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Introducing the Nivada Grenchen Chronosport: A Rare ’70s Prototype Goes into Production

The Nivada Grenchen Chronosport brings a reportedly never-produced 1970s prototype to modern production, pairing two lume choices with a compact 38 mm diameter and a substantial 15.7 mm profile.
Estimate3–4 min Catalogued SpecialistWatchRanker Team
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The Nivada Grenchen Chronosport turns a little-seen 1970s chronograph prototype into a modern production watch. Its 38 mm diameter is compact by contemporary chronograph standards, but its 15.7 mm overall thickness—including the crystal—gives it a notably substantial profile. Launch coverage describes two versions, distinguished by white or yellow lume.

A prototype design, now in production

The Chronosport is based on a Nivada Grenchen chronograph prototype from the 1970s that reportedly never reached production. Fratello estimated that about 20 examples of the prototype were made; that figure is an estimate, not a confirmed archival production total. Time and Watches likewise described the original run as around 20 prototypes.

The modern watch keeps the prototype’s unusual dial concept while presenting it as a commercial model. Fratello’s launch account attributes the dial design to Jean Singer. The result is a chronograph with a less conventional arrangement than a standard two-register layout: the sub-dials sit at 9 and 12 o’clock, with a date at 3.

What distinguishes the white- and yellow-lume versions?

Launch coverage describes two lume variants with the same core dial layout. The choice is primarily one of appearance: Fratello characterizes the yellow-lume model as the more vintage-looking option and the white-lume version as the cleaner, less overtly retro choice.

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Variant Visual character Core layout
Yellow lume More vintage effect, according to Fratello’s launch coverage Matte black textured dial, taupe or khaki sub-dials, date at 3, tachymeter scale
White lume Cleaner appearance, according to Fratello’s launch coverage Matte black textured dial, taupe or khaki sub-dials, date at 3, tachymeter scale

Dial, bezel and case proportions

Fratello describes a matte black textured dial with embossed taupe or khaki sub-dials at 9 and 12 o’clock. A date window occupies the 3 o’clock position, and a tachymeter scale adds a familiar motorsport-era chronograph cue. Both lume versions share this basic arrangement.

The knurled, unidirectional aluminum bezel carries 60-minute and 12-hour scales. The case is reported as 316L stainless steel, with a double-domed sapphire crystal and antireflective coating.

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Dimension Reported measurement
Case diameter 38 mm
Lug to lug 44.3 mm
Thickness including crystal 15.7 mm
Thickness without crystal 12.7 mm

The diameter and lug-to-lug measurement suggest a relatively compact footprint, but the full 15.7 mm height is important to fit expectations. The watch is not simply a small chronograph: the domed crystal contributes three millimeters to the reported case thickness, and the overall profile may feel chunky to someone seeking a slim watch.

Movement, chronograph functions and water resistance

Fratello reports an automatic ETA/Valjoux 7750 movement running at 28,800 vibrations per hour, with 25 jewels and a 42-hour power reserve. The listed functions are hours, minutes, small seconds, date, central chronograph seconds, a 30-minute register and a tachymeter scale.

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Launch coverage lists water resistance of 20 ATM / 200 m. That is the published launch specification; it should not be treated as a substitute for checking the instructions and limits for a specific watch before use in water.

Strap and bracelet options

The reported lug width is 20 mm. Launch configurations included leather and rubber straps, as well as a stainless steel bracelet. The launch articles do not establish third-party strap compatibility beyond the stated width, so confirm fit for the exact watch and strap before ordering an aftermarket option.

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Launch pricing is historical, not a current quote

When Fratello covered the introduction on July 27, 2024, it reported preorder prices of US$2,180 on a strap and US$2,380 on a bracelet, excluding taxes and duties. Fratello said orders placed by August 25, 2024 would receive individual numbering, with deliveries expected in late October 2024. Time and Watches’ July 14, 2024 launch report listed CHF 1,960 / €2,035 / US$2,180 and said preorders were scheduled to begin July 25, with deliveries in October. These figures and dates describe the launch period only; they do not establish the Chronosport’s present price, stock status or delivery timing.

Current retail availability, warranty terms and seller status are not established by those launch reports. Anyone considering a purchase should verify the exact variant, current price, seller and warranty directly before paying.

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CHRONOS Men's Quartz Watch, Blue Dial with Date Display, Stainless Steel Band, Luminous Hands, 41mm Round Case, Water Resistant 3ATM (A02-SIlver-Green)
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Reported specifications

Specification Chronosport, as reported in Fratello’s July 2024 launch coverage
Case 316L stainless steel
Crystal Double-domed sapphire with antireflective coating
Bezel Knurled, unidirectional aluminum; 60-minute and 12-hour scales
Movement Automatic ETA/Valjoux 7750; 28,800 vibrations per hour; 25 jewels; 42-hour power reserve
Functions Hours, minutes, small seconds, date, central chronograph seconds, 30-minute register and tachymeter
Water resistance 20 ATM / 200 m
Lug width 20 mm
Launch configurations Leather strap, rubber strap or stainless steel bracelet

Sources

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

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