Chronopedia - User contributions [en]

Zodiac SeaWolf

2026-04-16T00:22:18Z

Richard: /* First Series Seawolf */

[[File:Seawolf.jpg|thumb]]
==Zodiac SeaWolf==

'''The first diver’s watch with a rotating bezel?'''<big></big>
First seen circa 1957-58 and not 1953 as reported elsewhere on the web. A rival to the Blancpain Fifty Fathoms. However, the [[Zodiac]] was rated at 10 atmospheres (339 feet) and was more highly rated than the [[Blancpain]] 50 fathoms (300 feet). The first few issued were given the model number 691.

===Automatic References===
* 691
* 699
* 702.916
* 712.916
* 722.916
* 732.916
* 402.916 (ladies version)
*702.946
*722.946
*722.966
*762.966
*722.906
*472.346 (ladies version)
* 692.843 - Chronograph
*862.952
*1192.412
*1192.414
*1192.737
*86404

See here for [[Zodiac Seawolf Quartz movement Models|Quartz movement SeaWolfs]]

Note suffix LO indicates solid gold bezel

==First Series Seawolf==

==== Version 1 - 691 - CountDown Bezel ====
[[File:Seawolf 699.jpg|thumb]]

* Movt:Zodiac 1361
* Casenumber: 691
* Dial colours black and white
First issue models are very rare now. The 1957 to circa 1958 issues did not have SeaWolf on the dial had an external bidirectional steel bezel. This is signed 10 Atm (339 feet) below the Zodiac logo, and name Zodiac, but has a plain screw-down case back.

==== Version 1a - 699 - CountDown Bezel ====
* Movt:Zodiac 1624 and others
* Casenumber: 699
* Dial colours black and white

Early versions have the dial with numerals at 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10 with fluted indices elsewhere. The numerals have been inked over. The bezel is elapsed time basis, with numerals at 45, 30 and 15. The hands are broad lumed Dauphine shape with no centre line. The serial numbers of metal bezel models generally run from 122xxxx to 192xxxx The case back is engraved “ZODIAC SEAWOLF WATER – TESTED 10 ATM ESPECIALLY” along with the Zodiac emblem. Zodiac used A. Schild movements and the 17 jewel AS1624 was used by Zodiac and Ernest Borel. Snap on backs seen now rather than screwed.

==== Version 1b - 699 - Numbered Triangles====
[[File:Zodiac seawolf 699.jpg|thumb|SeaWolf 699 on original bracelet circa 1963]]
[[File:Zodiac 699 v2.png|thumb]]
* Movt:Zodiac 1624. 70 and 71
* Casenumber: 699
* Dial colours black and white
A later model 699 had the count down bezel but the dial now had triangular indices at 3, 6, 9 and 12 o’clock with applied numerals inserted into the lume.

The early Zodiac movement ([[A Schild|AS1624]] without hacking) predated the calibre 70-72 movement. The AS calibre 1624 was developed in the early 1950s, and runs at 18,000 bph with a running reserve of 42 hours. Zodiac, in conjunction with [[Doxa]], [[Eberhard]], [[Favre Leuba|Favre-Leuba]], and [[Girard Perregaux|Girard-Perregaux]], later refined AS base calibres to produce the Zodiac calibre 70-72 used in subsequent model Zodiac Sea Wolf.

==== Version 1c 699 - 30-only Bezel====
[[File:Swawolf ad.jpg|thumb]]
The uni-directional bezel from the mid to late 50’s is much more common with the numeral 30 only appearing. The bezel was still plated brass. The watch retained the previous dial, still with broad-lumed dauphine hands. The dial below still reads “SWISS” below 6 o’clock indicating radium usage. The 699 model designation continued but the caseback fitting changed from a screw back.

A press-fit caseback was fitted initially wkith a rating of 10 atmospheres, later becoming 20 atmospheres. The 10 ATM case back was engraved on the flat, while the 20 ATM casebook was engraved on the slope.

==== Version 2a - 702 ====

* Movt: 70-72
* Casenumber: 702-916 non-date
* 722-916 for date.

At some point in 1961 the calibre 70-72 17 jewel movement was introduced and the inside back case was engraved 702-916.

==== Version 2b 1962 onwards====
[[File:702916.jpg|thumb]]
The first model of the 702-916 had no date and had dauphine hands with broad lumes. The lume material was prone to falling out, and the hands were changed to have a central spine in future models. History will show this was not a complete success as many models now have lost their lume over the years. The radium was also replaced on the dials by tritium, shown by the Ts by Swiss.

==== Version 2c Datographic ====
[[File:1763.jpg|thumb]]
In the early 1960s the Zodiac acquired a date complication, and the Sea Wolf Datographic was launched. The model number inside the back case was 722-916. The signed 17 jewel Zodiac calibre 70-72 automatic movement was introduced in 1962. The movement is hackset, and the calendar function is quickset requiring the crown to be depressed fully. It also prone to breaking thereby disabling the watch which continues to run but no hand movement. A broad lume triangle also featured at 0 on the bezel.

====Version 3 - 1750 Coloured Bezels====

* Refs:
* 1750W (white or cream)
* 1750B (sky-blue)
* 1763 (gold)
* Casenumber: 722-946
* Movt:72B movement with date, 72 without.
*The serial numbers of these bezel models generally run from 192xxxx.

====Version 4 - Orange Chapter Ring====
[[File:722946.jpg|thumb]]
Refs:
* 1781/B
* 1781/W
* Casenumber: 722-946
* Movt:72B movement
The next model also used the 72B movement, and carried 722-946 on the inside case back, which otherwise was identical to the 722-926. This had an orange chapter ring, and came in black dial with rectangular indices, with no numerals. The date window was framed in orange. The hour hand was white with 2 lumes, and the minute hand was orange with one lume.

==Other Zodiac Models==
* [[Zodiac Sea-Chron|Sea-Chron]]
* [[SuperSeaWolf]]
* [[Aerospace]]
* [[SeaSkate]]
* [[Autographic]]
* [[Astrographic]]
* [[Glorious]]

==Links==

* [[Zodiac]]
*[[BlancPain Fifty Fathoms]]
*[[Diving Watches]]
*[[Switzerland]]

==External Links==
[http://www.vintagezodiacs.com www.vintagezodiacs.com]

https://thespringbar.com/blogs/guides/the-zodiac-sea-wolf/

Credits - Collecting Vintage Zodiac Watches by Yuriy Vakulenko

Nivada Aqualux

2026-04-07T18:18:07Z

Richard: Created page with "==Nivada Aqualux== Manual wind dress watch in style of early UG Polerouters. Seen in gold and steel. center ==Links== * Nivada * Croton * Nivada Grenchen * Nivada Antarctic Models * Nivada Antarctic"

==Nivada Aqualux==
Manual wind dress watch in style of early UG Polerouters. Seen in gold and steel.
[[File:Aqualux .jpg|thumb|center]]

==Links==
* [[Nivada]]
* [[Croton]]
* [[Nivada Grenchen]]
* [[Nivada Antarctic Models]]
* [[Nivada Antarctic]]

File:Aqualux .jpg

2026-04-07T18:17:49Z

Richard:

Nivada

2026-04-07T18:15:00Z

Richard: /* Notable Models */

[[File:Logo-nivada.png|thumb]]
==Nivada==

Nivada is a Swiss watch company. Nivada is a manufacturer of Swiss watches, assembling them from movements made by other manufactures. Nivada was founded as early as 1879 in Grenchen, Switzerland.

==History==
In 1926, Nivada was operational in Grenchen as Wüllimann Schneider Nivada S.A. The company relied on proven movements from [[ETA]] and [[Phénix]] S.A., as was typical at the time, and the company was known for quality mass-produced watches. Nivada celebrated its 100th anniversary in 1979. The company was run by Max Schneider, grandson of the founder, at that time.

Nivada was prevented from using their name during the 1960s and 1970s in the USA due to its phonetic similarity with Movado (there was a court case), so the products were labeled "[[Nivada Grenchen]]".

In the United States, [[Croton]] was formed in 1940 as a distributor for Nivada products, so many were sold under the "[[Croton Nivada]]", "[[Croton Nivada Grenchen]]", and simply "Croton" names.

The Nivada brand was also used in South Korea by the Kim Suk Keun Watch Company from 1985 through the 2000s. Today, Nivada is still incorporated in Grenchen, Switzerland and the brand continues. It has in 2020 relaunched versions of the [[Nivada Antarctic|Antarctic]] and [[Croton Nivada Grenchen Chonomaster|Chronomaster]], its most famous models.

[[File:Nivada reissues.jpg|thumb|New 2020 Nivada Chronomaster]]

==Nivada Adverts==
[[Nivada Adverts|Click]] to see some of the adverts used from the 1920s to 1970s for Nivada and Croton Nivada watches.

==Notable Models==

* [[Nivada Rollamatic|Rollamatic]] (also "Rollador") using Phenix 200 movements.
* [[Nivada Reglavit|Reglavit]], a water resistant watch with a unique external regulator screw.
* [[Nivada Antarctic|Antarctic]] was a long-running series of watches initiated in 1958 in celebration of the International Geophysical Year (IGY), and using the ETA 2472 movement, as well as the A. Schild 1673.
* [[Nivada Depthmaster|Depthmaster]] was a diving watch, water resistant to 1,000 M.
* [[Nivada Depthomatic|Depthomatic]] was another diving watch, water resistant to 200 M, and using the ETA 2472 movement.
* [[Nivada Alertamatic|Alertamatic]] was an alarm watch using the Lemania 2980 movement.
* [[Nivada Ultramatic|Ultramatic]] 36000 (1975) used the rare 36,000 A/h ETA 2734 movement.
* [[Nivada Wanderer|Wanderer]] - Due to their close relation to Phenix/MSR, Nivada sold the [[Vulcain Cricket]] alarm watch under their own brand as the Wanderer.
* [[Croton Nivada Grenchen Chronomaster]] - the famous Chronomaster, Aviator, Sea Diver CASD
*[[Compensamatic]]
* [[Nivada Aquamatic]]
* [[Nivada Antarctic Chronometre]] The rare flagship model from 1958-1965
* [[Nivada Antarctic Diver Models]]
*[[Nivada Aquamar]]
*[[Nivada Watch Alert]]
*[[Nivada Mustang ]]
*[[Nivada Aqualux]]

==Links==
[[File:Nivada ad.jpg|thumb]]
*[[Switzerland]]
* [[Nivada]]
*[[Nivada Antarctic]]
* [[Nivada Grenchen]]
*[[Croton]]
*[[Main Page]]
[[Nivada Antarctic Chronometre]]

Main Page

2026-04-07T18:13:50Z

Richard:

[[File:Ralstra.jpg|thumb]]
<strong>Welcome to The Chronopedia Club, a site for all things watch-related. Built, run and maintained by enthusiasts around the world who want to share their knowledge, experience and love for watches.

We all have one thing in common - a deep fondness for machines, old or new, which tell us actual, elapsed or recorded time, in a beautiful, simple, elegant, functional way.

Enjoy exploring the Chronopedia Club. Click on one of the links below, select a Random page or use the search box above. We hope you find it useful and inspiring.

We extend a warm welcome to all with an interest in watches and invite them to help grow this free resource. All pages can be edited, added to with text and images (Chronopedia has a free hosting function), and new pages created by any member of the Club!

If you want to join and contribute to the knowledge database please click [[Special:CreateAccount|here]] </strong>

'''If you wish to use any content within Chronopedia please give a credit and a link back to the page you have used.'''

'''We are also on Instagram - search for ''Chronopedia.Club''''' '''and @chronopediaclub where you can see more examples from the collection.'''

'''We have also developed a range of straps especially for vintage watches in the collection. You can read more about [[RalStra Sports Straps|Ralstra Rally Sports Straps here]] and see the straps at [http://www.rallystraps.com Ralstra International Watch Straps]'''

[[How to Create or Edit a Page]]

{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Quick Links
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|-
| [[Nivada]]
|-
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|-
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|-
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|-
| [[A-Z|Glossary of Watch Terms]]
|-
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|-
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Nivada Chronometre Serial Numbers

2026-04-07T17:52:42Z

Richard: /* Serial Number List for NAOCC (Nivada Antarctic Officially Certified Chronometre) */

== NIVADA OFFICIALLY CERTIFIED CHRONOMETRE SERIAL NUMBERS ==

It is hoped that here on Chronopedia we can create a list of serial numbers issued to these watches. Each model sold originally had a paper certificate which matched the serial number on the movement. Most of the paperwork has been lost over time, sadly. However the majority of observed examples do carry a 1 to 4 digit code in addition to the movement reference, normally the ETA 2452, later 2472, engraved on the movement which enables us to catalogue and date them. This is also a good way to assess that the watch is original and has not been altered or made up from lesser parts.

