The New Nivada Grenchen Chronosport Blue

Spring began robust for Nivada. The Swiss watch model launched two new fashions in its Chronosport line, increasing it to 5 watches. We had been fortunate sufficient to attempt each the automated and the mecaquartz variations. On this overview, I’ll go hands-on with the previous, particularly, the Chronosport Blue. However earlier than we get into that, let me provide you with a fast rundown of the brand new and current timepieces.

You could have learn my overview from final August concerning the then-new Nivada Grenchen Chronosport. The brand new Chronosport Blue is the most recent model of this mannequin. Nonetheless, let’s have a look at the mannequin line as a complete.

The Nivada Chronosport

Nivada’s Chronosport line now consists of 5 modes. The unique Chronosport, per my overview above, got here in two variations. You would get it with trendy white lume, or for a extra classic really feel, you could possibly go for yellow lume. My overview watch had the latter. Quickly after, Nivada launched the Chronosport Mecaquartz to serve an viewers with much less funds however equal thirst for vintage-inspired chronographs. The Mecaquartz takes inspiration from the common Chronosport, however it has a 12-9-6 sub-dial structure as an alternative of simply two sub-dials. Value-wise, it’s €550 versus €2,395 (and extra) for the mechanical computerized model. Each examples draw direct lineage to the unique Chronosport from the late Nineteen Seventies. Now, the model has added two new fashions to the present household, together with one with computerized motion, which is the subject of this text. A second article will concentrate on the mecaquartz model.

Chronosport Blue

It’s now a typical follow by Nivada and lots of different manufacturers to launch a novelty mannequin and observe it up with totally different iterations. Within the case of the Chronosport line, this was the primary mannequin from final yr, now referred to as Chronosport White or Yellow, relying on the dial lume. Nonetheless, the most recent timepiece on this household, the Chronosport Blue, doesn’t have a blue lume. Fortunately, the “Blue” is supposed to indicate the matte petroleum-blue dial with the granulated texture. Whereas the primary Chronosport had a black dial and taupe sub-dials, the Chronosport Blue sports activities black sub-dials that completely complement the petroleum-blue essential shade. As earlier than, the sub-dial for the working seconds sits at 9 o’clock, whereas the 30-minute counter is at 12. To offer some semblance of visible steadiness to the dial, there may be additionally a date aperture at 3 o’clock.

On the wrist

As somebody with a bigger (19cm/7.5″) wrist, I all the time fear about how a watch would sit on it. Fortunately, the Nivada Chronosport Blue is snug, and whereas the bracelet is just not built-in, it feels that means. Total, this isn’t a top-heavy watch; quite the opposite, weight-wise, the watch head and bracelet are correctly balanced. Moreover, the Chronosport Blue is just not outsized, coming in with a 38mm diameter. It has a 15.7mm complete thickness (12.7mm with out the crystal), and takes an ordinary 20mm-wide strap. Lastly, the case has a 44.3mm tip-to-tip measurement, however this will increase to 46.5mm with the male finish hyperlinks. This isn’t small however, once more, not tremendously giant. You probably have a smaller wrist, see if you could find one to attempt on earlier than ordering. Weighing in at 163 grams on the bracelet, the Chronosport Blue isn’t too heavy both.

Usability

Don’t let the odd placement of the sub-dials idiot you; the Nivada Chronospot Blue is, primarily, a daily two-register chronograph. Inside it beats ETA’s 7750 (which often has three sub-dials), however I’ll come again to that later. Except for the seconds, 30-minute counter, and quick-set date, the dial provides a tachymeter scale printed on its outer rim. Right here comes my solely detrimental remark: because of the curve of the double-domed sapphire glass and the small print, it’s just about not possible to learn the dimensions with no loupe. Finally, on prime of the brushed 316L metal case sits a fluted bidirectional black aluminum bezel with a big lume pip, a 60-minute scale, and small 12-hour markings. All in all, the Chronosport Blue has lots to supply, particularly contemplating that it additionally has a 200m depth score.

ETA inside

As I’ve already talked about, contained in the Nivada Chronosport Blue ticks the ETA (previously Valjoux) 7750, an iconic chronograph caliber. The 7750 and variants of it powered many watches again within the day, from Breitling to Tissot, TAG Heuer, Longines, Hamilton, and even IWC. The one contained in the Nivada Chronosport Blue provides 42 hours of energy reserve and a 4Hz (28,800vph) frequency. Due to its standing, the caliber is simple to restore, elements are nonetheless available, and extra watchmakers have the required know-how to take care of it. I do know it’s not everybody’s cup of tea, and I hear you, however it’s pretty much as good because it will get for the value.

What else to say?

I’m a sucker for an important bracelet with some safety and micro-adjustments. Fortunately, the Nivada Chronosport Blue provides each. It provides a clasp with two safety buttons and a toolless micro-adjuster that may add 13mm to the bracelet. This mixture prices probably the most at €2,625 (taxes included). Whereas the Chronosport bracelet is the one metal possibility, Nivada additionally provides the watch on loads of straps. The checklist is lengthy, from a black racing strap to brown leather-based with matching stitching or perhaps a black rubber Tropic-style strap. For the Chronosport Blue on any of the out there straps, the value is €2,395. I do know that €2,000+ is some huge cash, particularly if the watch is nearer to €3K. Nonetheless, I’m certain that when you’re a fan of vintage-inspired timepieces, you’ll like what you see when you attempt the Nivada Chronosport Blue. I do know I did.

Watch specs