Nivada Grenchen is a historic Swiss watch brand that was resurrected in 2020, that has quickly regained recognition thanks to a strategy that focuses solely on retro models.

While Nivada Grenchen is not to the point where they make their own movements — let alone a chronograph caliber — the Datomaster (2022) is already the second chronograph to come from the Swiss watchmaker, following the Chronomaster (2020). Like the Chronomaster, the aesthetic harkens back to the company’s past.

The Datomaster is larger than the Chronomaster with a diameter of 39 mm, and has a thin fixed bezel rather than a wide rotating bezel with an aluminum insert, though the two are close enough in size that they share the same manual wind Sellita SW 510 M BH B movement.

The Datomaster has a vintage-style dual and resembles the original 1960s Datomaster which also had manual wind movements, though at the time they were equipped with the Landeron caliber 187, and now they’re equipped with Sellita SW 510 M BH B hand-wound calibers (with a 63-hour power reserve). The movement has “Nivada Grenchen” engraved and filled with gold paint on the gear bridge, is delivered in what’s considered a high-grade finish, and offers modern reliability, however, the old Landerons are visually superior.

Movements aside, the modern Datomaster introduced by Nivada Grenchen in 2022 is arguably just as nice on the eyes as the old models. That’s the formula that Nivada Grenchen restarted with in 2020 and continues to focus on — offering remakes of their vintage classics. Of the three mechanical Datomasters that started delivering in 2022, the light gray is the closest to the original 1960s models, a few of the original vintage models are for sale (here and here). While the light gray is certainly attractive — and the closest to period-correct — the dark gray “reverse panda” which appears almost black depending on the light looks great, and so does the “true panda” dial version we tested. You really cannot go wrong with any of the three dials.

At 39 mm x 13.75 mm I would not mind the watch being a tad thinner, but the diameter, height, and a lug-to-lug of 46 mm are about perfect for me. I consider the Speedmaster Moonwatch Professional as a standard by which other manual wind chronographs should be measured and while the Datomaster has a smaller diameter and taller proportions compared to the near-perfect width and height of the Speedmaster, I consider them near equals as far as visual wrist appeal. That said, manual wind chronographs — whether it’s the Lange Datograph, 5171, Speedmaster, or Datomaster — are amongst my favorite types of wristwatches so I’m going to love a look that’s this classically handsome, and with real provenance.

Shown on a beads-of-rice bracelet, the watch is secured to the wrist by a pressure closure clasp, has screwed link pins, and four micro-adjustments to get the fit just right. As with other Nivada Grenchen timepieces, the Datomaster came with a choice of multiple bracelets, leather straps, and a tropical rubber strap. Weighing 139.4 grams in total (+6.5 grams with all links), I found the bracelet comfortable and not to heavy to wear over longer periods.

The tall domed sapphire crystal on the dial side and clear caseback on the back, as well as the movement selected, resulting in a watch that’s 13.75 mm in height, which is by no means tall. If I were going to make further refinements to this model, I’d likely keep the domed sapphire, which exudes the vintage vibe, but I might remove the clear caseback in favor of a solid back, to reduce the height a bit.

The best part about the Datomaster is the dial. From the dual registers to the shiny orange chronograph seconds hand (with no counterweight) to the panda styling to the clutter-free layout and faceted applied indices — the aesthetic is just right.

Verdict

The Datomaster seems like a homerun, yet surprisingly, at this time, it’s no longer in production. We hope Nivada Grenchen reconsiders and perhaps comes back to the market with a slightly thinner version and without so many references. I’d keep two or three mechanical variants in the 39 mm size and eliminate the 36 mm Mecaquartz options.

It would be a shame if they don’t produce any more Datomasters — because I think they nailed it visually.

Learn more at Nivada Grenchen.

 

 

SPECIFICATIONS:

Nivada Grenchen Datomaster

Reference:

Year: 2022

Total Weight: 139.4 grams (+6.5 grams with all links)

Case Diameter: 39 mm

Case Thickness: 13.75 mm

Lug-to-lug: 46 mm

Lug Width: 20 mm

Crown Diameter: 6.5 mm

Glass: domed sapphire crystal

Movement: Sellita SW510 M BH B (manual wind, 63-hour power reserve)

Depth Rating: 100 meters

Bracelet: 20 mm/ 18 mm