The first thing you notice when strapping on the new Antarctic GMT is its presence.It seems like a time capsule from the late 1960s-70s, yet fully in tune with today’s aesthetic codes.
With a 36mm diameter, a slim profile of 11.1mm, and a perfectly balanced weight, it’s the ideal companion for crossing time zones with style.
In terms of design, the new Antarctic GMT is a faithful homage to the original.The iconic red-and-black GMT hand remains, but now features a Plexiglass insertion the internal bezel for tracking the second time zone. The matte black dial, contrasting with the amber-toned 24-hour bezel, immediately draws the eye, while the thick Plexiglass crystal enhances the watch’s retro appeal and avoids the distortions common with overly thick sapphire glass.
At its heart is a Swiss-made SOPROD GMT movement.
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Inspired by Heritage
The Antarctic GMT is a tribute to Nivada Grenchen’s rich legacy of professional watchmaking. Originally introduced during the Jet Age, when frequent travelers required precise time-zone tracking, the Antarctic GMT has been reimagined for modern adventurers. This retro-styled masterpiece pays homage to its 1970s roots while offering the contemporary functionality of a Swiss-made SOPROD C125 movement.
The Antarctic GMT is a rare gem. During research into Nivada's historic collections, Guillaume Laidet, the brand’s CEO, discovered this vintage treasure on the Hodinkee Shop. Captivated by its 1970s design and GMT complication, he saw the perfect opportunity to enrich the Antarctic range with this standout model.
The Jet Age, which began after World War II and peaked between 1955 and 1972, sparked a demand for GMT watches among frequent travelers and jet-setters as they traversed more and more time zones in shorter timespans.
Nivada Grenchen joined the ranks of these horological pioneers by introducing the Antarctic GMT in the early 1970s, powered by the AR-1146 movement.This movement didn’t allow for independent adjustment of the 24-hour hand—it moved in sync with the 12-hour hand, making it a true pilot’s GMT watch.