Building on the resounding success of the hybrid Mecaquartz version, Nivada Grenchen unveils a limited edition of its orange showstopper featuring an original old stock mechanical movement, revived for today’s collectors: the Valjoux cal. 23 VZ.
Following the keen success of the Mecaquartz edition, Nivada Grenchen introduces a new reissue of its orange showstopper in a very limited edition.
Orange is the New Cool
The new Nivada Chronoking ‘Paul Newman‘ Orange: a time machine that takes you straight back to the 1970s, capturing the era’s distinctive style. This reissue takes cues from a vintage Chronoking dial hailing from a fabled era that is enjoying a true revival.
The distinctive dial is a testament to the craftsmanship of Jean Singer, one of Switzerland’s premier dial makers from La Chaux-de-Fonds, the cradle of Swiss horology. Singer is renowned for creating some of the most recognizable and collectible ‘exotic’ dials in the watchmaking world. Notable examples include Omega’s Racing Speedmaster, the vibrant Heuer Skipper, and the deep blue Nina from Universal – all masterpieces from the hands of Singer.
Anything but discreet, indeed quite flamboyant, this Nivada Chronoking ‘Paul Newman’ Orange echoes all the codes that defined the success of that other watchmaking legend. Here, we have the ‘Newman’-style Art Deco typography on tan-colored sunray sub-dials, elegantly set against a black dial with an orange gradient minute track. The sense of depth is uncanny.
Collectors will have a five-week window to pre-order this piece, starting December 28. While it’s a limited edition, they may rest assured that all orders will be honoured and delivered by early February 2024.
Valjoux 23 VZ : le clou du spectacle sous le capot
What makes the new Nivada Grenchen Paul Newman Orange so appealing? It’s the heart that beats inside: the Valjoux caliber 23 VZ.
This watch is truly a time machine, with a fully restored vintage Valjoux 23 VZ movement ready to take you on a journey through history. With a production run that spanned 58 years – from 1916 to 1974! – this hand-wound chronograph is deservedly one of the most iconic timekeeping mechanisms in history. The Valjoux 23’s longevity is a testament to the durability, reliability, and precision of its original design. It’s also one of the world’s most beautiful classic column-wheel chronograph movements, incorporating Willy Breitling’s dual push-button design. It remains highly sought-after even today. The design of the chronograph gears, visible from the back, is especially captivating.
Crafted using new old-stock movements that have been thoroughly reconditioned and tested, this timepiece effectively recreates a 1970s watch as if it were brand new. In other words, owning one of these timepieces is like having a vintage watch, minus the maintenance issues.
An exceptional calibre
Founded in 1901 by brothers John and Charles Reymond in Les Bioux, Switzerland, the company operated as ‘Reymond Frères SA’ until 1929, when it was renamed ‘Valjoux SA’ (short for Vallée de Joux, the ‘Watchmaker’s Valley’ where many of the top Swiss brands are still based). Specializing in chronograph movements, they launched the calibre 22 in 1914; it would remain in production for nearly sixty years. However, it was the smaller 13-line calibre 23, developed in 1916, that revolutionized the world of wristwatch chronographs. It found its way into the timepieces of such prestigious brands as Patek Philippe, Audemars Piguet, Rolex, and Vacheron Constantin. This movement was produced for sixty years, until 1974. It’s estimated that 125,000 of these base movements were made, although relatively few were reworked by Patek Philippe for their chronograph production.
Nevada Grenchen Chronoking ‘Paul Newman’ Orange Technical Specifications
Retail price (excluding VAT): USD 49000 – based on exchange rates at the time of writing), limited edition: 15 pieces, Delivery in February 2024
Movement
- Valjoux 23 VZ, assembled in Switzerland
- Functions: Hour, minute, second, date, chronograph, tachymeter
- Power Reserve: 48 hours
Case
- 316L Stainless Steel
- Finishes: Polished and brushed
- Diameter: 38 mm
- Thickness: 12.95 mm
- Crystal: Double domed sapphire glass
- Bezel: Aluminum, unidirectional rotating aluminum
- Case Back: Solid, screw-in
- Water Resistance: 10ATM, equivalent to about 100 meters (about 330 ft)
About Nivada Grenchen
Nivada Grenchen watches have been a part of the Swiss watchmaking landscape since 1926, the year Jacob Schneider founded the brand in Granges (known as Grenchen in Swiss-German). In 1976, his son Max took over the business. In the United States, the Croton Company was the official distributor for all Nivada Grenchen watches, which is why some timepieces bear the Croton signature. In 1930, Nivada Grenchen was one of the first companies to manufacture automatic watches.
The Chronomaster became one of Nivada Grenchen’s biggest hits until the late 1970s. The Swiss brand was indeed known for its performance and reliability under extreme conditions. The first Chronomaster watch, a waterproof chronograph up to 200 meters, was launched in 1963. Then, in 2018, after years of dormancy and driven by Guillaume Laidet, the brand was revitalized with its two iconic models, including the famous Chronomaster Aviator Sea Diver.”