Nivada Grenchen Antarctic 35mm, Eggshell Dial, No Date

Description

In the mid-1950s, the United States initiated a series of missions to Antarctica. Dubbed Operation Deep Freeze, the project conducted from 1955 to 1956 aimed to establish the first permanent base in one of Earth’s most severe and icy landscapes. At the time, esteemed polar explorer Admiral Richard E. Byrd was President Eisenhower’s fitting choice to oversee Operation Deep Freeze I. On his wrist, the ANTARCTIC — the same watch that is now being reissued — robust, shock-resistant, and antimagnetic. And crafted to endure the harshest conditions.

The new Antarctic is the not-so-distant cousin of the original Nivada Antarctic collection launched in 1950. The original rose to fame when it was used by members of the American Navy’s Deep Freeze 1 Task Force during their expeditions in the South Pole (1955-56). It was noted as being reliable and robust enough to perform in the most extreme conditions. Today’s Super Antarctic is an evolution from the original Antarctic keeping close to the 50s’ lines & design. Just like the original Antarctic models, Nivada Grenchen has added the 1957 International Geophysical Medallion directly on the case-back of all the modern Super Antarctic models.

Returning to the basics, embracing all-time favorites, and capturing timeless elegance. As the trend of oversized watches wanes, Nivada Grenchen delves deep into its rich heritage to present a renewed expression of masculine watchmaking. This comes complete with impeccable, artfully crafted finishes, all housed in a 35mm case that epitomizes slender elegance. While the Antarctic’s case and crown are undeniably elegant, it is the dial that truly stands out as the watch’s centerpiece. Available in three distinct colors — black, white, and eggshell/off-white — the dial boasts applied steel indexes. At the 12, 3, 6, and 9 o’clock positions we have Art Deco-style numerals, while arrowheads (you could say faceted icicles) serve as indexes.

Brilliant details, both literally and figuratively. Instead of the conventional luminescent dots, we have curved, slightly orange luminescent arcs painted on the outer edge of the hour markers. The dial proudly bears the ‘Nivada Grenchen’ signature below the 12, with «Antarctic» just above the 6. Beneath it, hugging the outer edge of the minute track, a discreet ‘Swiss’. The steel hands are of the classic dauphine style, with a slim luminescent band at their center. The elongated second hand, crafted in blued steel, adds an extra touch of elegance. On the caseback, an embossed, stylized penguin on a gold medallion serves as a nod to the watch’s heritage. Altogether, this blend of design elements crafts a remarkable timepiece, with a unique look and feel that takes you back to the 1950s at a flick of the wrist.

Nivada Grenchen Antarctic 35mm, No Date Details:

Landeron calibre 21 hand-wound movement
18 jewels
36 hour power reserve
eggshell dial with applied index markers
cream 7403C SuperLuminova on hands and markers
316L stainless steel case
screw down crown
screw in caseback
double domed sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating
water resistant to 50 metres

case diameter: 35mm
case thickness: 10.1mm
lug width: 18mm