainly, the pair of salmon and black is an age-old trick within the watch trade that works, identical to the Singer-style minute scale on the sub-dials. I may even forgive Nivada for the 12-9-6 sub-dial structure, which isn’t in model (I ponder if it ever was). At 3 o’clock, Nivada added a date aperture to counterbalance the salmon subs. The one draw back is that the bezel rotates whereas adjusting the quick-set date, however I can stay with that.
On the wrist
Crucial factor you could keep in mind when carrying the Nivada Chronosport Mecaquartz is that, with the bracelet, it’s a €770 watch. If this had been a sport, I’d name it a cheat code. The motion makes the value considerably decrease than the automated variations. Consequently, it’s not Swiss made like its massive brother is. Sure, the dial structure is comparable however not similar. two of the watch’s dimensions, they’re the identical because the mechanical model, with a 38mm diameter and a 44.8mm lug-to-lug. Notably, although, for the reason that motion is thinner, this mannequin has a 13.3mm profile, together with the crystal, equaling a 2.4mm discount from its mechanical counterpart. The load, at 143 grams, is barely 20 grams much less. It has the essence of the classic/trendy mechanical Chronosport with, some could say, an excellent higher execution, being balanced in seems to be, weight distribution, and bang for the buck.
Usability
The benefit of three sub-dials is clear. On the 6 o’clock place, we discover the working seconds with that unmistakable quartz ticking, adopted by the 12-hour counter for the chronograph at 9 o’clock. At 12, we have now the 60-minute counter. All in all, it’s a transparent and legible watch face with yellow faux-patina lume within the arms and indexes and a small however readable date aperture.
But, identical to with the Chronosport Blue, I can not use the tachymeter scale printed on the sting of the dial. It’s small and unimaginable to learn, and the double-domed sapphire crystal distorts the view. Moreover, the aluminum bidirectional 60-minute/12-hour bezel is so free that it strikes every time I contact the watch. Then once more, I acquired an early prototype, so maybe it’s been remedied since then. Fortunately, the mechanical motion on the beginning/cease and reset pushers is there, and the watch doesn’t really feel like some low cost copy however a coherent timepiece.
The motion inside
Let’s spend a minute on the caliber. Contained in the Nivada Chronosport Mecaquartz ticks Seiko’s VK67 mecaquartz motion. One of many go-to calibers for mecaquartz watches, the VK67 gives a mechanical chronograph module and a tuning-fork-style quartz expertise for the principle features. It’s a easy however environment friendly motion that enables manufacturers to maintain the value low and spend the cash on options just like the 316L case, the bracelet with micro-adjustment and push buttons, and the 200m water resistance. Additionally, the VK67 offers you an accuracy of about ±20 seconds monthly. With the Chronosport Mecaquartz, you get all this for lower than €800 on a bracelet or underneath €600 on a strap.
Closing phrases
Talking of the bracelet, the Chronosport Mecaquartz has the identical one as the automated mannequin. The brand new clasp has two push buttons to safe it and a built-in micro-adjustment mechanism. This enables a +13mm bracelet extension do you have to want it. In the event you ask me, quick-release spring bars ought to now be the norm for leather-based straps. Equally, a micro-adjust clasp ought to now be normal for metal bracelets. I’m taking a look at you, Grand Seiko.
In the event you go for the bracelet, you’ll spend €770 / US$700. Do you have to decide as a substitute for a leather-based strap or a rubber Tropic-style one, the value drops to €550 / US$500. I counsel going with the bracelet, although. Whereas it’s costlier, you’ll be able to at all times take away it and use no matter 20mm strap you want. In the event you by no means resolve to maneuver the watch on, nevertheless, the presence of the unique bracelet is a large plus — simply my two cents.
All in all, we should always not take a look at the mecaquartz Nivada Chronosport as an inexpensive and inferior model of its massive brother. Somewhat, the watch holds its personal. I stand by my preliminary assertion that it felt simply pretty much as good because the mechanical model, the one main variations being the motion varieties and costs. Whereas I want we’d been capable of let you realize in regards to the now-unavailable Salmon model sooner, the common Chronosport Mecaquartz nonetheless gives glorious worth for the cash spent.
