A meca-quartz chronograph keeps time with a quartz movement and runs its stopwatch through a mechanical module. The result is quartz accuracy, a chronograph hand that sweeps smoothly and an instant snap-back reset. Nivada Grenchen builds its meca-quartz watches in 38 mm steel cases under double-domed sapphire crystal, across three families.
See all our chronograph watches: automatic, hand-wound and meca-quartz.
Which meca-quartz movement powers each Nivada Grenchen chronograph?
- Autochron Mecaquartz: VK67 with date, 20 ATM / 200 m. Its design comes from a 1970s Autochron prototype found in the brand's archives. The 2026 Panda, Reverse Panda, Orange and Blue dials add a 120-click aluminum bezel.
- Chronoking Mecaquartz: VK63, 10 ATM / 100 m, with interchangeable GMT and tachymeter bezels that snap on without tools.
- F77 Chrono Mecaquartz: VK64 in the 38 mm F77 MK2 case, screw-down crown, 10 ATM / 100 m.
On the Autochron and Chronoking, battery life is about three years and accuracy is rated at ±20 seconds per month. For the full explanation, read What is a meca-quartz chronograph?
Meca-quartz FAQ
What is meca quartz?
Meca quartz, also written mecaquartz or mecha quartz, is a hybrid chronograph movement: quartz for the time, a mechanical module for the chronograph. The seconds hand sweeps and resets instantly, like a mechanical stopwatch.
Which VK calibres does Nivada Grenchen use?
Three calibres from the VK meca-quartz family: VK63 in the Chronoking, VK64 in the F77 Chrono and VK67 with date in the Autochron. No current model uses the VK68.
Can I get a mechanical chronograph instead?
Yes. The automatic Autochron runs on the Valjoux 7750, and the hand-wound Valjoux 23 editions use restored vintage calibres.
