Why This Watch Matters Croton advertised the Chronomaster as a “super chronograph” that was perfect for divers, race car drivers, travelers, and even sailors, thanks to its combination of a chronograph with a rotating bezel and waterproof case. This model has the desirable broad arrow hands and a seldom-seen panda dial. The Full Story The Croton Watch Company was founded in 1878 by Jacob Horton in New York City. In need of a larger office, the company moved to a suburb of New York City, Croton-on-Hudson, in 1963. Croton had an ongoing partnership with the Swiss brand Nivada and, as a result, many Nivada watches sold in the United States were branded Croton. The Chronomaster was made in numerous case, dial, and movement variations throughout its production years. This example is one of the more desirable variations with a white dial and broad-arrow style hands. These hands are similar to those found on the first variation of the Omega Speedmaster, ref. 2915. The three o’clock register has a five-minute regatta countdown section in red, giving the dial a nice pop of color. The movement on this watch is stamped, "COW," indicating it was meant for the U.S. market. These Croton Chronomasters offer a great value for a quality Swiss chronograph in a versatile case size. Source: Chronomaster Only: The Super-Chronograph by Nivada & Croton, by Grégoire Rossier and Anthony Marquié The Fine Print Maker: Croton Model: Chronomaster Aviator Sea Diver Reference: 9839Year: 1960s Case No: 105.85178Material: Stainless-steel Dimensions: 38.5mm diameter; 12.5mm thickness Crystal: Plexiglass Lume: Yes, tritium Caliber: Valjoux manual-winding Caliber 92Bracelet/Strap: HODINKEE Reid Strap in Red Lug Width: 19mm Box/Papers: No What we Love and What You Should Know This Chronomaster is in great condition. The case is strong with scratches and light nicks throughout. The caseback writing, as well as the case number on the caseback, is fully visible. The side of the case at nine o’clock has a slight indentation. The dial and hands are in good condition and have developed light patina. The dial shows some wear around the edges and has some light scratches near six o’clock. The lume on the hands and dial are nearly matching in color. The bezel is in good condition, with scratches and wear around the edge. The two o’clock lume plot shows some deterioration. The crown is unsigned, which is typical of this model. The dial, case, and movement are all signed, “Croton.”
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