The NAOCC model seems to have been issued late 1958 and was still being marketed in 1965. There are exceptions to this but the majority of observed examples carry the number. The Rudolphs Dependable OCC version, marketed by Croton in US, does have an individual number on the movement on the few examples seen. It has a slightly different case with a semi concealed crown.

It seems the NAOCC was sold both in North America and Europe with the Nivada Grenchen name and not the Croton Nivada Grenchen branding more typical of the North American market. Note also the spelling of Chronometre in European style.

The number is engraved in the location shown in the movement shot here:
[[File:1664 LOATION.jpg|thumb|Chronometre Certificate Number - Nivada OCC (Richard Phillips)]]
[[File:Chronometer nivada steel front.jpg|thumb]]

{| class="wikitable"
== Serial Number List for NAOCC (Nivada Antarctic Officially Certified Chronometre) ==
|-
! Serial Number!! Case Style !! Hand/dial colour !! Other Information
|-
| 960|| gold 18k|| gold ||ETA2452
|-
| 989|| gold 18k|| gold ||ETA2452
|-
| 1007|| steel|| rose gold ||ETA2452
|-
| 1664|| steel|| silver ||ETA2452 - case 185445 - black date wheel
|-
| 1692|| steel|| gold/silver||Rudolph's ETA2452 - case 185603 - black date wheel - Engraved 1962 Presentation
|-
| 1756|| Gold capped || gold || Rudolph’s ETA 2452
|-
| 2072|| steel|| gold || eta 2452
|-
| 2207|| steel|| silver || eta 2472
|-
| 2337|| steel|| silver || eta 2472 red date wheel
|-
| 2343|| gold cap|| gold
|-
| 2438|| steel||silver || eta 2472 original box
|-
| 2742 || steel || silver || ETA 2472 - red date wheel
|-
| 2844 || steel || silver || ETA 2472 - red date wheel Rudolph’s
|-
| 3089||18k gold|| gold || ETA 2472
|-
| 3103|| steel|| silver || ETA 2472 red date wheel
|-
| 3286 || Gold capped || gold || Rudolph’s ETA 2472
|-
| 3368|| gold cap|| gold ||ETA 2472 OCT 1964
|-
| 3741 || steel || gold || Rudolph’s 2472
|-
| 3938|| steel|| gold || ETA 2472 -case 186502 - black date wheel
|-
| 3065 || steel || silver linen dial ||
|-

If you have a model and wish to be added to this list please send the information and a photo if possible of the movement to
mail to: chronopedia.club@gmail.com. If you are already a member of Chronopedia you may add it directly.

[[File:77FFBAC1-829D-4040-8CDE-9D7B49B2440B.jpg|thumb|Example of chronometre certificate ]]

[[File:6F5086FB-1A1B-445F-AC98-1BE18CF000F0.jpeg|thumb]]

[[File:Can advert .png|thumb]]

[[File:FD4F67C5-5B3C-4E25-B1D6-CEA5203576A8.jpg|thumb|Paperwork included in original box for Nivada Official Chronometre]]

[[File:Nivadabox.jpg|thumb|Nivada Chronometre box ]]

Links

[[Nivada Antarctic Chronometre]]

[[Nivada Antarctic]]

Nivada Chronometre Serial Numbers

2026-04-07T17:51:04Z

Richard: /* Serial Number List for NAOCC (Nivada Antarctic Officially Certified Chronometre) */

== NIVADA OFFICIALLY CERTIFIED CHRONOMETRE SERIAL NUMBERS ==

It is hoped that here on Chronopedia we can create a list of serial numbers issued to these watches. Each model sold originally had a paper certificate which matched the serial number on the movement. Most of the paperwork has been lost over time, sadly. However the majority of observed examples do carry a 1 to 4 digit code in addition to the movement reference, normally the ETA 2452, later 2472, engraved on the movement which enables us to catalogue and date them. This is also a good way to assess that the watch is original and has not been altered or made up from lesser parts.

The NAOCC model seems to have been issued late 1958 and was still being marketed in 1965. There are exceptions to this but the majority of observed examples carry the number. The Rudolphs Dependable OCC version, marketed by Croton in US, does have an individual number on the movement on the few examples seen. It has a slightly different case with a semi concealed crown.

It seems the NAOCC was sold both in North America and Europe with the Nivada Grenchen name and not the Croton Nivada Grenchen branding more typical of the North American market. Note also the spelling of Chronometre in European style.

The number is engraved in the location shown in the movement shot here:
[[File:1664 LOATION.jpg|thumb|Chronometre Certificate Number - Nivada OCC (Richard Phillips)]]
[[File:Chronometer nivada steel front.jpg|thumb]]

{| class="wikitable"
== Serial Number List for NAOCC (Nivada Antarctic Officially Certified Chronometre) ==
|-
! Serial Number!! Case Style !! Hand/dial colour !! Other Information
|-
| 960|| gold 18k|| gold ||ETA2452
|-
| 989|| gold 18k|| gold ||ETA2452
|-
| 1007|| steel|| rose gold ||ETA2452
|-
| 1664|| steel|| silver ||ETA2452 - case 185445 - black date wheel
|-
| 1692|| steel|| silver/gold ||Rudolph's ETA2452 - case 185603 - black date wheel - Engraved 1962 Presentation
|-
| 1756|| Gold capped || gold || Rudolph’s ETA 2452
|-
| 2072|| steel|| gold || eta 2452
|-
| 2207|| steel|| silver || eta 2472
|-
| 2337|| steel|| silver || eta 2472 red date wheel
|-
| 2343|| gold cap|| gold
|-
| 2438|| steel||silver || eta 2472 original box
|-
| 2742 || steel || silver || ETA 2472 - red date wheel
|-
| 2844 || steel || silver || ETA 2472 - red date wheel Rudolph’s
|-
| 3089||18k gold|| gold || ETA 2472
|-
| 3103|| steel|| silver || ETA 2472 red date wheel
|-
| 3286 || Gold capped || gold || Rudolph’s ETA 2472
|-
| 3368|| gold cap|| gold ||ETA 2472 OCT 1964
|-
| 3741 || steel || gold || Rudolph’s 2472
|-
| 3938|| steel|| gold || ETA 2472 -case 186502 - black date wheel
|-
| 3065 || steel || silver linen dial ||
|-

If you have a model and wish to be added to this list please send the information and a photo if possible of the movement to
mail to: chronopedia.club@gmail.com. If you are already a member of Chronopedia you may add it directly.

[[File:77FFBAC1-829D-4040-8CDE-9D7B49B2440B.jpg|thumb|Example of chronometre certificate ]]

[[File:6F5086FB-1A1B-445F-AC98-1BE18CF000F0.jpeg|thumb]]

[[File:Can advert .png|thumb]]

[[File:FD4F67C5-5B3C-4E25-B1D6-CEA5203576A8.jpg|thumb|Paperwork included in original box for Nivada Official Chronometre]]

[[File:Nivadabox.jpg|thumb|Nivada Chronometre box ]]

Links

[[Nivada Antarctic Chronometre]]

[[Nivada Antarctic]]

Nivada Antarctic Models

2026-03-02T22:34:45Z

Richard: /* Antarctic V */

==Nivada Antarctic Watches - an introduction==
[[File:Antarctic logo hangtag.jpg|thumb]]

Authosr: [[User:Richard|Richard Phillips]] and others

For the history of these models read [[Nivada Antarctic|here]]. The Nivada Antarctics are a fascinating subject for collectors. With a seemingly never-ending variety since 1956, there is something for everyone. Please note that for the purposes of simplicity, Croton, Nivada and other permutations of CNG are assumed to be all interchangeable on the dial, rotor, crown, box etc. By definition given Croton was the US distributor of Nivada, more Croton examples will be seen in North America, and likewise Nivada Grenchen will predominate in Europe.

There are additional links at the top of each section which will go to further pages for reading and examples on specific model ranges within the huge Antarctic continent of watches.

[[File:Croton blu hand.jpg|thumb]]

==Nivada Antarctic Early Models==
The very first models, including the watches used during [[Nivada Antarctic|ODF I]], did not bear the Antarctic name. Otherwise identical to the slightly later Antarctic-labeled watches, they had either sterile or “Aquamatic” dials. “Antarctic” first appeared in production on August 8, 1956 and was [https://tsdr.uspto.gov/documentviewer?caseId=sn72015531&docId=ORC20051110101001&linkId=1#docIndex=0&page=1 registered as a trademark] on May 14, 1957 based on an application filed September 12, 1956—five months after the completion of ODF I. The original watch model itself appears around 1954/55. There is a great deal of cross-referencing with the Aquamatic models of the same period and the two names appear interchangeable on some models. Between 1957 and 1964 there are a wide variety of model ranges and styles using the Antarctic nomenclature, from rugged explorer watches, to divers and all the way up to dress watches and expensive certified gold chronometers. As described [[Nivada Antarctic|here]], Nivada and Croton used the marketing kudos of association with ODF I to the fullest, and it even continues to this day with the new company offering an Antarctic in its range, alongside the famous [[Croton Nivada Grenchen Chonomaster|Chronomaster]].

Movements will carry the ''COW'' stamp on US imported models. This denotes a Nivada Grenchen SA movement, imported by Croton.

This cataloguing of Antarctic models finds a natural break at the start of 1964. The reason for this is the appearance of the ''T'' denoting tritium dials and/or hands is made compulsory in Switzerland after this date. It makes dating a watch slightly easier. The absence of any company history and inability to produce extracts from any archives due to the original company's demise in the 1970s makes precise dating and chronology of the range an inexact science at best. This is entirely a work in progress and as more collectors provide information we can begin to fill in the gaps and establish a fuller history of these amazing watches.

Early models are most popular with collectors having the distinctive hour markers, blued second hand, flat lugs and white sometimes textured dials, known as tundra and glacier. They capture the purity of the original concept of a rugged accurate waterproof watch able to withstand the elements.

==[[Croton Nivada Grenchen - Flat Top Lug Antarctic Models 1954-64|First Series Flat Top Lug Models]]==
====AO V.1a Early Model - Sterile Dial circa 1954-57====
[[File:CNG antarctic date.jpg|thumb]]
With the same flat lug case and big crown as the first series, these contain an ETA with and without date dial and no Antarctic subtext. It is assumed that these were made before the US Navy 1957 DeepFreeze tour as Nivada certainly used the marketing coup associated with the expedition to its maximum on a huge variety of dials after this date. The same watch also appears with the Antarctic name in an advert. This ETA movement is mostly associated with models circa 1950-1954. The casebacks appear with various permutations of 61 and 63 so it is assumed this is the reference and the case type and movement (eg date or no date), 63L steel etc although this may be some kind of other case coding or year dating.
* Radium dial and hands
*Domed crystal with cyclops (square or round)
* 17.5mm lug width
* ETA 1258 with signed rotor
* White dial, silver furniture, blued second hand (steel on gold-cased models)
* 34mm width ex crown
* screw dodecahedron caseback with 61 or 63L engraved (steel) 63Y (20micron rolled gold)
*Larger winding crown

====AO V.1a Early Model - Tundra Dial circa 1954-61====
[[File:Cng tundra dial.jpg|thumb|CNG Tundra Dial Aquamatic/Antarctic - Richard Phillips]]
The tundra dial is a rippled effect, unique to Nivada and not seen by this author on any other manufacturers watches. It supposedly replicated snow drifts. These are most commonly seen with Antarctic script but also, in this example, with Aquamatic script and Croton Nivada Grenchen (CNG). They share the same flat lug case and big crown as the first series, ETA and normally no date. It is assumed that these were made before the US Navy 1957 DeepFreeze tour as Nivada certainly used the marketing coup associated with the expedition to its maximum on a huge variety of dials after this date. The same watch also appears with the Antarctic name in an advert. This ETA movement is mostly associated with models circa 1950-1954. The distinctive lug shape, blue second hand and silvered numerals make these popular with collectors.
* Radium dial and handswith cyclops (square or round)
* 17.5mm lug width
* ETA 1256 with signed rotor
* White dial, silver furniture, blued second hand
* 34mm width ex crown
* screw dodecahedron caseback with 61
*Larger winding crown
[[File:Antarcticripple.jpg|thumb|Antarctic Ripple Tundra Dials - Richard Phillips Collection ]]

====AO V.1b - Circa 1956 to 1964====
The Antarctic signed dial first appears, in conjunction with the US Navy Deep Freeze expedition.
* Diameter (excluding crown): 35mm
* Lug to lug: 42mm
* Lug width: 18mm
* Large crown for ease of winding whilst wearing gloves in cold conditions, normally a scallop sided.
* Movement: Various automatic ETA 1256, 23xx, 24xx, normally 17 jewel but 25 jewel also seen.
* Power reserve: ~40 hours
* Case: All stainless steel, later gold plated available.
*White dial with radium lume and steel hands with lume
*Blued second hand (steel cases only)
* Most non-date, some date versions - see below.
*Dial lettering can contain Croton, Nivada Grenchen combinations and a 25 Jewel variation has been seen on early Croton models.

