In today’s watchmaking world, reissues come and go. Sometimes, the mark is hit so well that instant buzz is created. This is certainly the case for Nivada’s “new” mecha quartz Chronoking, reference 87034Q10.
Preorders for the Nivada Grenchen Chronoking “Paul Newman” Orange open on July 27 with huge interest, lasting for 5 weeks with the first batch delivering end of October 2023.
Nivada uses a Seiko VK64A meca-quartz movement in its’ Chronokings. This type of movement combines the precision of quartz timekeeping while preserving the tactile feel of a mechanical movement. In this “hybrid movement,” the quartz module keeps the time and the mechanical assembly is used to run the chronograph mechanism. All Chronokings are assembled in Switzerland.
For this reissue, Nivada Grenchen reached into its bag of 70’s tricks. They used a dial inspired by one out of that decade from prominent designer Jean Singer, famously known for designing the dials of the Speedmaster Racing, the Heuer Skipper, and Universal Geneve’s blue Nina. The original Chronokings used a tonneau case and housed a Valjoux 72 movement.
The matte black dial sports gold/tan textured subdials with Art Deco “Paul Newman” style markings. The wow factor is applied with an orange gradient minute track outlining the dial. A red accent chronograph second hand adds yet another color dimension. On the dial and hands is cream luminescent material, once again a very agreeable vintage lume shade pleasing to the eye and consistent with real patina, at least from this vintage watch collector’s view.
Case dimensions read like a dream. The 38 mm stainless steel case has both polished and brushed elements. Thickness is only 13.7 mm and the all-important lug-to-lug length comes in under 47 mm at 46.5 mm. The crystal is double-domed sapphire and water resistance measures a very serviceable 10ATM. A stainless steel decorated caseback is used. A signed crown and stainless steel buckle add nice touches to the watch.
The black racing strap supplied with the watch might be one of the most comfortable, supple OEM leather straps I’ve experienced. The quality exceeds expectations so much that I recommend obtaining both the black and brown Nivada leather racing straps. At $60 on their website, they are great value propositions. The watch on the supplied leather strap provides excellent wearability at — 67 grams.
Nivada’s new Chronoking is a visual stunner on the wrist, generating “watch guy” looks at my wrist multiple times a day when wearing. I was even asked about it several times when I wore it in the wild. As far as comfort, the watch wears exceptionally well with obvious wrist presence and I think you’ll be hard-pressed to find a modern watch with so many vintage cues. If I had one wish, I’d suggest an option of a faded/ghost bezel. I believe that a combination of that nature would take this winner of a reissue from an amazing offering to another level, but I might be getting greedy. Finally, the agreeable price tag of $479 makes this an absolute steal. Get your preorder in or you’ll regret it in my opinion.
SPECIFICATIONS:
Nivada Grenchen Chronoking “Paul Newman” Orange
Reference: 87034Q10
Year: 2023
Total Weight: 67 grams
Case Material: 316L stainless steel
Caseback: solid screw in
Case Diameter: 38 mm
Case Thickness: 13.75 mm
Lug-to-lug: 46.5 mm
Lug Width: 20 mm/16 mm
Glass: double domed sapphire
Movement: Seiko caliber VK63 meca-quartz
Depth Rating: 100 meters
