Nivada Antarctic Chronometre
Nivada Antarctic Officially Certified Chronometre
This particular model is part of Nivada’s Antarctic line, which reflects the brand’s support for the US Navy during “Operation Deep Freeze' for IGY in 1957/58 and was very much the top of the line watch for the company. It can be found in steel, gold plate and (very rarely) solid 18k gold. Most notable is the case back with a beautiful gold medallion commemorating the expedition itself. The watch was issued circa 1957/8 and available for a few years, but based on observation, it is a rare thing indeed and very collectible now.
Most versions seen are powered by the ETA 2472, an advanced movement in its day and quite similar to today’s 2824. Although just 18,000 A/h, it features bi-directional winding and “quickset” date (though not crown-set date like modern watches). It was tuned to chronometer specification at the factory, a prime selling point for this watch, similar to the Omega Constellations of the same period. The movements carry an engraved 4 digit number unique to each one and corresponding to the certificate accompanying the watch.
The dials are seen brushed, with the larger hour markers and dauphin hands seen on the other Antarctic models. A blue second hand as per the first Antarctic models has been seen but most hands are non lume with matching silver or gold second hand. Dials are seen with and without 12 at top and indented minute markers in Calatrava style. Steel versions also seen with gold markers and hands. Crown is unsigned.
The gold one appear to be a no-date version which is perhaps more elegant and formal as befitting its 18k status, and with more simple dial and hand configuration. It is also a later model as indicated by the use of the Nivada logo-style script. What is slightly confusing is the use of Aquamatic rather than Antarctic on the dial!
These watches were also marketed by Croton in the US and Canada. They do not appear to carry the Croton name however. A version for the Rudolph’s Dependable department store in upstate New York has also been identified but it does appear to carry a certificate number on the movement.
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