New Watch Re-Issue: Good Looking Release

@lberti · 2021-02-16T12:02:38Z

Explore the Nivada Grenchen Depthmaster re-issue: a 39mm, 1000m dive watch. Collectors discuss its 'Pacman' heritage, design, and the debate over 'fake patina.'

In a world where heritage brands are frequently re-issuing classic designs, @lberti's post sparks a vital conversation about what constitutes an 'honorable re-issue.' His initial impressions of the Nivada Grenchen Depthmaster's design and 39mm size, coupled with its impressive 1000m depth rating, invite the community to weigh in on its authenticity and market presence. This article synthesizes the community's expert opinions on the modern Depthmaster, its vintage predecessors, and the broader implications for collectors.

I really like the design and size (39mm).....

What do you friends think of this? An honorable re issue with a 1000m depth rating?

I also wonder how much of the old NIvada company is left nowadays. The official website shows Chiasso (Switzerland) as an address and no retailers stated.

Credit: nivadagrenchenofficial.com m

Key Points from the Discussion

The re-issue is based on the rare Nivada Grenchen Depthmaster, known to collectors as the 'Pacman' due to its distinctive numeral shape. Vintage versions also featured conventional Arabic numerals and came with either red or black bezel markings.
The modern Nivada Grenchen Depthmaster is considered a durable, overbuilt piece, reminiscent of robust dive watches from brands like Enzo Mechanica.
A significant point of contention for some collectors is the use of 'fake patina' lume on re-issued watches, preferring natural aging over artificially aged aesthetics.
Nivada Grenchen has a 'sister brand' relationship, suggesting a broader horological family or shared manufacturing, which might explain the modern brand's structure and retailer network.

The Discussion

FabR

Feb 16, 2021

Thanks for sharing this, I honestly was not familiar with this brand. I'm moving it to HoMe so it gets picked up on the Front Page. Cheers.

Subexplorer

Feb 16, 2021

Hello @lberti!! I’m very excited with the news of the reissue of this...

... model known by collectors as the Pacman after the shape of some numerals resembling the famous character. The original is a rare diving watch from the 1960/70’s and it comes with the packman dial as well as a more conventional arabic numbers dial as well. There are two versions of bezels as well: with red or black markings. As the vintage is very rare and I would like to have one in my collection I wish I could get one of these new watches. Prices are very reasonable as well. Thank you for s

amanico

Feb 16, 2021

I always loved the " Pac Man ".

The " Sister " Brand:

Subexplorer

Feb 16, 2021

We share the love dear Nicolas. I wish I could get one of the new reissues. Looks like a great tribute to the original. Originals are absolutely impossible to get here.

They have been haunting my soul for long. Cheers! Abel

amanico

Feb 16, 2021

Not easy to find, indeed. I saw two of them in the real. Two is not a lot!

@lberti

Feb 16, 2021

thats a very cool watch. i assume 38mm?

Key Points from the Discussion

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