====AO V.1c - Circa 1963 onwards====
[[File:Anarctic S1 wavy font.jpg|thumb|Antarctic First Case with later font (Source 7A28-7T27, MWR)]]
Same bevelled case but change of logo and font indicate a later model.
* SWISS MADE but no T on the dial.
* Different crown to original issue.
* Nivada only on dial and 21 Jewel count.
* Stylised Antarctic font.
* Different hour markers and no numbers.
* Gold plated version also seen with gold hands and simple baton markers

====AO V.2 Antarctic D dial====
It may be that the additional D stands for Date on these models.
* Circa 1960-64. No T on dial.
* A different case with straight beveled lugs and screw caseback
* Partially concealed crown
* Linen dial and slightly different hour markers. Blue second hand remains on steel version with lumed hands.
* Gold 20 micron version with linen dial. gold markers and hands - layout as per steel version.
* Crystals can have both round and square cyclops.
[[File:Nivada antarctic D.jpg|thumb|Antarctic D dial]]

==Straight Lug Antarctic Models==

====AO V.3 Antarctic Glacier Dial====
[[File:Antartic 3 in box.jpg|thumb|Glacier Dial Antarctic in Croton box circa 1960 (Richard Phillips)]]
Very unusual and distinctive styling gives this rare model a unique appearance and appeal to collectors. The dial has a hatched linen appearance which is echoed with the thin outer bezel. The polished markers and hands are set off by the polished steel case ring outside the crystal. A 6 point caseback, red dial wheel with trapezoid window and very thin lugs give this example a real dress feel, one to slip on under a tuxedo. It is quite mesmeric to look at and changes colour depending on the light. Estimated manufacture period 1960-64. A rare gold capped version has also been identified. A Croton version with plain silver white dial and black date wheel has also been found.
* 34mm width ex crown
* 17.6mm lug width
* 39mm lug to lug
*small lugs with delicate faceting
*6 point screwback case
*Domed crystal with cyclops
* Pre 1963-4 SWISS marked with no T on dial.
[[File:BF557795-C5C4-4E6F-9D3B-1AFCCA0D98E5.jpg|thumb|Glacier models - Richard Phillips ]]

[[File:100043A1-80C7-44AA-A60F-C3F94D7C6287.jpg|thumb|Gold Nivada Glacier Antarctic - Richard Phillips ]]
[[File:B5487462-6F70-4A6E-88CB-4BFB9ED2FE51.jpg|thumb|Croton Antarctic Glacier Bezel. -Richard Phillips Collection]]

[[File:Nivada-grenchen-antarctic-linen dial.jpg|thumb|Glacier Dial Antarctic Circa 1960s (Richard Phillips]]

==[[Nivada Antarctic Roman Numeral (ARN) models|The Antarctic Roman Numeral (ARN) models]]==
===Antarctic II===
[[File:A2 black .jpg|thumb|A2 black -R Phillips]]
This appears to be a non date version of the Antarctic D. Features include a concealed crown to promote the automatic function and straight lugs. Seen with black and cream-white dials bearing Croton Nivada Grenchen and Nivada alone. Font can be capitalized plain or the wavy script.
[[File:A2.jpg|thumb|Antarctic II -credit Nivada Museum]]

===[[Nivada Antarctic III|Antarctic III]]===

Additional variety was introduced by Version III. A move towards a more formal dress style saw thinner lugs and bezels and away from the original explorer concept. The crowns are unsigned and less substantial than the original scallop shape (which had first been seen on the original Aquamatics from the early 1950s).

Most dials have been observed with some marking- they are very prone to wear, damage and water ingress sadly. The unsmooth surface of the linen dial attracts dust and traps moisture. Pristine examples command a premium and will normally be NOS unworn. Another factor is the lacquer or varnish used on dials in this period by Nivada. It is prone to yellowing and discolouring as well as crazing, particularly if there has been any damp ingress, a distinct possibility with the non screwdown crown and a model marketed as waterproof. Very often a white dial (the Antartctic default dial colour) will appear at first glance to be cream or yellow. This can have a charm all its own - all dependent on the individual collectors eye for patina.

At some point around 1960 the font changed from a straight simple uppercase san serif to a stylised wavy written style for the word Antarctic. This is also seen in adverts at the time.

The automatic calibers are normally ETA movements with signed rotor and COW stamped on US models marketed by Croton.
Casebacks will have a serial number starting A6 and then 5 digits. Range identified so far 73### to 75###.

Click [[Nivada Antarctic III|here]] for more examples and deeper history of the III.

====ARNIII V1 Straight Text====
[[File:Antarctic3 2.jpg|thumb|Nivada Antarctic III with Linen Dial (Richard Phillips)]]
* Circa 1959-1964
* Normally seen with linen dial, silver markers and lumed silver hands, radium or tritium. Models post 1963 have T on the dials.
* Diameter (excluding crown): 35mm
* Lug to lug: 42mm
* Lug width: 18mm
* Height: 10mm
* Movement: ETA 2451 and 2651 with various jewel counts including 17, 21 and 30 which may also appear on dial.
* Power reserve: ~40 hours
* Case: All stainless steel with 6 point screwback
* Straight lugs with bevel edge and drilled holes
* Plain unsigned crown
* Domed Crystal

====ARNIII V2 Wavy Text - Steel====
[[File:Nivada antarctic 3 front.jpg|thumb|Antarctic III circa 1961 with Wavy Font (Richard Phillips)]]
* Circa 1959-1964
* Normally seen with plain dial where the lacquer has discoloured to yellow from original white.
* Silver baton markers and lumed silver hands. ''Swiss Made'' on dial at 6.
* Diameter (excluding crown): 34.6mm
* Lug to lug: 40.6mm
* Lug width: 17.8mm
* Height: 9.6mm
* Movement: ETA 2451 21 jewel count on dial.
* Case: All stainless steel with 6 point screwback marked A6 (ref?) and Antarctic engraved
* Straight lugs with bevel edge and drilled holes
* Plain unsigned crown
* Domed Crystal

====ARNIII V2 Wavy Text - Gold Cap Case ====
*A rare version has been seen with straight lugs in a gold 20 micron case
*Steel screw caseback
*dial has recessed hour markers, no numbers and is also signed Nivada Aquamatic
* 21 Jewel ETA as above
*Swiss and European markets model

===Antarctic IV===
Gold plated version of the Antarctic III. Same font style, linen dial and gold markers. Crown slightly larger than the steel version in some cases depending on movement. ETA movement again with 17, 21 or 30 jewel count. The linen cream dial does not normally have automatic on it (note that a dial has been seen with 25 Jewel and Automatic) but it has self-winding on screwed caseback, together with an astonishing typo with the misspelling of ANTARCTIC with ANTARTIC! 34mm x 41mm approx.
[[File:Nivada Antarctic 4 .jpg|thumb|Nivada Antarctic IV pre 1964 Richard Phillips Collection]]
[[File:Nivant4rear.jpg|thumb|Antarctic IV - case back ]]
[[File:Antarctic 4.jpg|thumb|Antarctic IV in gold case with 25 Jewels on dial - Richard Phillips collection ]]

===Antarctic V===
[[File:A5 Nivada .jpg|thumb]]
[[File:ANTARCTIC 5.jpg|thumb]]
Steel version of the VI.
Case is compressor style like early Aquamatic and Zenith with 4 screws to back.
Automatic with silver dial.
Split stem scallop crown.

2 versions seen, one with the corners cut as triangles and one a vertical linen. Both with steel hands and blued seconds.
Later version has no lume to hands and silver second hand. See blue strap version.. Both seen here with strap from [http://www.rallystraps.com Ralstra]
From Richard Phillips Collection.

[[File:Antarctic 5.jpg|thumb|CNG ANTARCTIC. VERSION5. Richard Phillips collection]]

===Antarctic VI===
Square man's dress watch in compressor style Aquadatic case with 4 screws holding gold plated outer case. A small automatic movement with scallop crown. Seen with two different dial configurations - one a segemnted two tone and the other a brushed vertical linen. The linen is in silver but a gold version also is seen. This may be a heavily tarnished or patinated version of the former.
* Automatic
* 28.4mm width ex crown
* 35mm length
[[File:816D4E64-EBB2-4250-BF55-CA5098CB422C.jpg|thumb|Antarctic VI (Richard Phillips) ]]
[[File:Ant 6 2.jpg|thumb|Nivada Antarctic VI linen dial - Richard Phillips]]
[[File:2933279D-C5B2-44BF-92A6-48591323656B.jpg|thumb|Antarctic VI with gold linen dial - Richard Phillips Collection ]]

===Antarctic VII===
[[File:DBA6B5D6-205B-4E19-A1F2-9FA99E52D0D1.jpg|thumb]]
Steel cased auto model. Seen in catalogues.
Gold capped version with silver dial.
[[File:Antarctic VII - 1960. Richard Phillips collection .jpg|thumb]]
A black dial with gold case has been seen once. Clearly a rare model.
[[File:A6401486-DB1C-4374-BA6A-C6E1E97E89EE.jpg|thumb|Unknown source. Please supply credit ]]
A square gold plated dress watch has also been seen with this name.

===Antarctic 10 ===
[[File:A10.jpg|thumb|A10 - Richard Phillips ]]
A rare dial variation of the glacier style with hatched bezel outer ring
*Note the bezel is slightly larger than the other versions

==[[Nivada Antarctic Late Models|Post 1964 models]]==
For more about the Antarctic models released after 1964 please read here - [[Nivada Antarctic Late Models]]

==[[Nivada Antarctic Diver Models]]==
Although the original Antarctic watches are waterproof and fairly rugged, there was clearly a marketing push to appeal to a wider audience with diving watches being a logical move away from the more formal dress nature of the 1957/57 line. An entire range of diver models are seen with the Antarctic name, including Submarino, Antarctic 200, Super Antarctic from the early 1960s onwards and the name has continued in some form or other with Quartz and lesser models. Read more about the original and collectible models [[Nivada Antarctic Diver Models|here]].

==[[Nivada Antarctic Chronometre]]==
Rare chronometer version of the standard watch - sometimes seen in solid gold
[[Nivada Antarctic Chronometre|Click to read here about this special model]]

At Chronopedia we are trying to collate the Chronometre certificate numbers for this model. Click here if you wish to add yours. [[Nivada_Chronometre_Serial_Numbers]]

==Links==
*[[Nivada Aquamatic]]
* [[Croton Nivada Grenchen - Flat Top Lug Antarctic Models 1954-64]]
* [[Nivada Antarctic Roman Numeral (ARN) models]]

* [[Nivada]]
* [[Nivada Antarctic]]
* [[Nivada Antarctic Late Models]]
* [[Croton]]
* [[Croton Nivada Grenchen]]

Credits and Further Reading - https://www.vintagenivada.com/

Nivada Antarctic Models

2026-03-02T22:32:44Z

Richard: /* Antarctic V */

==Nivada Antarctic Watches - an introduction==
[[File:Antarctic logo hangtag.jpg|thumb]]

Authosr: [[User:Richard|Richard Phillips]] and others

For the history of these models read [[Nivada Antarctic|here]]. The Nivada Antarctics are a fascinating subject for collectors. With a seemingly never-ending variety since 1956, there is something for everyone. Please note that for the purposes of simplicity, Croton, Nivada and other permutations of CNG are assumed to be all interchangeable on the dial, rotor, crown, box etc. By definition given Croton was the US distributor of Nivada, more Croton examples will be seen in North America, and likewise Nivada Grenchen will predominate in Europe.

