Nivada Grenchen Autochron White 77002A45

The Nivada Grenchen Autochron White 77002A45 is a remarkable revival of one of the rarest and most intriguing chronographs of the 1970s, bringing a near-mythical prototype back to life with modern engineering and vintage-inspired design. Originally conceived as the Chronosport Autochron but produced only in extremely limited numbers, the model remained an obscure collector's curiosity for decades before Nivada Grenchen reintroduced it for a new generation of enthusiasts. The modern Autochron faithfully preserves the original's compact 38mm stainless steel case, distinctive fluted bidirectional bezel, and uniquely textured white dial featuring embossed chronograph registers designed by legendary Swiss dial maker Jean Singer, whose work includes icons such as the Omega Speedmaster Racing and Heuer Skipper. The result is a chronograph that feels authentically vintage while offering the durability and refinement expected of a contemporary Swiss timepiece.

Powering the Autochron is the legendary ETA Valjoux 7750 automatic chronograph movement, a caliber celebrated for its reliability, precision, and decades-long reputation as one of the finest workhorse chronograph movements ever produced. The watch combines its motorsport-inspired tachymeter scale with 200 meters of water resistance, a double-domed sapphire crystal, and a beautifully finished stainless steel bracelet, making it equally at home on the racetrack or in the water. More than simply a reissue, the Autochron White captures the spirit of an era when bold design and mechanical innovation defined Swiss chronograph watchmaking. For collectors seeking something beyond the mainstream, the 77002A45 offers an exceptional blend of rarity, historical significance, and everyday wearability, making it one of the most compelling modern releases from Nivada Grenchen.

Reference: 77002A45

Dated: 2026

Bracelet: Bracelet - Stainless Steel

Case: 38mm x 12.7mm Thickness 44.3mm lug to lug - Stainless Steel

Lug Width: 20mm

Movement: Valjoux-7750-ETA with date - Automatic

Functions: HMS, Chronograph, Date

Box and Papers: Inner/outer boxes, and warranty card

Crystal: Double Domed Sapphire

Bracelet size: 7.5"

New

Nivada Grenchen, established in 1926 in Grenchen, Switzerland, quickly became renowned for its rugged tool watches that pushed the boundaries of horological innovation. The brand solidified its reputation with the introduction of the Antarctic in 1950, the first waterproof automatic watch. This timepiece gained fame when it accompanied members of the U.S. Navy's Operation Deep Freeze I during their South Pole expedition from 1955 to 1956.



In 1961, Nivada Grenchen launched the Chronomaster, a versatile waterproof chronograph designed for aviators, divers, and sports enthusiasts. The company continued its innovative streak with the release of the Depthomatic in 1964, the first diver's watch featuring a depth indicator, followed by the Depthmaster in 1965, capable of withstanding pressures up to 1,000 meters.

After a period of dormancy, Nivada Grenchen experienced a rebirth in 2018, reintroducing two of its most iconic models—the Chronomaster Aviator Sea Diver and the Antarctic—at the forefront of its revival. The relaunch paved the way for the brand’s enduring appeal among modern watch enthusiasts while honoring its storied heritage.