1926 — 2026 · A Century of Adventure
Since 1926, Nivada Grenchen has pursued a singular vision: to unite Swiss precision with purpose-driven design.
As we celebrate 100 years of watchmaking, we honor a century shaped by heritage, exploration, and the evolution of our craft.
Nivada Grenchen began in 1926, in Grenchen, at the center of Swiss watchmaking. The brand was founded with a clear intention: to make watches that worked, lasted, and served a purpose. Precision and function came first. This practical approach became the foundation of everything Nivada Grenchen would go on to create.
Introduced in 1954, the Antarctic became the first watch to reach Antarctica. Tested during the U.S. Navy's Operation Deep Freeze missions in 1955–1956, it faced extreme cold and unforgiving conditions, and proved its reliability where failure was not an option.
Back in 1961, the Chronomaster Aviator Sea Diver was designed as a multi-purpose chronograph for air, sea, and land. By bringing several timing functions into one watch, it offered a practical answer to very different environments.
In 1964, the Depthomatic stepped into the water as one of the first automatic dive watches rated to 200 meters. Solid, reliable, and built with purpose, it marked a new direction for Nivada Grenchen.
In 1965, Nivada Grenchen raised the bar with the Depthmaster. Rated to 1,000 meters (3,000 feet), it stood among the earliest watches designed for extreme deep-sea conditions.
The year 1973 marked a major disruption in watchmaking. Quartz technology introduced new standards of precision and affordability, fundamentally altering how watches were produced and perceived.
Released in the late 1970s, the F77 embraced the confident design language of the time. Defined by sharp lines and an integrated steel bracelet, it brought a fresh edge to Swiss watch design.
Throughout the 2020s, Nivada Grenchen expanded its catalogue with modern re-editions of historic models such as the Antarctic, Chronomaster, Depthmaster, and Datomaster. These releases combined vintage design codes with contemporary build standards, reinforcing the brand's renewed presence.
The Super Antarctic launched in 2021, introducing a modern take on exploration watches. In parallel, the Depthmaster collection made its return, reconnecting with a legacy shaped by deep-sea performance.
The Chronoking collection arrived in 2023, bringing a classic chronograph back into the spotlight. Alongside it, the F77 made its comeback, blending its original design language with a contemporary edge.
The Aquamar collection returned in 2025. Rooted in its original dive-watch spirit, it came back with updated proportions and a contemporary feel, ready for everyday use.
In 2026, Nivada Grenchen celebrates 100 years of Swiss watchmaking. A century marked by exploration, innovation, and purpose-driven design, honoring the past while continuing to move forward.
100 Years of Swiss Savoir-Faire
Behind every Nivada timepiece lies the expertise of generations of artisans.
Our savoir-faire was shaped by traditional Swiss techniques, meticulous attention to detail, and the belief that quality is built, not claimed.
For 100 years, this blend of skill and discipline has ensured our watches meet the highest standards of authenticity and endurance.
A Century of Horological Engineering
For one hundred years, Nivada Grenchen has partnered with the finest names in Swiss movement manufacturing. From ETA, A. Schild, Phénix and Venus to the legendary Valjoux chronograph calibers, and today with trusted partners such as Soprod, Sellita, Landeron and la Joux-Perret, every movement has been chosen for a single reason: delivering reliability, precision and lasting performance.
Our history is not defined by manufacturing movements ourselves, but by selecting the right caliber for every purpose.
A philosophy that has guided Nivada Grenchen since 1926 and continues to define every watch we create today.
A Technical Legacy
That Lasted 100 Years
Nivada's technical vision has always been rooted in functionality.
From early water-resistant cases to rugged tool-watch construction, our innovations emerged from real needs — explorers, divers, climbers, and adventurers who pushed our watches to the limits.
For 100 years, this technical discipline has defined what Nivada stands for: performance without compromise.
Each 2026 launch drops without warning. Be the first to know — and the first to have a chance at what's coming.
To celebrate our 100th anniversary, we are preparing a dedicated book capturing a century of Swiss watchmaking. Through archives, imagery, and storytelling, it will trace the brand's history and iconic timepieces.
The 100th anniversary is only the beginning. Throughout the year, we will unveil a series of launches celebrating a century of purpose-built watchmaking. New releases, reinterpretations, and special moments, each marking a chapter in an ongoing story.