There are additional links at the top of each section which will go to further pages for reading and examples on specific model ranges within the huge Antarctic continent of watches.

[[File:Croton blu hand.jpg|thumb]]

==Nivada Antarctic Early Models==
The very first models, including the watches used during [[Nivada Antarctic|ODF I]], did not bear the Antarctic name. Otherwise identical to the slightly later Antarctic-labeled watches, they had either sterile or “Aquamatic” dials. “Antarctic” first appeared in production on August 8, 1956 and was [https://tsdr.uspto.gov/documentviewer?caseId=sn72015531&docId=ORC20051110101001&linkId=1#docIndex=0&page=1 registered as a trademark] on May 14, 1957 based on an application filed September 12, 1956—five months after the completion of ODF I. The original watch model itself appears around 1954/55. There is a great deal of cross-referencing with the Aquamatic models of the same period and the two names appear interchangeable on some models. Between 1957 and 1964 there are a wide variety of model ranges and styles using the Antarctic nomenclature, from rugged explorer watches, to divers and all the way up to dress watches and expensive certified gold chronometers. As described [[Nivada Antarctic|here]], Nivada and Croton used the marketing kudos of association with ODF I to the fullest, and it even continues to this day with the new company offering an Antarctic in its range, alongside the famous [[Croton Nivada Grenchen Chonomaster|Chronomaster]].

Movements will carry the ''COW'' stamp on US imported models. This denotes a Nivada Grenchen SA movement, imported by Croton.

This cataloguing of Antarctic models finds a natural break at the start of 1964. The reason for this is the appearance of the ''T'' denoting tritium dials and/or hands is made compulsory in Switzerland after this date. It makes dating a watch slightly easier. The absence of any company history and inability to produce extracts from any archives due to the original company's demise in the 1970s makes precise dating and chronology of the range an inexact science at best. This is entirely a work in progress and as more collectors provide information we can begin to fill in the gaps and establish a fuller history of these amazing watches.

Early models are most popular with collectors having the distinctive hour markers, blued second hand, flat lugs and white sometimes textured dials, known as tundra and glacier. They capture the purity of the original concept of a rugged accurate waterproof watch able to withstand the elements.

==[[Croton Nivada Grenchen - Flat Top Lug Antarctic Models 1954-64|First Series Flat Top Lug Models]]==
====AO V.1a Early Model - Sterile Dial circa 1954-57====
[[File:CNG antarctic date.jpg|thumb]]
With the same flat lug case and big crown as the first series, these contain an ETA with and without date dial and no Antarctic subtext. It is assumed that these were made before the US Navy 1957 DeepFreeze tour as Nivada certainly used the marketing coup associated with the expedition to its maximum on a huge variety of dials after this date. The same watch also appears with the Antarctic name in an advert. This ETA movement is mostly associated with models circa 1950-1954. The casebacks appear with various permutations of 61 and 63 so it is assumed this is the reference and the case type and movement (eg date or no date), 63L steel etc although this may be some kind of other case coding or year dating.
* Radium dial and hands
*Domed crystal with cyclops (square or round)
* 17.5mm lug width
* ETA 1258 with signed rotor
* White dial, silver furniture, blued second hand (steel on gold-cased models)
* 34mm width ex crown
* screw dodecahedron caseback with 61 or 63L engraved (steel) 63Y (20micron rolled gold)
*Larger winding crown

====AO V.1a Early Model - Tundra Dial circa 1954-61====
[[File:Cng tundra dial.jpg|thumb|CNG Tundra Dial Aquamatic/Antarctic - Richard Phillips]]
The tundra dial is a rippled effect, unique to Nivada and not seen by this author on any other manufacturers watches. It supposedly replicated snow drifts. These are most commonly seen with Antarctic script but also, in this example, with Aquamatic script and Croton Nivada Grenchen (CNG). They share the same flat lug case and big crown as the first series, ETA and normally no date. It is assumed that these were made before the US Navy 1957 DeepFreeze tour as Nivada certainly used the marketing coup associated with the expedition to its maximum on a huge variety of dials after this date. The same watch also appears with the Antarctic name in an advert. This ETA movement is mostly associated with models circa 1950-1954. The distinctive lug shape, blue second hand and silvered numerals make these popular with collectors.
* Radium dial and handswith cyclops (square or round)
* 17.5mm lug width
* ETA 1256 with signed rotor
* White dial, silver furniture, blued second hand
* 34mm width ex crown
* screw dodecahedron caseback with 61
*Larger winding crown
[[File:Antarcticripple.jpg|thumb|Antarctic Ripple Tundra Dials - Richard Phillips Collection ]]

====AO V.1b - Circa 1956 to 1964====
The Antarctic signed dial first appears, in conjunction with the US Navy Deep Freeze expedition.
* Diameter (excluding crown): 35mm
* Lug to lug: 42mm
* Lug width: 18mm
* Large crown for ease of winding whilst wearing gloves in cold conditions, normally a scallop sided.
* Movement: Various automatic ETA 1256, 23xx, 24xx, normally 17 jewel but 25 jewel also seen.
* Power reserve: ~40 hours
* Case: All stainless steel, later gold plated available.
*White dial with radium lume and steel hands with lume
*Blued second hand (steel cases only)
* Most non-date, some date versions - see below.
*Dial lettering can contain Croton, Nivada Grenchen combinations and a 25 Jewel variation has been seen on early Croton models.

====AO V.1c - Circa 1963 onwards====
[[File:Anarctic S1 wavy font.jpg|thumb|Antarctic First Case with later font (Source 7A28-7T27, MWR)]]
Same bevelled case but change of logo and font indicate a later model.
* SWISS MADE but no T on the dial.
* Different crown to original issue.
* Nivada only on dial and 21 Jewel count.
* Stylised Antarctic font.
* Different hour markers and no numbers.
* Gold plated version also seen with gold hands and simple baton markers

====AO V.2 Antarctic D dial====
It may be that the additional D stands for Date on these models.
* Circa 1960-64. No T on dial.
* A different case with straight beveled lugs and screw caseback
* Partially concealed crown
* Linen dial and slightly different hour markers. Blue second hand remains on steel version with lumed hands.
* Gold 20 micron version with linen dial. gold markers and hands - layout as per steel version.
* Crystals can have both round and square cyclops.
[[File:Nivada antarctic D.jpg|thumb|Antarctic D dial]]

==Straight Lug Antarctic Models==

====AO V.3 Antarctic Glacier Dial====
[[File:Antartic 3 in box.jpg|thumb|Glacier Dial Antarctic in Croton box circa 1960 (Richard Phillips)]]
Very unusual and distinctive styling gives this rare model a unique appearance and appeal to collectors. The dial has a hatched linen appearance which is echoed with the thin outer bezel. The polished markers and hands are set off by the polished steel case ring outside the crystal. A 6 point caseback, red dial wheel with trapezoid window and very thin lugs give this example a real dress feel, one to slip on under a tuxedo. It is quite mesmeric to look at and changes colour depending on the light. Estimated manufacture period 1960-64. A rare gold capped version has also been identified. A Croton version with plain silver white dial and black date wheel has also been found.
* 34mm width ex crown
* 17.6mm lug width
* 39mm lug to lug
*small lugs with delicate faceting
*6 point screwback case
*Domed crystal with cyclops
* Pre 1963-4 SWISS marked with no T on dial.
[[File:BF557795-C5C4-4E6F-9D3B-1AFCCA0D98E5.jpg|thumb|Glacier models - Richard Phillips ]]

[[File:100043A1-80C7-44AA-A60F-C3F94D7C6287.jpg|thumb|Gold Nivada Glacier Antarctic - Richard Phillips ]]
[[File:B5487462-6F70-4A6E-88CB-4BFB9ED2FE51.jpg|thumb|Croton Antarctic Glacier Bezel. -Richard Phillips Collection]]

[[File:Nivada-grenchen-antarctic-linen dial.jpg|thumb|Glacier Dial Antarctic Circa 1960s (Richard Phillips]]

==[[Nivada Antarctic Roman Numeral (ARN) models|The Antarctic Roman Numeral (ARN) models]]==
===Antarctic II===
[[File:A2 black .jpg|thumb|A2 black -R Phillips]]
This appears to be a non date version of the Antarctic D. Features include a concealed crown to promote the automatic function and straight lugs. Seen with black and cream-white dials bearing Croton Nivada Grenchen and Nivada alone. Font can be capitalized plain or the wavy script.
[[File:A2.jpg|thumb|Antarctic II -credit Nivada Museum]]

===[[Nivada Antarctic III|Antarctic III]]===

Additional variety was introduced by Version III. A move towards a more formal dress style saw thinner lugs and bezels and away from the original explorer concept. The crowns are unsigned and less substantial than the original scallop shape (which had first been seen on the original Aquamatics from the early 1950s).

Most dials have been observed with some marking- they are very prone to wear, damage and water ingress sadly. The unsmooth surface of the linen dial attracts dust and traps moisture. Pristine examples command a premium and will normally be NOS unworn. Another factor is the lacquer or varnish used on dials in this period by Nivada. It is prone to yellowing and discolouring as well as crazing, particularly if there has been any damp ingress, a distinct possibility with the non screwdown crown and a model marketed as waterproof. Very often a white dial (the Antartctic default dial colour) will appear at first glance to be cream or yellow. This can have a charm all its own - all dependent on the individual collectors eye for patina.

At some point around 1960 the font changed from a straight simple uppercase san serif to a stylised wavy written style for the word Antarctic. This is also seen in adverts at the time.

The automatic calibers are normally ETA movements with signed rotor and COW stamped on US models marketed by Croton.
Casebacks will have a serial number starting A6 and then 5 digits. Range identified so far 73### to 75###.

Click [[Nivada Antarctic III|here]] for more examples and deeper history of the III.

====ARNIII V1 Straight Text====
[[File:Antarctic3 2.jpg|thumb|Nivada Antarctic III with Linen Dial (Richard Phillips)]]
* Circa 1959-1964
* Normally seen with linen dial, silver markers and lumed silver hands, radium or tritium. Models post 1963 have T on the dials.
* Diameter (excluding crown): 35mm
* Lug to lug: 42mm
* Lug width: 18mm
* Height: 10mm
* Movement: ETA 2451 and 2651 with various jewel counts including 17, 21 and 30 which may also appear on dial.
* Power reserve: ~40 hours
* Case: All stainless steel with 6 point screwback
* Straight lugs with bevel edge and drilled holes
* Plain unsigned crown
* Domed Crystal

====ARNIII V2 Wavy Text - Steel====
[[File:Nivada antarctic 3 front.jpg|thumb|Antarctic III circa 1961 with Wavy Font (Richard Phillips)]]
* Circa 1959-1964
* Normally seen with plain dial where the lacquer has discoloured to yellow from original white.
* Silver baton markers and lumed silver hands. ''Swiss Made'' on dial at 6.
* Diameter (excluding crown): 34.6mm
* Lug to lug: 40.6mm
* Lug width: 17.8mm
* Height: 9.6mm
* Movement: ETA 2451 21 jewel count on dial.
* Case: All stainless steel with 6 point screwback marked A6 (ref?) and Antarctic engraved
* Straight lugs with bevel edge and drilled holes
* Plain unsigned crown
* Domed Crystal

====ARNIII V2 Wavy Text - Gold Cap Case ====
*A rare version has been seen with straight lugs in a gold 20 micron case
*Steel screw caseback
*dial has recessed hour markers, no numbers and is also signed Nivada Aquamatic
* 21 Jewel ETA as above
*Swiss and European markets model

===Antarctic IV===
Gold plated version of the Antarctic III. Same font style, linen dial and gold markers. Crown slightly larger than the steel version in some cases depending on movement. ETA movement again with 17, 21 or 30 jewel count. The linen cream dial does not normally have automatic on it (note that a dial has been seen with 25 Jewel and Automatic) but it has self-winding on screwed caseback, together with an astonishing typo with the misspelling of ANTARCTIC with ANTARTIC! 34mm x 41mm approx.
[[File:Nivada Antarctic 4 .jpg|thumb|Nivada Antarctic IV pre 1964 Richard Phillips Collection]]
[[File:Nivant4rear.jpg|thumb|Antarctic IV - case back ]]
[[File:Antarctic 4.jpg|thumb|Antarctic IV in gold case with 25 Jewels on dial - Richard Phillips collection ]]

===Antarctic V===
[[File:A5 Nivada .jpg|thumb]]
[[File:ANTARCTIC 5.jpg|thumb]]
Steel version of the VI.
Case is compressor style like early Aquamatic and Zenith with 4 screws to back.
Automatic with silver dial.
Split stem scallop crown.

