The handset appears to be original the lume is darker than on the indexes, which is often seen on other examples. The lume on the indexes has turned to a beautiful, dark, and rich vanilla hue. The stepped sub-dials are still crisp there is some wear and unevenness on the red section of the regatta timer. The dial is in clean condition in general. The case is well preserved with the caseback engraving still very crisp and visible, which is often not the case. The watch is in overall very good condition. Source: Chronomaster Only: The Super-Chronograph by Nivada & Croton by Grégoire Rossier and Anthony Marquié The Fine Printĭimensions: 38mm diameter 12mm thicknessĬaliber: Valjoux manual-winding caliber 23 import mark stamped “COW”īracelet/Strap: Tropic rubber strap in blackīox/Papers: Originally guarantee booklet, instruction brochure, and service receipt What we Love and What You Should Know This piece was kept in one family for over 50 years and this is the first time it's being offered in public. This example is a rare variant and is the only reference sold by Croton with a Valjoux 23 and stepped registers with radial numerals. The Chronomaster model was made in numerous case, dial, and movement variations throughout its production. The Chronomaster is fitted in a large 38mm waterproof and shock-resistant case with a prominent minute-hour rotating bezel, tachymeter scale, and a regatta timer in one of the registers. Advertisements read “The Chronomaster is a Super-Chronograph” and “The Croton Nivada Grenchen CHRONOMASTER is a favorite with sports car drivers, airline pilots, skin divers, yacht race enthusiasts, engineers, navigators, scientists, business executives, and a host of others.” Now that covers pretty much all of the bases. They were also promoted as “wrist-size computers that do more than tell time.” The Chronomaster was introduced in 1961 destined for the U.S. Movado tirelessly fought another similar battle in 1953 against Nivada/Croton, preventing them from importing watch parts from Switzerland into the U.S., but the case was finally thrown out for good based on precedence from 1939. only if they attached a second name – “Grenchen” – after its name to differentiate between Movado. The judge ruled in favor of Nivada and stipulated that Nivada may proceed with its business in the U.S. So, enjoy this gallery of photos of this gorgeous watch (I threw a couple of my ’69 Hamilton Chrono-Matic in there too, just. And of course, inside is a quality Valjoux hand-wound chronograph movement, the same one you’ll find in Heuers of the time. In order to prevent Nivada from engaging in business with Croton, Movado claimed that Nivada’s company name sounded too similar to theirs and that it would hurt their business. Given the handset, it’s from the 60’s, making the condition all the more impressive. Nivada was in a legal battle with Movado, which already had a presence in the U.S. Croton’s connection with Nivada started in 1939, but with a rather rocky start. As many collectors may notice, an identical Chronomaster model was produced by Nivada, a Swiss watch company. Coincidently, in 1963 it moved its company to Croton-on-Hudson, a beautiful suburb in Westchester County, right outside of New York City. The Full StoryĬroton Watch Company’s origin goes way back to 1878, when it was started by Jacob Horton in New York. A rare variant with a Valjoux 23 movement and a distinct dial configuration, this example is also accompanied by its original guarantee stamped in 1967 and instruction brochure. It comes on a dark green alligator strap.Why This Watch Matters As the model name suggests, this nifty Croton Chronomaster could cover the sky, land, and sea. The case looks great, with a slightly bent lug, but overall very few usage marks and no scratch. The very rare brown bezel is looking great. This chronograph is going hotter and hotter, especially since the publication of the excellent book “Chronomaster Only” by Grégoire Rossier and Anthony Marquié.įeaturing a beautiful and particularly well designed black dial with dashes of red, broad arrow hands, black bezel, round pushers, this is a very desirable and typical 60s chronograph. Indeed, it is the only watch to be, at the same time, a chronograph, a diver, a GMT, a pilot’s watch and a regatta watch. Super Sharp Solid band and a magnifying window for date. Stainless steel case and band, dual locking band closure with green bezel face and green warch face. Some speak of it as the quintessence of the 60’s Swiss chronograph. Croton Sea Diver (Racing Green Dial / Racing Green Bezel) MSRP 300 NIOP.
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