Since its founding in 1926, Nivada Grenchen has built a reputation in the watchmaking world by producing professional watches that meet the specific needs of their users. From robustness to water resistance, including useful functions for adventurers and travelers, each watch created by the Swiss brand has been designed to accompany its wearers in extreme environments. Today, with the relaunch of theAntarctica GMTthe Maison pays homage to a significant era in watchmaking history: the 1970s, and more precisely, the jet age, where GMT functionality became essential for travelers around the world.
Return to the jet age
After World War II, the advent of jet travel enabled unprecedented global interconnection. Between 1955 and 1972, the jet age reached its peak, requiring instruments capable of tracking multiple time zones. GMT watches, with their additional hands to indicate a second time zone, have become an essential accessory for frequent travelers and pilots. It is in this context that Nivada Grenchen introduced the Antarctic GMT in the early 1970s, enriching its legendary Antarctic series with a new feature.
The movement AR-1146which fitted the Antarctic GMT of the time, did not allow the 24-hour hand to be adjusted individually. The latter evolved in concert with the 12 hour hand, thus creating an ideal GMT watch for pilots, where the 24 hour hand synchronizes with the hour hand, without delay. This characteristic, rare for the time, gave this watch a particular identity in the world of travel timepieces.
A Super-Compressor box signed EPSA
To meet the needs of professionals and adventurers, Nivada Grenchen has integrated a case Super-Compressor made by Ervin Piquerez SA (EPSA)renowned for its reliability and superior waterproofing. The double crown case of this Antarctic GMT, developed for deep dives, used patented technology where water pressure reinforces the water resistance. The deeper the watch dives, the more the water pressure pushes the case against its seal, increasing its water resistance.
This case, designed to withstand extreme environments, is recognizable by its two crowns: one controls the 24-hour bezel for reading the second time zone, while the other is used for traditional watch settings. This robust and waterproof construction has allowed Nivada Grenchen to offer a watch suitable for both polar explorers and intercontinental travelers.
A rediscovery by the CEO of Nivada Grenchen
The reissue of the Antarctic GMT is no coincidence. Guillaume Laidet, CEO of Nivada Grenchen, discovered this watch while researching the brand’s archives and was immediately attracted by its vintage design inspired by the 70s, as well as its GMT functionality. Found by chance on the Hodinkee Shopthis watch has become a real inspiration to complete the current Antarctic range. Its appearance and functionality make it a model sought after by watch enthusiasts and collectors looking for authenticity and vintage design.
Design and technical details: a faithful homage to the original model
The design of the new Antarctic GMT remains faithful to the original with some modern improvements. The housing of 36mma classic size that evokes timepieces from the 70s, ensures a discreet but elegant presence on the wrist. With a thickness of 11.1mmit maintains a slim profile and is equipped with a matte black dial contrasted by a two-tone red and black GMT hand, faithful to the original model.
For this contemporary model, a Plexiglass insert has been added to the internal bezel of the second time zone, reinforcing the retro appearance and reducing the visual distortions often observed with sapphire crystal. This choice of Plexiglass, although less modern than sapphire, adds additional charm by recalling watches from the 70s and highlighting the brand’s watchmaking heritage.
The dial is protected by thick Plexiglass, and we immediately notice the striking contrast between the deep black of the dial and the rotating bezel with its patinated amber semi-circle. The subtle patina and vintage tones create a harmonious look, while providing excellent readability of the time and time zones, even in low light conditions.
A high-performance Swiss Made movement
The Antarctic GMT is home to a movement SOPROD GMT Swiss Made, guaranteeing precision and reliability recognized in the Swiss watch industry. This modern caliber, while respecting the characteristics of the original, brings a touch of sophistication and performance. The choice of SOPROD allows Nivada Grenchen to remain faithful to its commitment to Swiss Made quality, while offering a modern GMT complication adapted to the needs of contemporary travelers.
A collector’s model: the rebirth of a legend
This reissue of the Antarctic GMT is much more than a watch; it is a celebration of Nivada Grenchen’s heritage and professional watch expertise. Initial production of the Antarctic GMT in the 1970s was halted prematurely by the quartz crisis, and remaining examples of this watch have become rare pieces, sought after by collectors. This reissue model represents a rare opportunity for vintage watch enthusiasts to own a piece of history, reinvented for the modern world.
In summary, the news Antarctica GMT by Nivada Grenchen embodies the spirit of the jet age while adapting to current aesthetic codes. It is a tribute to the watchmaking innovation of the 1970s and offers lovers of beautiful watches a timepiece that combines vintage design, technicality and robustness. This iconic model brings a legendary watch back to life, ready to accompany a new generation of travelers and adventurers.
