Why This Watch Matters A crisp, classically styled example of Croton's all-in-one chronograph, the Chronomaster Aviator Sea Diver. The Full Story Croton Watch Company dates back to 1878 when a man named Jacob Horton founded the company in New York City. Growth necessitated a larger office, driving the company to a suburb of the city, Croton-on-Hudson, in 1963, which ultimately gave the company its name. The brand's main function in the watch world was as a distributor to the good ole, US of A. You might recognize Croton from the company's long standing relationship with the Swiss brand Nivada Grenchen. As a result of the twosome's partnership, many Nivada watches sold in the United States were branded Croton (or Croton Nivada Grenchen). Alongside the Antarctic, the Chronomaster chronograph is the best known (and most sought after) watch to come from the Croton (and Nivada) stable. The Chronomaster was produced in a huge variety of case, dial, and movement executions throughout its production years. So much so that a group of collectors recently wrote a whole book about the watch called Chronomaster Only. Today's watch is considered to be more desirable than your conventional Chronomaster for its combination of external and internal characteristics. Those include the broad arrow-style hands, the sub-dials with radial numerals, and the hand wound Valjoux 92 movement ticking inside. This example is really special, with a splash of red on the minutes sub-dial that can operate as a five-minute countdown timer in a pinch. Add in the tachymeter scale on the periphery of the dial, the dueling 60-minute/12-hour markers on the rotating bezel, and the simple pump pushers, and you have all the ingredients of one of the most underrated sport watches out there. We are really loving the deeper patina to the lume on this one and the strong case. The Valjoux 92 movement is stamped "COW" in no reference to the barn animal but as an indication that the watch was originally imported from Switzerland to the US. These three letter codes refer directly to the brand with "COW" referencing "Croton, Nivada SA." The import stamp lines up with the dial featuring only Croton branding, the US distributor and marketer. This Chronomaster is paired with our Bedford watch strap in olive green. The color really leans into the tool watch nature of the Chronomaster. The Fine Print Maker: CrotonModel: Chronomaster Aviator Sea DiverReference: 105-66129Year: 1960sCase No: 9855 (inside caseback)Material: Stainless steelDimensions: 38mm diameter; 14mm thicknessCrystal: PlexiglassLume: Yes, tritiumCaliber: Valjoux, manually-wound, caliber 92Bracelet/Strap: HODINKEE The Bedford Suede Watch Strap In Olive GreenLug Width: 20mmBox/Papers: No What We Love And What You Should Know Things We Love: - Broad-arrow style hands- Simple Croton branding- Great overall patina Things To Know: - Scratches on case- "JAM" engraving on caseback This Chronomaster is in great, attractive condition. The case is strong with scratches. The facets of the lugs are clearly visible and sharp. The engravings on the caseback are clearly visible. The caseback is engraved with "JAM" inside and out in a "hand done" or "rustic" manner. The dial is in great condition with light patina. The hands are in great condition and have developed patina. The lume on the dial and hands have developed patina aging to a pleasing creamy yellow color. The bezel is in overall great condition with light scratches and some wear along the very edge; it has retained its attractive black color. The dial, case, and movement are signed by Croton. The crystal has some light scratches. This watch was photographed on a 175mm/6.9inch wrist.
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