2 versions seen, one with the corners cut as triangles and one a vertical linen. Both with steel hands.

Example with hexagon shape has radium burn on dial from hands. Later version has no lume to hands. See blue strap version.. Both seen here with strap from [http://www.rallystraps.com Ralstra]
From Richard Phillips Collection.

[[File:Antarctic 5.jpg|thumb|CNG ANTARCTIC. VERSION5. Richard Phillips collection]]

===Antarctic VI===
Square man's dress watch in compressor style Aquadatic case with 4 screws holding gold plated outer case. A small automatic movement with scallop crown. Seen with two different dial configurations - one a segemnted two tone and the other a brushed vertical linen. The linen is in silver but a gold version also is seen. This may be a heavily tarnished or patinated version of the former.
* Automatic
* 28.4mm width ex crown
* 35mm length
[[File:816D4E64-EBB2-4250-BF55-CA5098CB422C.jpg|thumb|Antarctic VI (Richard Phillips) ]]
[[File:Ant 6 2.jpg|thumb|Nivada Antarctic VI linen dial - Richard Phillips]]
[[File:2933279D-C5B2-44BF-92A6-48591323656B.jpg|thumb|Antarctic VI with gold linen dial - Richard Phillips Collection ]]

===Antarctic VII===
[[File:DBA6B5D6-205B-4E19-A1F2-9FA99E52D0D1.jpg|thumb]]
Steel cased auto model. Seen in catalogues.
Gold capped version with silver dial.
[[File:Antarctic VII - 1960. Richard Phillips collection .jpg|thumb]]
A black dial with gold case has been seen once. Clearly a rare model.
[[File:A6401486-DB1C-4374-BA6A-C6E1E97E89EE.jpg|thumb|Unknown source. Please supply credit ]]
A square gold plated dress watch has also been seen with this name.

===Antarctic 10 ===
[[File:A10.jpg|thumb|A10 - Richard Phillips ]]
A rare dial variation of the glacier style with hatched bezel outer ring
*Note the bezel is slightly larger than the other versions

==[[Nivada Antarctic Late Models|Post 1964 models]]==
For more about the Antarctic models released after 1964 please read here - [[Nivada Antarctic Late Models]]

==[[Nivada Antarctic Diver Models]]==
Although the original Antarctic watches are waterproof and fairly rugged, there was clearly a marketing push to appeal to a wider audience with diving watches being a logical move away from the more formal dress nature of the 1957/57 line. An entire range of diver models are seen with the Antarctic name, including Submarino, Antarctic 200, Super Antarctic from the early 1960s onwards and the name has continued in some form or other with Quartz and lesser models. Read more about the original and collectible models [[Nivada Antarctic Diver Models|here]].

==[[Nivada Antarctic Chronometre]]==
Rare chronometer version of the standard watch - sometimes seen in solid gold
[[Nivada Antarctic Chronometre|Click to read here about this special model]]

At Chronopedia we are trying to collate the Chronometre certificate numbers for this model. Click here if you wish to add yours. [[Nivada_Chronometre_Serial_Numbers]]

==Links==
*[[Nivada Aquamatic]]
* [[Croton Nivada Grenchen - Flat Top Lug Antarctic Models 1954-64]]
* [[Nivada Antarctic Roman Numeral (ARN) models]]

* [[Nivada]]
* [[Nivada Antarctic]]
* [[Nivada Antarctic Late Models]]
* [[Croton]]
* [[Croton Nivada Grenchen]]

Credits and Further Reading - https://www.vintagenivada.com/

Nivada Antarctic Models

2026-03-02T22:28:27Z

Richard: /* Antarctic V */

==Nivada Antarctic Watches - an introduction==
[[File:Antarctic logo hangtag.jpg|thumb]]

Authosr: [[User:Richard|Richard Phillips]] and others

For the history of these models read [[Nivada Antarctic|here]]. The Nivada Antarctics are a fascinating subject for collectors. With a seemingly never-ending variety since 1956, there is something for everyone. Please note that for the purposes of simplicity, Croton, Nivada and other permutations of CNG are assumed to be all interchangeable on the dial, rotor, crown, box etc. By definition given Croton was the US distributor of Nivada, more Croton examples will be seen in North America, and likewise Nivada Grenchen will predominate in Europe.

There are additional links at the top of each section which will go to further pages for reading and examples on specific model ranges within the huge Antarctic continent of watches.

[[File:Croton blu hand.jpg|thumb]]

==Nivada Antarctic Early Models==
The very first models, including the watches used during [[Nivada Antarctic|ODF I]], did not bear the Antarctic name. Otherwise identical to the slightly later Antarctic-labeled watches, they had either sterile or “Aquamatic” dials. “Antarctic” first appeared in production on August 8, 1956 and was [https://tsdr.uspto.gov/documentviewer?caseId=sn72015531&docId=ORC20051110101001&linkId=1#docIndex=0&page=1 registered as a trademark] on May 14, 1957 based on an application filed September 12, 1956—five months after the completion of ODF I. The original watch model itself appears around 1954/55. There is a great deal of cross-referencing with the Aquamatic models of the same period and the two names appear interchangeable on some models. Between 1957 and 1964 there are a wide variety of model ranges and styles using the Antarctic nomenclature, from rugged explorer watches, to divers and all the way up to dress watches and expensive certified gold chronometers. As described [[Nivada Antarctic|here]], Nivada and Croton used the marketing kudos of association with ODF I to the fullest, and it even continues to this day with the new company offering an Antarctic in its range, alongside the famous [[Croton Nivada Grenchen Chonomaster|Chronomaster]].

Movements will carry the ''COW'' stamp on US imported models. This denotes a Nivada Grenchen SA movement, imported by Croton.

This cataloguing of Antarctic models finds a natural break at the start of 1964. The reason for this is the appearance of the ''T'' denoting tritium dials and/or hands is made compulsory in Switzerland after this date. It makes dating a watch slightly easier. The absence of any company history and inability to produce extracts from any archives due to the original company's demise in the 1970s makes precise dating and chronology of the range an inexact science at best. This is entirely a work in progress and as more collectors provide information we can begin to fill in the gaps and establish a fuller history of these amazing watches.

Early models are most popular with collectors having the distinctive hour markers, blued second hand, flat lugs and white sometimes textured dials, known as tundra and glacier. They capture the purity of the original concept of a rugged accurate waterproof watch able to withstand the elements.

==[[Croton Nivada Grenchen - Flat Top Lug Antarctic Models 1954-64|First Series Flat Top Lug Models]]==
====AO V.1a Early Model - Sterile Dial circa 1954-57====
[[File:CNG antarctic date.jpg|thumb]]
With the same flat lug case and big crown as the first series, these contain an ETA with and without date dial and no Antarctic subtext. It is assumed that these were made before the US Navy 1957 DeepFreeze tour as Nivada certainly used the marketing coup associated with the expedition to its maximum on a huge variety of dials after this date. The same watch also appears with the Antarctic name in an advert. This ETA movement is mostly associated with models circa 1950-1954. The casebacks appear with various permutations of 61 and 63 so it is assumed this is the reference and the case type and movement (eg date or no date), 63L steel etc although this may be some kind of other case coding or year dating.
* Radium dial and hands
*Domed crystal with cyclops (square or round)
* 17.5mm lug width
* ETA 1258 with signed rotor
* White dial, silver furniture, blued second hand (steel on gold-cased models)
* 34mm width ex crown
* screw dodecahedron caseback with 61 or 63L engraved (steel) 63Y (20micron rolled gold)
*Larger winding crown

====AO V.1a Early Model - Tundra Dial circa 1954-61====
[[File:Cng tundra dial.jpg|thumb|CNG Tundra Dial Aquamatic/Antarctic - Richard Phillips]]
The tundra dial is a rippled effect, unique to Nivada and not seen by this author on any other manufacturers watches. It supposedly replicated snow drifts. These are most commonly seen with Antarctic script but also, in this example, with Aquamatic script and Croton Nivada Grenchen (CNG). They share the same flat lug case and big crown as the first series, ETA and normally no date. It is assumed that these were made before the US Navy 1957 DeepFreeze tour as Nivada certainly used the marketing coup associated with the expedition to its maximum on a huge variety of dials after this date. The same watch also appears with the Antarctic name in an advert. This ETA movement is mostly associated with models circa 1950-1954. The distinctive lug shape, blue second hand and silvered numerals make these popular with collectors.
* Radium dial and handswith cyclops (square or round)
* 17.5mm lug width
* ETA 1256 with signed rotor
* White dial, silver furniture, blued second hand
* 34mm width ex crown
* screw dodecahedron caseback with 61
*Larger winding crown
[[File:Antarcticripple.jpg|thumb|Antarctic Ripple Tundra Dials - Richard Phillips Collection ]]

====AO V.1b - Circa 1956 to 1964====
The Antarctic signed dial first appears, in conjunction with the US Navy Deep Freeze expedition.
* Diameter (excluding crown): 35mm
* Lug to lug: 42mm
* Lug width: 18mm
* Large crown for ease of winding whilst wearing gloves in cold conditions, normally a scallop sided.
* Movement: Various automatic ETA 1256, 23xx, 24xx, normally 17 jewel but 25 jewel also seen.
* Power reserve: ~40 hours
* Case: All stainless steel, later gold plated available.
*White dial with radium lume and steel hands with lume
*Blued second hand (steel cases only)
* Most non-date, some date versions - see below.
*Dial lettering can contain Croton, Nivada Grenchen combinations and a 25 Jewel variation has been seen on early Croton models.

====AO V.1c - Circa 1963 onwards====
[[File:Anarctic S1 wavy font.jpg|thumb|Antarctic First Case with later font (Source 7A28-7T27, MWR)]]
Same bevelled case but change of logo and font indicate a later model.
* SWISS MADE but no T on the dial.
* Different crown to original issue.
* Nivada only on dial and 21 Jewel count.
* Stylised Antarctic font.
* Different hour markers and no numbers.
* Gold plated version also seen with gold hands and simple baton markers

====AO V.2 Antarctic D dial====
It may be that the additional D stands for Date on these models.
* Circa 1960-64. No T on dial.
* A different case with straight beveled lugs and screw caseback
* Partially concealed crown
* Linen dial and slightly different hour markers. Blue second hand remains on steel version with lumed hands.
* Gold 20 micron version with linen dial. gold markers and hands - layout as per steel version.
* Crystals can have both round and square cyclops.
[[File:Nivada antarctic D.jpg|thumb|Antarctic D dial]]

==Straight Lug Antarctic Models==

====AO V.3 Antarctic Glacier Dial====
[[File:Antartic 3 in box.jpg|thumb|Glacier Dial Antarctic in Croton box circa 1960 (Richard Phillips)]]
Very unusual and distinctive styling gives this rare model a unique appearance and appeal to collectors. The dial has a hatched linen appearance which is echoed with the thin outer bezel. The polished markers and hands are set off by the polished steel case ring outside the crystal. A 6 point caseback, red dial wheel with trapezoid window and very thin lugs give this example a real dress feel, one to slip on under a tuxedo. It is quite mesmeric to look at and changes colour depending on the light. Estimated manufacture period 1960-64. A rare gold capped version has also been identified. A Croton version with plain silver white dial and black date wheel has also been found.
* 34mm width ex crown
* 17.6mm lug width
* 39mm lug to lug
*small lugs with delicate faceting
*6 point screwback case
*Domed crystal with cyclops
* Pre 1963-4 SWISS marked with no T on dial.
[[File:BF557795-C5C4-4E6F-9D3B-1AFCCA0D98E5.jpg|thumb|Glacier models - Richard Phillips ]]

[[File:100043A1-80C7-44AA-A60F-C3F94D7C6287.jpg|thumb|Gold Nivada Glacier Antarctic - Richard Phillips ]]
[[File:B5487462-6F70-4A6E-88CB-4BFB9ED2FE51.jpg|thumb|Croton Antarctic Glacier Bezel. -Richard Phillips Collection]]

[[File:Nivada-grenchen-antarctic-linen dial.jpg|thumb|Glacier Dial Antarctic Circa 1960s (Richard Phillips]]

==[[Nivada Antarctic Roman Numeral (ARN) models|The Antarctic Roman Numeral (ARN) models]]==
===Antarctic II===
[[File:A2 black .jpg|thumb|A2 black -R Phillips]]
This appears to be a non date version of the Antarctic D. Features include a concealed crown to promote the automatic function and straight lugs. Seen with black and cream-white dials bearing Croton Nivada Grenchen and Nivada alone. Font can be capitalized plain or the wavy script.
[[File:A2.jpg|thumb|Antarctic II -credit Nivada Museum]]

===[[Nivada Antarctic III|Antarctic III]]===

Additional variety was introduced by Version III. A move towards a more formal dress style saw thinner lugs and bezels and away from the original explorer concept. The crowns are unsigned and less substantial than the original scallop shape (which had first been seen on the original Aquamatics from the early 1950s).

