Why This Watch Matters A rare variant of the ever popular Nivada Grenchen/Croton Chronomaster – sometimes referred to as the "No Name" – features no additional text or branding at six o'clock for a clean look. The Full Story The watch company Nivada 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. For what has become the brand's most popular product line, the Chronomaster, the story really starts with a brand partnership with Croton. Nivada had a partnership with the New York-based Croton company, a relationship that started when the two companies met during a workshop intended to strengthen ties between Swiss watchmakers and U.S. importers at the 1939 New York World's Fair. Nivada had run into legal trouble in the past, as Movado had tried to stop the production of the brand's watches, thinking the names of the two companies were too similar. Enter Croton, who placed their name on U.S.-bound dials and distributed to this growing market, and Movado had no more legal gripes. Through the partnership, Nivada and Croton produced numerous variants of a do-it-all sport chronograph, the Chronomaster. The watch we have for sale this week is special because, in name, it's not a Chronomaster at all. Rather, the dial is without any model name, and the caseback is stamped "Chronoking," a different, more often three-sub-register chronograph under the Nivada umbrella. Nonetheless, this is considered a Chronomaster and has been nicknamed the "No Name" variant. In terms of all Chronomaster watches, variants fitted with the Valjoux 23, like this example, are often more sought after by collectors. We paired this chronograph with our Reid Strap in Taupe to match the varying black and grey tones on the dial and keep with the clean look. The Fine Print Maker: NivadaModel: Chronoking, ChronomasterReference: 85017/4773Year: Circa 1970sCase No: 19676Material: Stainless steelDimensions: 38mm diameter; 13mm thicknessCrystal: PlexiglassLume: Yes, tritiumCaliber: Valjoux, manual wound, caliber 23Bracelet/Strap: HODINKEE The Reid Watch Strap In TaupeLug Width: 20mmBox/Papers: No What we Love and What You Should Know This Nivada is in great and honest overall condition. The case is strong with some scratches. The lugs show scratches and have remained beveled over the years. The underside of the lugs have some marks from strap removal. There is a small indentation on the lug at one o'clock near the tip. The caseback has scratches, but the logo and text are all clearly visible including the reference number and case number. The dial is in great condition with a light patina. The lume on the dial and hands have developed patina and are close to matching in color. The hands have developed some darker patina around the edges of the lume. The hands have developed some patina. The red yachting portion of the three o'clock sub register remains bright. The bezel is in very good condition with a few scratches and some signs of wear. The teeth on the rotating bezel are crisp and the bezel turns freely. The crown is unsigned and is probably a replacement. The crystal has some scratches. The dial, case, and movement are all signed. This watch was photographed on a 175mm/6.9inch wrist.
