Why This Watch Matters Nivada made some niche watches back in the day and we're here for it. Look no further than this Depthomatic. The Full Story The watch company Nivada Grenchen was founded in 1926 in Grenchen, Switzerland, by Otto Wüllimann, Hermand Schlindler, and Jacob Schneider with the name of Wulliman, Schneider, Nivada SA. Nivada’s strategy from the beginning was to create professional watches that fulfilled a purpose. Whether that entailed enhanced water resistance for diving, an alarm for day-to-day life, or general robustness to survive any sort of sporting encounter, the watches were made with the user in mind. Of course, the Depthomatic is no different. This is a niche watch meant to be sold to and worn by professional divers, nothing less. Bernard Delmotte, the chief diver of Jacques Cousteau's legendary Calypso crew, was known to wear a Depthomatic. That is was the market back in the day. Today, luckily, anyone can experience the quirks of a Depthomatic. The quirk of the Depthomatic is the bit just between the outer bezel and the dial. The small tube there is a depth measurement tool that works on the principles of a Bourdon tube. Breaking down how it works, when a diver takes this watch underwater, water pressure pushes water into the tube through a small hole at 12 o'clock. The deeper the diver goes, the more water pressure, the more water that is pushed into the tube and, thus, reads out the depth on the outer bezel. This Depthomatic is in great shape and even comes fitted to a vintage black rubber Tropic strap because there is no better option for a true tool diver. The Fine Print Maker: Nivada GrenchenModel: DepthomaticReference: 57023Year: 1968Case No: 4030Material: Stainless steelDimensions: 44mm diameter; 13.5mm thicknessCrystal: PlexiglassLume: Yes, tritiumCaliber: Nivada Grenchen signed ETA, self-winding, caliber 2472Bracelet/Strap: Vintage Tropic Black Rubber StrapLug Width: 22mmBox/Papers: No What We Love And What You Should Know Things We Love: - True tool watch origin- Depth gauge bezel - Excellent overall condition Things To Know: - Scratches on case This Nivada Grenchen Depthomatic is in overall excellent condition. The case shows some light surface scratches and light nicks on the edges, but it's generally sharp and shows what appears to be the original finishes on the top of the case. The caseback has a few scratches from previous removal attempts although all of the printing is crisp and visible. The dial is very clean with a slight patina overall. The red printing is extremely crisp. The lume on the dial as well as on the hands has developed patina and aged to a pleasing creamy tone. The hands themselves have developed slight patina. The rotating bezel shows some light wear. The crystal has light scratches. The inside caseback is marked with the case number "4030" as well as "9-68" indicating the case was produced in September of 1968. The dial, case, crowns, and movement are signed by Nivada. This watch was photographed on a 175mm/6.9inch wrist.
