This Legendary Affordable Chronograph Just Got a Stealthy Modern Makeover

This is the least vintage-looking version of this watch I’ve ever seen.

a closeup of a black nivada chronograph watch

Published January 13, 2025

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If you’re in the market for a vintage-inspired chronograph watch that’s also affordable, the Nivada Grenchen Chronomaster is probably the best you can do.

That’s been the case ever since the brand was resurrected back in 2020, with the design of its current versions of the quirky Chronomaster being so faithful to the original 1960s watches that they’re nearly indistinguishable from one another.

But what would happen if you took the Chronomaster, which has only ever looked like a vintage watch, and gave it a thoroughly contemporary makeover?

As it turns out, you end up with a damn cool watch, as evidenced by the just-unveiled Nivada Grenchen Chronomaster Full Black.

a black nivada grenchen watch — Nivada has officially entered its goth phase.

Full Black Attack

It’s crazy how something as simple as a color change can so drastically alter the look of a watch — though, to be fair, this is quite a dramatic color change.

Nivada has taken the standard Chronomaster Broad Arrow and turned nearly every aspect of the watch black, transforming the retro icon into something that feels very different, very modern and very cool.

The stainless steel case and beads of rice bracelet both feature a glossy black DLC coating. The dial is matte black with the majority of its markings — all text, the tachymeter scale, minute track, running seconds and most of the 30-minute chronograph counter — in dark gray, minimizing contrast and giving the watch a stealthy look.

a closeup of a black nivada grenchen watch dial — Even the dial text has been blacked out.

The only contrast you’ll find on the dial comes courtesy of the white chronograph hands, the yacht timer markings — which add a daring touch of red along with white — and the lume.

All indices and the hour and minute hands are filled with stark-white Super-LumiNova rather than the fauxtina present on many of Nivada’s offerings. This high-contrast lume gives the Chronomaster Full Black an even more hypermodern look, and it matches the bright white markings on the dual-use, bidirectional black bezel. It also makes the normally busy Chronomaster dial exceedingly legible.

The bracelet has quick-release spring bars, as do the two other available straps: a black leather one with contrasting white stitching and a very modern-looking black rubber option. The rubber version comes fitted with a folding deployant clasp, adding to the contemporary feel of the watch. To max out the modern vibes, that’s the version I’d go for.

a black rubber nivada grenchen watch strap — I never thought I’d see a strap this modern-looking on a Chronomaster.

End of an Era

Nivada has recently revamped its Chronomaster line, switching all models to its new interchangeable bezel system. The brand also isn’t currently offering any automatic versions of the watch, with all other Chronomasters outside of the Full Black housing manually wound chronograph movements.

In promotional materials for the Full Black, Nivada has stated the watch will be the last Chronomaster powered by the Sellita SW510 BH B movement that had previously powered the automatic versions of the watch, as well as the last to feature a non-interchangeable bezel. The interchangeable system is fun — I wrote about it here — but the bezels don’t ratchet like they previously did, meaning they don’t always stay put.

a hand holds a bezel above a nivada chronograph watch — The Chronomaster will feature interchangeable bezels from now on.

I’m sure at some point Nivada will bring back automatic Chronomasters with ratcheting bezels that can’t be swapped out, but for now, at least, the Full Black is the last of its kind. Talk about going out on a high note.

Pricing and Availability

I love it when a familiar watch is able to reinvent itself so thoroughly. This is, very clearly, a Nivada Chronomaster. But its blacked-out colorway makes it feel so much more modern and daring that it feels like a complete reinvention of the watch. Personally, I love the way it looks.

a black nivada grenchen watch on a rock — I mean, come on.

The price is pretty standard for Nivada, in that it’s an excellent value. It’s $2,395 on the bracelet. The only downside that I can see is the watch’s availability. Nivada is making just 50 examples of the Chronomaster Full Black, with some available online and some reserved for the brand’s “best retailers.” That’s a tiny amount, and I have no doubt they’ll sell out quickly.

If you’re interested in trying to pick one up, the Nivada Grenchen Chronomaster Full Black will be available to purchase on the brand’s website on January 16. You can sign up here to be notified of the launch the moment it happens.