HISTORY
OF NIVADA GRENCHEN
Origins and Development
Founded in 1926 in Grenchen, Switzerland, by Otto Wüllimann, Hermann Schindler, and Jakob Schneider, Nivada Grenchen specialized in producing Swiss watches. Initially known as Wüllimann, Schneider, Nivada SA, the company focused on developing precise and functional timepieces.
During its early years, Nivada Grenchen was among the pioneers of automatic watch manufacturing. The brand specialized in instrument watches, featuring water resistance, chronographs, and high precision. By 1939, the company had gained recognition in the Swiss watch industry and participated in national exhibitions.
By the late 1930s, Nivada Grenchen expanded into the United States through a collaboration with Croton Watch Co. Inc., an American watch brand founded in 1878. This partnership allowed the brand to establish a presence in the U.S. market under the names Croton Nivada or Croton Nivada Grenchen.
In 1939, Movado challenged the similarity of the Nivada name, leading to the adoption of Nivada Grenchen in 1958. Despite legal battles, the brand expanded its distribution, reaching over 84 countries worldwide by the 1960s.
Croton Nivada Antarctic, The watch of Admiral Richard Byrd of the Deep Freeze expedition
Rear Admiral Richard Evelyn Byrd Jr (1888-1957) was a polar explorer and officer pilot in the US Navy. After receiving the Congressional Medal for being the first to fly over the North Pole, Richard Byrd went on to command 4 expeditions to Antarctica, including the famous Deep Freeze I and II expeditions in 1955.
1954
Antarctic
Worn during the U.S. Navy’s « Operation Deep Freeze » expedition to Antarctica (1955-1956), demonstrating durability in extreme conditions.
1961
Chronomaster Aviator Sea Diver
A multi-functional chronograph combining a tachymeter, rotating bezel for diving, and regatta timer.
1964
Depthomatic
Among the first automatic diving watches, water-resistant to 200 meters.
1965
Depthmaster
One of the early dive watches with 1,000 meters water resistance.
1968
Alertamatic
A watch featuring an integrated alarm function.
The 1970s Quartz Crisis disrupted the Swiss watch industry as affordable and precise quartz watches from Japan gained popularity. Nivada Grenchen, like many competitors, struggled to adapt and ceased production.
The Quartz Crisis and the 1973 oil crisis contributed to declining sales, leading to the closure of Nivada Grenchen’s production facilities in Solothurn, Switzerland, in the late 1970s. Over the following decades, ownership changed multiple times, and the brand disappeared from the market. However, vintage Nivada Grenchen watches remained in demand among collectors.
Reviving The Glory Of NIVADA GRENCHEN
In 2018, Guillaume Laidet and Rémi Chabrat collaborated to revive Nivada Grenchen, focusing on reissues of classic designs with updated manufacturing techniques.
The first reissued models included the Chronomaster, Antarctic, and Depthmaster, which were well received by collectors and enthusiasts. Social media played a role in reintroducing the brand to a new audience.
Current and Future Developments
Today, Nivada Grenchen produces Swiss watches based on its historical designs. The successful relaunch of the Chronomaster, Antarctic and Depthmaster has renewed interest in the brand among collectors and professionals.
The company continues to develop models that reflect its heritage while incorporating modern manufacturing advancements.
Nivada Grenchen remains a recognized name in Swiss watchmaking, with a history of technical innovation and durable designs.
A Conversation Between Passion and Heritage
Step into the world of Nivada Grenchen through an intimate conversation between Guillaume Laidet, CEO of Nivada, and Harm, one of the brand’s most devoted collectors. In this exclusive video, they explore what makes Nivada so special—from its revival story to the details that make each model a faithful tribute to the past.