Most dials have been observed with some marking- they are very prone to wear, damage and water ingress sadly. The unsmooth surface of the linen dial attracts dust and traps moisture. Pristine examples command a premium and will normally be NOS unworn. Another factor is the lacquer or varnish used on dials in this period by Nivada. It is prone to yellowing and discolouring as well as crazing, particularly if there has been any damp ingress, a distinct possibility with the non screwdown crown and a model marketed as waterproof. Very often a white dial (the Antartctic default dial colour) will appear at first glance to be cream or yellow. This can have a charm all its own - all dependent on the individual collectors eye for patina.

At some point around 1960 the font changed from a straight simple uppercase san serif to a stylised wavy written style for the word Antarctic. This is also seen in adverts at the time.

The automatic calibers are normally ETA movements with signed rotor and COW stamped on US models marketed by Croton.
Casebacks will have a serial number starting A6 and then 5 digits. Range identified so far 73### to 75###.

Click [[Nivada Antarctic III|here]] for more examples and deeper history of the III.

====ARNIII V1 Straight Text====
[[File:Antarctic3 2.jpg|thumb|Nivada Antarctic III with Linen Dial (Richard Phillips)]]
* Circa 1959-1964
* Normally seen with linen dial, silver markers and lumed silver hands, radium or tritium. Models post 1963 have T on the dials.
* Diameter (excluding crown): 35mm
* Lug to lug: 42mm
* Lug width: 18mm
* Height: 10mm
* Movement: ETA 2451 and 2651 with various jewel counts including 17, 21 and 30 which may also appear on dial.
* Power reserve: ~40 hours
* Case: All stainless steel with 6 point screwback
* Straight lugs with bevel edge and drilled holes
* Plain unsigned crown
* Domed Crystal

====ARNIII V2 Wavy Text - Steel====
[[File:Nivada antarctic 3 front.jpg|thumb|Antarctic III circa 1961 with Wavy Font (Richard Phillips)]]
* Circa 1959-1964
* Normally seen with plain dial where the lacquer has discoloured to yellow from original white.
* Silver baton markers and lumed silver hands. ''Swiss Made'' on dial at 6.
* Diameter (excluding crown): 34.6mm
* Lug to lug: 40.6mm
* Lug width: 17.8mm
* Height: 9.6mm
* Movement: ETA 2451 21 jewel count on dial.
* Case: All stainless steel with 6 point screwback marked A6 (ref?) and Antarctic engraved
* Straight lugs with bevel edge and drilled holes
* Plain unsigned crown
* Domed Crystal

====ARNIII V2 Wavy Text - Gold Cap Case ====
*A rare version has been seen with straight lugs in a gold 20 micron case
*Steel screw caseback
*dial has recessed hour markers, no numbers and is also signed Nivada Aquamatic
* 21 Jewel ETA as above
*Swiss and European markets model

===Antarctic IV===
Gold plated version of the Antarctic III. Same font style, linen dial and gold markers. Crown slightly larger than the steel version in some cases depending on movement. ETA movement again with 17, 21 or 30 jewel count. The linen cream dial does not normally have automatic on it (note that a dial has been seen with 25 Jewel and Automatic) but it has self-winding on screwed caseback, together with an astonishing typo with the misspelling of ANTARCTIC with ANTARTIC! 34mm x 41mm approx.
[[File:Nivada Antarctic 4 .jpg|thumb|Nivada Antarctic IV pre 1964 Richard Phillips Collection]]
[[File:Nivant4rear.jpg|thumb|Antarctic IV - case back ]]
[[File:Antarctic 4.jpg|thumb|Antarctic IV in gold case with 25 Jewels on dial - Richard Phillips collection ]]

===Antarctic V===
[[File:A5 Nivada .jpg|thumb]]
[[File:ANTARCTIC 5.jpg|thumb]]
Steel version of the VI.
Case is compressor style like early Aquamatic and Zenith with 4 screws to back.
Automatic with silver dial.
Split stem scallop crown.

2 versions seen, one with the corners cut as triangles and one a vertical linen. Both with steel hands.

Example with hexagon shape has radium burn on dial. Seen here with a strap from [http://www.rallystraps.com Ralstra]
From Richard Phillips Collection.

[[File:Antarctic 5.jpg|thumb|CNG ANTARCTIC. VERSION5. Richard Phillips collection]]

===Antarctic VI===
Square man's dress watch in compressor style Aquadatic case with 4 screws holding gold plated outer case. A small automatic movement with scallop crown. Seen with two different dial configurations - one a segemnted two tone and the other a brushed vertical linen. The linen is in silver but a gold version also is seen. This may be a heavily tarnished or patinated version of the former.
* Automatic
* 28.4mm width ex crown
* 35mm length
[[File:816D4E64-EBB2-4250-BF55-CA5098CB422C.jpg|thumb|Antarctic VI (Richard Phillips) ]]
[[File:Ant 6 2.jpg|thumb|Nivada Antarctic VI linen dial - Richard Phillips]]
[[File:2933279D-C5B2-44BF-92A6-48591323656B.jpg|thumb|Antarctic VI with gold linen dial - Richard Phillips Collection ]]

===Antarctic VII===
[[File:DBA6B5D6-205B-4E19-A1F2-9FA99E52D0D1.jpg|thumb]]
Steel cased auto model. Seen in catalogues.
Gold capped version with silver dial.
[[File:Antarctic VII - 1960. Richard Phillips collection .jpg|thumb]]
A black dial with gold case has been seen once. Clearly a rare model.
[[File:A6401486-DB1C-4374-BA6A-C6E1E97E89EE.jpg|thumb|Unknown source. Please supply credit ]]
A square gold plated dress watch has also been seen with this name.

===Antarctic 10 ===
[[File:A10.jpg|thumb|A10 - Richard Phillips ]]
A rare dial variation of the glacier style with hatched bezel outer ring
*Note the bezel is slightly larger than the other versions

==[[Nivada Antarctic Late Models|Post 1964 models]]==
For more about the Antarctic models released after 1964 please read here - [[Nivada Antarctic Late Models]]

==[[Nivada Antarctic Diver Models]]==
Although the original Antarctic watches are waterproof and fairly rugged, there was clearly a marketing push to appeal to a wider audience with diving watches being a logical move away from the more formal dress nature of the 1957/57 line. An entire range of diver models are seen with the Antarctic name, including Submarino, Antarctic 200, Super Antarctic from the early 1960s onwards and the name has continued in some form or other with Quartz and lesser models. Read more about the original and collectible models [[Nivada Antarctic Diver Models|here]].

==[[Nivada Antarctic Chronometre]]==
Rare chronometer version of the standard watch - sometimes seen in solid gold
[[Nivada Antarctic Chronometre|Click to read here about this special model]]

At Chronopedia we are trying to collate the Chronometre certificate numbers for this model. Click here if you wish to add yours. [[Nivada_Chronometre_Serial_Numbers]]

==Links==
*[[Nivada Aquamatic]]
* [[Croton Nivada Grenchen - Flat Top Lug Antarctic Models 1954-64]]
* [[Nivada Antarctic Roman Numeral (ARN) models]]

* [[Nivada]]
* [[Nivada Antarctic]]
* [[Nivada Antarctic Late Models]]
* [[Croton]]
* [[Croton Nivada Grenchen]]

Credits and Further Reading - https://www.vintagenivada.com/

File:A5 Nivada .jpg

2026-03-02T22:26:04Z

Richard:

Nivada Antarctic Models

2026-03-02T22:22:05Z

Richard: /* Antarctic V */

==Nivada Antarctic Watches - an introduction==
[[File:Antarctic logo hangtag.jpg|thumb]]

Authosr: [[User:Richard|Richard Phillips]] and others

For the history of these models read [[Nivada Antarctic|here]]. The Nivada Antarctics are a fascinating subject for collectors. With a seemingly never-ending variety since 1956, there is something for everyone. Please note that for the purposes of simplicity, Croton, Nivada and other permutations of CNG are assumed to be all interchangeable on the dial, rotor, crown, box etc. By definition given Croton was the US distributor of Nivada, more Croton examples will be seen in North America, and likewise Nivada Grenchen will predominate in Europe.

There are additional links at the top of each section which will go to further pages for reading and examples on specific model ranges within the huge Antarctic continent of watches.

[[File:Croton blu hand.jpg|thumb]]

==Nivada Antarctic Early Models==
The very first models, including the watches used during [[Nivada Antarctic|ODF I]], did not bear the Antarctic name. Otherwise identical to the slightly later Antarctic-labeled watches, they had either sterile or “Aquamatic” dials. “Antarctic” first appeared in production on August 8, 1956 and was [https://tsdr.uspto.gov/documentviewer?caseId=sn72015531&docId=ORC20051110101001&linkId=1#docIndex=0&page=1 registered as a trademark] on May 14, 1957 based on an application filed September 12, 1956—five months after the completion of ODF I. The original watch model itself appears around 1954/55. There is a great deal of cross-referencing with the Aquamatic models of the same period and the two names appear interchangeable on some models. Between 1957 and 1964 there are a wide variety of model ranges and styles using the Antarctic nomenclature, from rugged explorer watches, to divers and all the way up to dress watches and expensive certified gold chronometers. As described [[Nivada Antarctic|here]], Nivada and Croton used the marketing kudos of association with ODF I to the fullest, and it even continues to this day with the new company offering an Antarctic in its range, alongside the famous [[Croton Nivada Grenchen Chonomaster|Chronomaster]].

Movements will carry the ''COW'' stamp on US imported models. This denotes a Nivada Grenchen SA movement, imported by Croton.

This cataloguing of Antarctic models finds a natural break at the start of 1964. The reason for this is the appearance of the ''T'' denoting tritium dials and/or hands is made compulsory in Switzerland after this date. It makes dating a watch slightly easier. The absence of any company history and inability to produce extracts from any archives due to the original company's demise in the 1970s makes precise dating and chronology of the range an inexact science at best. This is entirely a work in progress and as more collectors provide information we can begin to fill in the gaps and establish a fuller history of these amazing watches.

Early models are most popular with collectors having the distinctive hour markers, blued second hand, flat lugs and white sometimes textured dials, known as tundra and glacier. They capture the purity of the original concept of a rugged accurate waterproof watch able to withstand the elements.

