Nivada Grenchen has a reputation for reviving vintage watches with a modern touch. This time, they’re returning a design from the early 1960s: the COLORAMA VI. The latest release offers interchangeable bezels for three of their most popular chronographs, allowing wearers to customize their watch easily.
Interchangeable Bezels: A New Way to Personalize Your Watch
The idea of swapping bezels comes from the COLORAMA VI watch, which Nivada introduced in the 1960s. Today, Guillaume Laidet, the brand’s head, has applied this idea to their current lineup. The bezels snap on without tools and can be rotated in both directions, giving you more flexibility in changing the watch’s look.
Three Iconic Models, Endless Possibilities
Nivada’s new bezel kits are available for three watches: the Chronomaster “Broad Arrow,” the Chronomaster “Singer Paul Newman,” and the Chronoking Mecaquartz. Each watch comes with bezels, giving you several style options. Let’s dive into what makes each model unique.
Chronomaster “Broad Arrow”: A Classic Gets a Modern Update
The Chronomaster “Broad Arrow” keeps its original dial design but now comes with five aluminium bezels. You get black, blue, green, and red bezels with minute and hour markings. There’s also a black-and-red bezel that has city names around the edge. This variety lets you change the watch’s look to match your mood or outfit.
Chronomaster “Singer Paul Newman”: A Fresh Take on a Classic
The “Singer Paul Newman” Chronomaster features a clean black-and-white dial with contrasting subdials. This watch offers the same five bezel options as the “Broad Arrow,” giving you plenty of choices. At $1,975, it’s a more affordable option than the limited-edition version released in 2021, which cost $4,900.
New Movements for a Classic Look
These Chronomaster models now use the Landeron 70 manually-winding movement. This is a nod to Nivada’s history since Landeron was a movement supplier for the brand. The new movements are visible through sapphire case backs, adding a touch of modernity while keeping that vintage feel.
The Chronoking Mecaquartz: A Modern Spin on Vintage Design
Nivada’s Chronoking Mecaquartz has been a success in the past year, and now it gets a fresh update. This version features a matte-textured dial with a rally-style minute track and bright orange accents. The most exciting part? The Chronoking offers ten different bezel options.
Choosing Between GMT and Tachymeter Bezels
When ordering the Chronoking, you can select between two bezel kits: GMT or tachymeter. The GMT bezels feature plexiglass inserts and city names engraved in white. Inside, you’ll find colours like orange, grey, pink, blue, or green behind a tachymeter scale. The tachymeter bezels come in solid colours like blue, orange, red, grey, and black, each with its own scale.
A Versatile Watch with a Unique Movement
Like the other Mecaquartz versions, the Chronoking is 38mm in diameter and 13.4mm thick. It runs on the VK63 Mecaquartz movement, which combines quartz timekeeping with a mechanical chronograph function. This model has a fixed 24-hour time indicator on its subdial at three o’clock, adding to its versatility.
What We Think About Nivada’s New Release
Nevada has always given its customers room for customization. In the past, they allowed buyers to mix and match bezels, dials, hands, and straps. This new release takes that idea further by offering bezel kits that you can change even after you buy the watch. It’s fun to add variety to your collection without purchasing an entirely new timepiece.
Is the Landeron 70 Movement a Good Choice?
The new Landeron 70 movement is a point of curiosity. Until now, the Sellita SW510 was the go-to manual chronograph movement in this price range. The switch to Landeron adds historical value, but its performance remains to be seen. Some may prefer the reliable Sellita, but the Landeron adds a layer of vintage authenticity to these models.
The Chronoking Mecaquartz: A Standout in the Collection
Among the three new watches, the Chronoking Mecaquartz stands out the most. Its highly textured dial with sunken subdials adds depth, making it feel like a much more expensive watch. Priced at $579, this model punches above its weight in both design and features. The new plexiglass GMT bezels add even more visual interest, proving that sometimes a busier design can work well.
What’s Next for Nivada Grenchen?
Nivada has hinted that more models with interchangeable bezels are being developed. This suggests that future releases focus on bezel-only kits, allowing collectors to breathe new life into their existing watches. It’s a smart move for the brand, keeping the conversation going with customers even after the sale is complete.
Key Details for Collectors
- Brand: Nivada Grenchen
- Models: Chronomaster “Broad Arrow,” Chronomaster “Singer Paul Newman,” Chronoking Mecaquartz
- Case Size: 38mm diameter, 13.75mm (Chronomaster), 13.4mm (Chronoking Mecaquartz)
- Materials: Steel case, aluminum bezels
- Water Resistance: 100m
- Strap Options: Various
- Price: Chronomasters start at $1,975; Chronoking Mecaquartz starts at $579
- Availability: First deliveries begin in October
- Movement: Landeron 70 (Chronomaster); VK63 Mecaquartz (Chronoking)
Why Interchangeable Bezels are a Game-Changer
Interchangeable bezels are not new, but Nivada’s modern take offers a fresh approach. Most watches only allow strap changes to customize their look. With these new bezel kits, you can quickly change your watch’s appearance without special tools. This level of customization adds a new dimension to owning a Nivada watch.
Our Final Thoughts: Worth the Investment?
Nivada’s new releases offer both nostalgia and modern convenience. The Chronomaster “Broad Arrow” stays true to its roots while adding customization options. The “Singer Paul Newman” brings classic design to a more affordable price point. Meanwhile, the Chronoking Mecaquartz is an eye-catching piece that offers high value for its price. With the added flexibility of interchangeable bezels, these watches provide a fun, versatile addition to any collection.
Summing It Up
Nivada Grenchen has nailed the art of blending vintage charm with modern features. Their new line of watches, complete with interchangeable bezels, allows wearers to quickly change their watch’s style. Whether you prefer a clean, classic look or something more colourful, these new models have something for everyone.
