At a time when Nivada Grenchen is celebrating its centenary, the Swiss brand continues to explore its rich heritage without ever falling into mere nostalgia. To mark this symbolic anniversary, it unveils the new Chronoking Mecaquartz Racing, a watch that draws on the aesthetics of 1960s and 1970s automotive chronographs while infusing it with an entirely new dimension: travel.
More than a simple aesthetic evolution, this new Chronoking asserts a freer, more colourful personality, resolutely aimed at watch enthusiasts who like to move from one world to another. Sporty behind the wheel, elegant in everyday life and practical while travelling, it perfectly illustrates the current philosophy of Nivada Grenchen: offering timepieces with strong character, accessible and designed to be worn without restraint.
On this page
- A Chronoking true to its DNA, yet more versatile than ever
- Five interchangeable bezels for changing destinations
- A collection designed with its community
- Mecaquartz, a compromise that remains as relevant as ever
- A vintage format perfectly mastered
- Two straps, two personalities
- An anniversary watch that looks to the future
- Frequently asked questions
A Chronoking true to its DNA, yet more versatile than ever
Since its return to the forefront, Nivada Grenchen has established itself as one of the most credible brands in reinterpreting its heritage. The Chronoking is one of those emblematic models that has greatly contributed to this revival.
With this new Racing version, the recipe behind its success remains intact. The compact 38 mm case retains particularly balanced proportions, ideal for appealing to fans of vintage-inspired watches. The contrasting counters, generously sized chronograph scales and the famous perforated Rallye strap immediately evoke the world of motor racing.
But this new generation does not only seek to appeal to lovers of fine mechanics. It brings a much more versatile dimension that naturally fits contemporary uses.
Five interchangeable bezels for changing destinations
This is undoubtedly the big novelty of this Chronoking Mecaquartz Racing.
Each watch is delivered with five interchangeable bezels that can be swapped in seconds, without any tools. A simple click is enough to transform the watch’s face and change its mood.
Beyond the aesthetic aspect, these bezels offer a particularly interesting function. They display the names of major international cities such as Paris, Tokyo, New York, Greenwich, Cairo or Los Angeles. Once correctly positioned, they make it possible to display a second time zone in a simple and intuitive way.
This feature brings a genuine “travel watch” dimension to a chronograph that, until now, was mainly associated with the world of motorsport. A relevant evolution that perfectly matches the expectations of today’s travellers.
A collection designed with its community
Another distinctive feature of this new Chronoking: its colours were not chosen solely by the brand’s designers.
Nivada Grenchen asked several thousand enthusiasts to help determine the shades that would join this new permanent collection. A participatory approach that reflects the close relationship the brand maintains with its community.
Five versions thus make up the range:
- Blue
- Lagoon Blue
- Amber Black
- Grey
- Green
Blue and Amber Black came out on top with nearly 30% of the votes each, while the Lagoon Blue and Green versions also proved very popular. Grey rounds out this contemporary palette.
Each dial benefits from genuine finishing work, alternating matte surfaces, subtle gradients, recessed counters and applied indexes coated with luminescent material. This visual richness gives the watch a depth that far exceeds its price positioning.
Mecaquartz, a compromise that remains as relevant as ever
Beneath its classic mechanical chronograph appearance, the Chronoking Racing houses a TMI VK63 mecaquartz movement.
This type of calibre combines two often opposing worlds. The precision and reliability of quartz are paired with a chronograph architecture that delivers sensations close to those of a mechanical movement, particularly when starting and resetting the hands.
With an announced accuracy of around ±20 seconds per month and a battery life of around three years, this movement perfectly matches Nivada Grenchen’s vision of an everyday watch.
For many collectors, mecaquartz is today a particularly coherent solution: it allows them to enjoy the pleasure of using a chronograph while limiting the maintenance constraints inherent to traditional mechanical movements.
A vintage format perfectly mastered
The dimensions chosen once again reflect the brand’s concern for authenticity.
The 316L stainless steel case has a diameter of 38 mm for a lug-to-lug length of just 46.5 mm. With a thickness of around 13.4 mm, the watch remains balanced and comfortable, whatever the wrist size.
The double-domed sapphire crystal reinforces its neo-retro character while guaranteeing excellent scratch resistance. The screw-down caseback and 10 ATM water resistance allow it to comfortably accompany all everyday activities.
Two straps, two personalities
Nivada Grenchen offers two configurations that noticeably alter the watch’s character.
The perforated black Rallye strap naturally accentuates its automotive and sporty inspiration. A descendant of the straps worn in the paddocks of the 1960s, it reinforces the Chronoking’s dynamic side.
The “rice grain” steel bracelet, a true signature of the brand’s vintage watches, brings more elegance and versatility. It easily transforms this sporty chronograph into a dressier watch, capable of accompanying both casual outfits and a jacket.
An anniversary watch that looks to the future
On the occasion of its centenary, Nivada Grenchen could have taken the easy route with a simple historical reissue. The Chronoking Mecaquartz Racing instead takes a more ambitious path.
It respects the codes that built the collection’s reputation while incorporating new features, starting with its travel-inspired interchangeable bezels. Its colourful design, compact dimensions and excellent value for money further enhance its appeal.
Available from 9 July 2026, the Chronoking Mecaquartz Racing joins the manufacture’s permanent collection for good. Priced from €640 on the Rallye strap and €840 on the rice-grain steel strap, it confirms Nivada Grenchen’s determination to make vintage watchmaking with character more accessible than ever.
With this new release, the Swiss house proves that it is still possible to reinvent a classic without betraying its history. A fine way to celebrate a hundred years of watchmaking, while always keeping an eye on the next destination.
Frequently asked questions
It is a new chronograph unveiled by Nivada Grenchen to celebrate its 100th anniversary, drawing on 1960s-1970s automotive chronograph aesthetics while adding a travel dimension.
Each watch comes with five interchangeable bezels that swap in seconds without tools, and each displays the names of major cities so the wearer can read a second time zone.
Nivada Grenchen asked several thousand enthusiasts to help select the shades, resulting in five versions: Blue, Lagoon Blue, Amber Black, Grey and Green, with Blue and Amber Black the most popular.
It uses a TMI VK63 mecaquartz movement, offering roughly ±20 seconds per month accuracy and about three years of battery life, combining quartz reliability with mechanical chronograph sensations.
The 316L stainless steel case measures 38 mm in diameter, 46.5 mm lug-to-lug and about 13.4 mm thick, with 10 ATM water resistance, offered on either a perforated black Rallye strap or a rice-grain steel bracelet.
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