==[[Croton Nivada Grenchen - Flat Top Lug Antarctic Models 1954-64|First Series Flat Top Lug Models]]==
====AO V.1a Early Model - Sterile Dial circa 1954-57====
[[File:CNG antarctic date.jpg|thumb]]
With the same flat lug case and big crown as the first series, these contain an ETA with and without date dial and no Antarctic subtext. It is assumed that these were made before the US Navy 1957 DeepFreeze tour as Nivada certainly used the marketing coup associated with the expedition to its maximum on a huge variety of dials after this date. The same watch also appears with the Antarctic name in an advert. This ETA movement is mostly associated with models circa 1950-1954. The casebacks appear with various permutations of 61 and 63 so it is assumed this is the reference and the case type and movement (eg date or no date), 63L steel etc although this may be some kind of other case coding or year dating.
* Radium dial and hands
*Domed crystal with cyclops (square or round)
* 17.5mm lug width
* ETA 1258 with signed rotor
* White dial, silver furniture, blued second hand (steel on gold-cased models)
* 34mm width ex crown
* screw dodecahedron caseback with 61 or 63L engraved (steel) 63Y (20micron rolled gold)
*Larger winding crown

====AO V.1a Early Model - Tundra Dial circa 1954-61====
[[File:Cng tundra dial.jpg|thumb|CNG Tundra Dial Aquamatic/Antarctic - Richard Phillips]]
The tundra dial is a rippled effect, unique to Nivada and not seen by this author on any other manufacturers watches. It supposedly replicated snow drifts. These are most commonly seen with Antarctic script but also, in this example, with Aquamatic script and Croton Nivada Grenchen (CNG). They share the same flat lug case and big crown as the first series, ETA and normally no date. It is assumed that these were made before the US Navy 1957 DeepFreeze tour as Nivada certainly used the marketing coup associated with the expedition to its maximum on a huge variety of dials after this date. The same watch also appears with the Antarctic name in an advert. This ETA movement is mostly associated with models circa 1950-1954. The distinctive lug shape, blue second hand and silvered numerals make these popular with collectors.
* Radium dial and handswith cyclops (square or round)
* 17.5mm lug width
* ETA 1256 with signed rotor
* White dial, silver furniture, blued second hand
* 34mm width ex crown
* screw dodecahedron caseback with 61
*Larger winding crown
[[File:Antarcticripple.jpg|thumb|Antarctic Ripple Tundra Dials - Richard Phillips Collection ]]

====AO V.1b - Circa 1956 to 1964====
The Antarctic signed dial first appears, in conjunction with the US Navy Deep Freeze expedition.
* Diameter (excluding crown): 35mm
* Lug to lug: 42mm
* Lug width: 18mm
* Large crown for ease of winding whilst wearing gloves in cold conditions, normally a scallop sided.
* Movement: Various automatic ETA 1256, 23xx, 24xx, normally 17 jewel but 25 jewel also seen.
* Power reserve: ~40 hours
* Case: All stainless steel, later gold plated available.
*White dial with radium lume and steel hands with lume
*Blued second hand (steel cases only)
* Most non-date, some date versions - see below.
*Dial lettering can contain Croton, Nivada Grenchen combinations and a 25 Jewel variation has been seen on early Croton models.

====AO V.1c - Circa 1963 onwards====
[[File:Anarctic S1 wavy font.jpg|thumb|Antarctic First Case with later font (Source 7A28-7T27, MWR)]]
Same bevelled case but change of logo and font indicate a later model.
* SWISS MADE but no T on the dial.
* Different crown to original issue.
* Nivada only on dial and 21 Jewel count.
* Stylised Antarctic font.
* Different hour markers and no numbers.
* Gold plated version also seen with gold hands and simple baton markers

====AO V.2 Antarctic D dial====
It may be that the additional D stands for Date on these models.
* Circa 1960-64. No T on dial.
* A different case with straight beveled lugs and screw caseback
* Partially concealed crown
* Linen dial and slightly different hour markers. Blue second hand remains on steel version with lumed hands.
* Gold 20 micron version with linen dial. gold markers and hands - layout as per steel version.
* Crystals can have both round and square cyclops.
[[File:Nivada antarctic D.jpg|thumb|Antarctic D dial]]

==Straight Lug Antarctic Models==

====AO V.3 Antarctic Glacier Dial====
[[File:Antartic 3 in box.jpg|thumb|Glacier Dial Antarctic in Croton box circa 1960 (Richard Phillips)]]
Very unusual and distinctive styling gives this rare model a unique appearance and appeal to collectors. The dial has a hatched linen appearance which is echoed with the thin outer bezel. The polished markers and hands are set off by the polished steel case ring outside the crystal. A 6 point caseback, red dial wheel with trapezoid window and very thin lugs give this example a real dress feel, one to slip on under a tuxedo. It is quite mesmeric to look at and changes colour depending on the light. Estimated manufacture period 1960-64. A rare gold capped version has also been identified. A Croton version with plain silver white dial and black date wheel has also been found.
* 34mm width ex crown
* 17.6mm lug width
* 39mm lug to lug
*small lugs with delicate faceting
*6 point screwback case
*Domed crystal with cyclops
* Pre 1963-4 SWISS marked with no T on dial.
[[File:BF557795-C5C4-4E6F-9D3B-1AFCCA0D98E5.jpg|thumb|Glacier models - Richard Phillips ]]

[[File:100043A1-80C7-44AA-A60F-C3F94D7C6287.jpg|thumb|Gold Nivada Glacier Antarctic - Richard Phillips ]]
[[File:B5487462-6F70-4A6E-88CB-4BFB9ED2FE51.jpg|thumb|Croton Antarctic Glacier Bezel. -Richard Phillips Collection]]

[[File:Nivada-grenchen-antarctic-linen dial.jpg|thumb|Glacier Dial Antarctic Circa 1960s (Richard Phillips]]

==[[Nivada Antarctic Roman Numeral (ARN) models|The Antarctic Roman Numeral (ARN) models]]==
===Antarctic II===
[[File:A2 black .jpg|thumb|A2 black -R Phillips]]
This appears to be a non date version of the Antarctic D. Features include a concealed crown to promote the automatic function and straight lugs. Seen with black and cream-white dials bearing Croton Nivada Grenchen and Nivada alone. Font can be capitalized plain or the wavy script.
[[File:A2.jpg|thumb|Antarctic II -credit Nivada Museum]]

===[[Nivada Antarctic III|Antarctic III]]===

Additional variety was introduced by Version III. A move towards a more formal dress style saw thinner lugs and bezels and away from the original explorer concept. The crowns are unsigned and less substantial than the original scallop shape (which had first been seen on the original Aquamatics from the early 1950s).

Most dials have been observed with some marking- they are very prone to wear, damage and water ingress sadly. The unsmooth surface of the linen dial attracts dust and traps moisture. Pristine examples command a premium and will normally be NOS unworn. Another factor is the lacquer or varnish used on dials in this period by Nivada. It is prone to yellowing and discolouring as well as crazing, particularly if there has been any damp ingress, a distinct possibility with the non screwdown crown and a model marketed as waterproof. Very often a white dial (the Antartctic default dial colour) will appear at first glance to be cream or yellow. This can have a charm all its own - all dependent on the individual collectors eye for patina.

At some point around 1960 the font changed from a straight simple uppercase san serif to a stylised wavy written style for the word Antarctic. This is also seen in adverts at the time.

The automatic calibers are normally ETA movements with signed rotor and COW stamped on US models marketed by Croton.
Casebacks will have a serial number starting A6 and then 5 digits. Range identified so far 73### to 75###.

Click [[Nivada Antarctic III|here]] for more examples and deeper history of the III.

====ARNIII V1 Straight Text====
[[File:Antarctic3 2.jpg|thumb|Nivada Antarctic III with Linen Dial (Richard Phillips)]]
* Circa 1959-1964
* Normally seen with linen dial, silver markers and lumed silver hands, radium or tritium. Models post 1963 have T on the dials.
* Diameter (excluding crown): 35mm
* Lug to lug: 42mm
* Lug width: 18mm
* Height: 10mm
* Movement: ETA 2451 and 2651 with various jewel counts including 17, 21 and 30 which may also appear on dial.
* Power reserve: ~40 hours
* Case: All stainless steel with 6 point screwback
* Straight lugs with bevel edge and drilled holes
* Plain unsigned crown
* Domed Crystal

====ARNIII V2 Wavy Text - Steel====
[[File:Nivada antarctic 3 front.jpg|thumb|Antarctic III circa 1961 with Wavy Font (Richard Phillips)]]
* Circa 1959-1964
* Normally seen with plain dial where the lacquer has discoloured to yellow from original white.
* Silver baton markers and lumed silver hands. ''Swiss Made'' on dial at 6.
* Diameter (excluding crown): 34.6mm
* Lug to lug: 40.6mm
* Lug width: 17.8mm
* Height: 9.6mm
* Movement: ETA 2451 21 jewel count on dial.
* Case: All stainless steel with 6 point screwback marked A6 (ref?) and Antarctic engraved
* Straight lugs with bevel edge and drilled holes
* Plain unsigned crown
* Domed Crystal

====ARNIII V2 Wavy Text - Gold Cap Case ====
*A rare version has been seen with straight lugs in a gold 20 micron case
*Steel screw caseback
*dial has recessed hour markers, no numbers and is also signed Nivada Aquamatic
* 21 Jewel ETA as above
*Swiss and European markets model

===Antarctic IV===
Gold plated version of the Antarctic III. Same font style, linen dial and gold markers. Crown slightly larger than the steel version in some cases depending on movement. ETA movement again with 17, 21 or 30 jewel count. The linen cream dial does not normally have automatic on it (note that a dial has been seen with 25 Jewel and Automatic) but it has self-winding on screwed caseback, together with an astonishing typo with the misspelling of ANTARCTIC with ANTARTIC! 34mm x 41mm approx.
[[File:Nivada Antarctic 4 .jpg|thumb|Nivada Antarctic IV pre 1964 Richard Phillips Collection]]
[[File:Nivant4rear.jpg|thumb|Antarctic IV - case back ]]
[[File:Antarctic 4.jpg|thumb|Antarctic IV in gold case with 25 Jewels on dial - Richard Phillips collection ]]

===Antarctic V===
[[File:ANTARCTIC 5.jpg|thumb]]
Steel version of the VI.
Automatic with silver dial. 2 versions seen, one with the corners cut as triangles and one a vertical linen. Both with steel hands.

Example has radium burn on dial. Seen here with a strap from [http://www.rallystraps.com Ralstra]
From Richard Phillips Collection.

[[File:Antarctic 5.jpg|thumb|CNG ANTARCTIC. VERSION5. Richard Phillips collection]]

===Antarctic VI===
Square man's dress watch in compressor style Aquadatic case with 4 screws holding gold plated outer case. A small automatic movement with scallop crown. Seen with two different dial configurations - one a segemnted two tone and the other a brushed vertical linen. The linen is in silver but a gold version also is seen. This may be a heavily tarnished or patinated version of the former.
* Automatic
* 28.4mm width ex crown
* 35mm length
[[File:816D4E64-EBB2-4250-BF55-CA5098CB422C.jpg|thumb|Antarctic VI (Richard Phillips) ]]
[[File:Ant 6 2.jpg|thumb|Nivada Antarctic VI linen dial - Richard Phillips]]
[[File:2933279D-C5B2-44BF-92A6-48591323656B.jpg|thumb|Antarctic VI with gold linen dial - Richard Phillips Collection ]]

===Antarctic VII===
[[File:DBA6B5D6-205B-4E19-A1F2-9FA99E52D0D1.jpg|thumb]]
Steel cased auto model. Seen in catalogues.
Gold capped version with silver dial.
[[File:Antarctic VII - 1960. Richard Phillips collection .jpg|thumb]]
A black dial with gold case has been seen once. Clearly a rare model.
[[File:A6401486-DB1C-4374-BA6A-C6E1E97E89EE.jpg|thumb|Unknown source. Please supply credit ]]
A square gold plated dress watch has also been seen with this name.

===Antarctic 10 ===
[[File:A10.jpg|thumb|A10 - Richard Phillips ]]
A rare dial variation of the glacier style with hatched bezel outer ring
*Note the bezel is slightly larger than the other versions

==[[Nivada Antarctic Late Models|Post 1964 models]]==
For more about the Antarctic models released after 1964 please read here - [[Nivada Antarctic Late Models]]

==[[Nivada Antarctic Diver Models]]==
Although the original Antarctic watches are waterproof and fairly rugged, there was clearly a marketing push to appeal to a wider audience with diving watches being a logical move away from the more formal dress nature of the 1957/57 line. An entire range of diver models are seen with the Antarctic name, including Submarino, Antarctic 200, Super Antarctic from the early 1960s onwards and the name has continued in some form or other with Quartz and lesser models. Read more about the original and collectible models [[Nivada Antarctic Diver Models|here]].

