Nivada Grenchen Depthmaster 1000 "Mini-Panerai"
Amongst the plethora of modern watchmakers that we all love and enjoy, there lies an enormous number of dormant or extinct watchmakers that have been lost to the sands of times thanks to industry shifts, poor business acumen or a combination of both mixed with the onslaught that the Quartz Crisis brought along in the 1970s and ‘80s. Within that large group of brands lies one watchmaker that has recently been revived, Nivada Grenchen. Founded in 1926, or as far back as 1879 depending on the source you consult, the brand found success in tool watches and robust timepieces capable of carrying out specific tasks like chronographs and dive watches. One such watch was the Depthmaster, released in 1965 – a robust dive watch, that boasted an incredible – for then and still today – 1000m of water resistance. When Nivada Grenchen succumbed to the Quartz Crisis however, it was no more. Revived in 2018, Nivada Grenchen has come back with like a phoenix rising from their ashes and brought along several of their iconic vintage designs just like the stainless steel Depthmaster that we have here. Boasting a 38mm cushion case, the Depthmaster was a large watch for its time, that benefitted from a thick steel bezel and a black dial with large luminous Arabic indices that made it all the more legible in the dark depths in which it would operate. Featuring a date window and powered by an automatic movement, the Depthmaster is a supremely legible and functional timepiece, even by today’s standards.
THE DIAL Clearly prioritising legibility, the Depthmaster's Arabic indices and hands are all equally large and painted with luminescent material, which has taken on a stunning patina over the decades.
THE CONSTRUCTION Boasting a large 38mm cushion-shaped case with long lugs, the Depthmaster earned the nickname "Baby Panerai" due to its similar silhouette on the wrist.
TIMING MACHINE READOUT This reading was taken (crown down) with a ONEOF Accuracy Boutique Edition timing machine at time of cataloging. It is provided as a courtesy only, and shall not be construed as a warranty or guarantee of any kind. Please refer to our terms and conditions of sale for more information.