==[[Nivada Antarctic Chronometre]]==
Rare chronometer version of the standard watch - sometimes seen in solid gold
[[Nivada Antarctic Chronometre|Click to read here about this special model]]

At Chronopedia we are trying to collate the Chronometre certificate numbers for this model. Click here if you wish to add yours. [[Nivada_Chronometre_Serial_Numbers]]

==Links==
*[[Nivada Aquamatic]]
* [[Croton Nivada Grenchen - Flat Top Lug Antarctic Models 1954-64]]
* [[Nivada Antarctic Roman Numeral (ARN) models]]

* [[Nivada]]
* [[Nivada Antarctic]]
* [[Nivada Antarctic Late Models]]
* [[Croton]]
* [[Croton Nivada Grenchen]]

Credits and Further Reading - https://www.vintagenivada.com/

Nivada Chronometre Serial Numbers

2026-02-25T16:18:02Z

Richard: /* Serial Number List for NAOCC (Nivada Antarctic Officially Certified Chronometre) */

== NIVADA OFFICIALLY CERTIFIED CHRONOMETRE SERIAL NUMBERS ==

It is hoped that here on Chronopedia we can create a list of serial numbers issued to these watches. Each model sold originally had a paper certificate which matched the serial number on the movement. Most of the paperwork has been lost over time, sadly. However the majority of observed examples do carry a 1 to 4 digit code in addition to the movement reference, normally the ETA 2452, later 2472, engraved on the movement which enables us to catalogue and date them. This is also a good way to assess that the watch is original and has not been altered or made up from lesser parts.

The NAOCC model seems to have been issued late 1958 and was still being marketed in 1965. There are exceptions to this but the majority of observed examples carry the number. The Rudolphs Dependable OCC version, marketed by Croton in US, does have an individual number on the movement on the few examples seen. It has a slightly different case with a semi concealed crown.

It seems the NAOCC was sold both in North America and Europe with the Nivada Grenchen name and not the Croton Nivada Grenchen branding more typical of the North American market. Note also the spelling of Chronometre in European style.

The number is engraved in the location shown in the movement shot here:
[[File:1664 LOATION.jpg|thumb|Chronometre Certificate Number - Nivada OCC (Richard Phillips)]]
[[File:Chronometer nivada steel front.jpg|thumb]]

{| class="wikitable"
== Serial Number List for NAOCC (Nivada Antarctic Officially Certified Chronometre) ==
|-
! Serial Number!! Case Style !! Hands colour !! Other Information
|-
| 960|| gold 18k|| gold ||ETA2452
|-
| 989|| gold 18k|| gold ||ETA2452
|-
| 1007|| steel|| rose gold ||ETA2452
|-
| 1664|| steel|| silver ||ETA2452 - case 185445 - black on silver date wheel
|-
| 1756|| Gold capped || gold || Rudolph’s ETA 2452
|-
| 2072|| steel|| gold || eta 2452
|-
| 2207|| steel|| silver || eta 2472
|-
| 2337|| steel|| silver || eta 2472 red date wheel
|-
| 2343|| gold cap|| gold
|-
| 2438|| steel||silver || eta 2472 original box
|-
| 2742 || steel || silver || ETA 2472 - red date wheel
|-

| 2844 || steel || silver || ETA 2472 - red date wheel Rudolph’s
|-
| 3089||18k gold|| gold || ETA 2472
|-
| 3103|| steel|| silver || ETA 2472 red date wheel
|-
| 3286 || Gold capped || gold || Rudolph’s ETA 2472
|-
| 3368|| gold cap|| gold ||ETA 2472 OCT 1964
|-
| 3741 || steel || gold || Rudolph’s 2472
|-
| 3938|| steel|| gold || ETA 2472 -case 186502 - black date wheel
|-
| 3065 || steel || silver linen dial ||
|-

If you have a model and wish to be added to this list please send the information and a photo if possible of the movement to
mail to: chronopedia.club@gmail.com. If you are already a member of Chronopedia you may add it directly.

[[File:77FFBAC1-829D-4040-8CDE-9D7B49B2440B.jpg|thumb|Example of chronometre certificate ]]

[[File:6F5086FB-1A1B-445F-AC98-1BE18CF000F0.jpeg|thumb]]

[[File:Can advert .png|thumb]]

[[File:FD4F67C5-5B3C-4E25-B1D6-CEA5203576A8.jpg|thumb|Paperwork included in original box for Nivada Official Chronometre]]

[[File:Nivadabox.jpg|thumb|Nivada Chronometre box ]]

Links

[[Nivada Antarctic Chronometre]]

[[Nivada Antarctic]]

Nivada Chronometre Serial Numbers

2026-02-25T16:16:45Z

Richard: /* Serial Number List for NAOCC (Nivada Antarctic Officially Certified Chronometre) */

== NIVADA OFFICIALLY CERTIFIED CHRONOMETRE SERIAL NUMBERS ==

It is hoped that here on Chronopedia we can create a list of serial numbers issued to these watches. Each model sold originally had a paper certificate which matched the serial number on the movement. Most of the paperwork has been lost over time, sadly. However the majority of observed examples do carry a 1 to 4 digit code in addition to the movement reference, normally the ETA 2452, later 2472, engraved on the movement which enables us to catalogue and date them. This is also a good way to assess that the watch is original and has not been altered or made up from lesser parts.

The NAOCC model seems to have been issued late 1958 and was still being marketed in 1965. There are exceptions to this but the majority of observed examples carry the number. The Rudolphs Dependable OCC version, marketed by Croton in US, does have an individual number on the movement on the few examples seen. It has a slightly different case with a semi concealed crown.

It seems the NAOCC was sold both in North America and Europe with the Nivada Grenchen name and not the Croton Nivada Grenchen branding more typical of the North American market. Note also the spelling of Chronometre in European style.

The number is engraved in the location shown in the movement shot here:
[[File:1664 LOATION.jpg|thumb|Chronometre Certificate Number - Nivada OCC (Richard Phillips)]]
[[File:Chronometer nivada steel front.jpg|thumb]]

{| class="wikitable"
== Serial Number List for NAOCC (Nivada Antarctic Officially Certified Chronometre) ==
|-
! Serial Number!! Case Style !! Hands colour !! Other Information
|-
| 960|| gold 18k|| gold ||ETA2452
|-
| 989|| gold 18k|| gold ||ETA2452
|-
| 1007|| steel|| rose gold ||ETA2452
|-
| 1664|| steel|| silver ||ETA2452 - case 185445 - black on silver date wheel
|-
| 1756|| Gold capped || gold || Rudolph’s ETA 2452
|-
| 2072|| steel|| gold || eta 2452
|-
| 2207|| steel|| silver || eta 2472
|-
| 2337|| steel|| silver || eta 2472 red date wheel
|-
| 2343|| gold cap|| gold
|-
| 2438|| steel||silver || eta 2472 original box
|-
| 2742 || steel || silver || ETA 2472 - red date wheel
|-

| 2844 || steel || silver || ETA 2472 - red date wheel Rudolph’s
|-
| 3089||18k gold|| silver || ETA 2472
|-
| 3103|| steel|| silver || ETA 2472 red date wheel
|-
| 3286 || Gold capped || gold || Rudolph’s ETA 2472
|-
| 3368|| gold cap|| gold ||ETA 2472 OCT 1964
|-
| 3741 || steel || gold || Rudolph’s 2472
|-
| 3938|| steel|| gold || ETA 2472 -case 186502 - black date wheel
|-
| 3065 || steel || silver linen dial ||
|-

If you have a model and wish to be added to this list please send the information and a photo if possible of the movement to
mail to: chronopedia.club@gmail.com. If you are already a member of Chronopedia you may add it directly.

[[File:77FFBAC1-829D-4040-8CDE-9D7B49B2440B.jpg|thumb|Example of chronometre certificate ]]

[[File:6F5086FB-1A1B-445F-AC98-1BE18CF000F0.jpeg|thumb]]

[[File:Can advert .png|thumb]]

[[File:FD4F67C5-5B3C-4E25-B1D6-CEA5203576A8.jpg|thumb|Paperwork included in original box for Nivada Official Chronometre]]

[[File:Nivadabox.jpg|thumb|Nivada Chronometre box ]]

Links

[[Nivada Antarctic Chronometre]]

[[Nivada Antarctic]]

Nivada Chronometre Serial Numbers

2026-02-23T16:48:36Z

Richard:

File:A2 black .jpg

2026-02-06T17:21:43Z

Richard: Richard uploaded a new version of File:A2 black .jpg

Nivada Chronometre Serial Numbers

2026-02-04T17:42:01Z

Richard: /* Serial Number List for NAOCC (Nivada Antarctic Officially Certified Chronometre) */

== NIVADA OFFICIALLY CERTIFIED CHRONOMETRE SERIAL NUMBERS ==

It is hoped that here on Chronopedia we can create a list of serial numbers issued to these watches. Each model sold originally had a paper certificate which matched the serial number on the movement. Most of the paperwork has been lost over time, sadly. However the majority of observed examples do carry a 1 to 4 digit code in addition to the movement reference, normally the ETA 2452, later 2472, engraved on the movement which enables us to catalogue and date them. This is also a good way to assess that the watch is original and has not been altered or made up from lesser parts.

The NAOCC model seems to have been issued late 1958 and was still being marketed in 1965. There are exceptions to this but the majority of observed examples carry the number. The Rudolphs Dependable OCC version, marketed by Croton in US, does have an individual number on the movement on the few examples seen. It has a slightly different case with a semi concealed crown.

It seems the NAOCC was sold both in North America and Europe with the Nivada Grenchen name and not the Croton Nivada Grenchen branding more typical of the North American market. Note also the spelling of Chronometre in European style.

The number is engraved in the location shown in the movement shot here:
[[File:1664 LOATION.jpg|thumb|Chronometre Certificate Number - Nivada OCC (Richard Phillips)]]
[[File:Chronometer nivada steel front.jpg|thumb]]

{| class="wikitable"
== Serial Number List for NAOCC (Nivada Antarctic Officially Certified Chronometre) ==
|-
! Serial Number!! Case Style !! Hands colour !! Other Information
|-
| 960|| gold 18k|| gold ||ETA2452
|-
| 989|| gold 18k|| gold ||ETA2452
|-
| 1007|| steel|| rose gold ||ETA2452
|-
| 1664|| steel|| silver ||ETA2452 - case 185445 - black on silver date wheel
|-
| 1756|| Gold capped || gold || Rudolph’s ETA 2452
|-
| 2072|| steel|| gold || eta 2452
|-
| 2207|| steel|| silver || eta 2472
|-
| 2337|| steel|| silver || eta 2472 red date wheel
|-
| 2343|| gold cap|| gold
|-
| 2438|| steel||silver || eta 2472 original box
|-
| 2742 || steel || silver || ETA 2472 - red date wheel
|-

| 2844 || steel || silver || ETA 2472 - red date wheel Rudolph’s
|-
| 3103|| steel|| silver || ETA 2472 red date wheel
|-
| 3286 || Gold capped || gold || Rudolph’s ETA 2472
|-
| 3368|| gold cap|| gold ||ETA 2472 OCT 1964
|-
| 3741 || steel || gold || Rudolph’s 2472
|-
| 3938|| steel|| gold || ETA 2472 -case 186502 - black date wheel
|-
| 3065 || steel || silver linen dial ||
|-

If you have a model and wish to be added to this list please send the information and a photo if possible of the movement to
mail to: chronopedia.club@gmail.com. If you are already a member of Chronopedia you may add it directly.

[[File:77FFBAC1-829D-4040-8CDE-9D7B49B2440B.jpg|thumb|Example of chronometre certificate ]]

[[File:6F5086FB-1A1B-445F-AC98-1BE18CF000F0.jpeg|thumb]]

[[File:Can advert .png|thumb]]

[[File:FD4F67C5-5B3C-4E25-B1D6-CEA5203576A8.jpg|thumb|Paperwork included in original box for Nivada Official Chronometre]]

[[File:Nivadabox.jpg|thumb|Nivada Chronometre box ]]

Links

[[Nivada Antarctic Chronometre]]

[[Nivada Antarctic]]

File:Nivadabox.jpg

2026-02-04T17:40:32Z

Richard: