The present model is the only Croton fitted with a Valjoux 23, made probably in the mid-1960s. It shares most features of the previous models powered with the Valjoux 92: unpainted hands with broad arrow hour, radial orientation or the numbers in the subdials. However, there is one difference to notice: the subdials have a small step delimiting the central area from the outside.
Its caseback bears a personalised engraving indicating that the first owner was a member of the US NAVY.
This example, with serial 27.xxx, is in good condition, and all its components are period consistent.
PLEASE NOTE THAT A COPY OF OUR BOOK “CHRONOMASTER ONLY” WILL BE OFFERED TO THE BUYER OF THIS WATCH.
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The present model is the only Croton fitted with a Valjoux 23, made probably in the mid-1960s. It shares most features of the previous models powered with the Valjoux 92: unpainted hands with broad arrow hour, radial orientation or the numbers in the subdials. However, there is one difference to notice: the subdials have a small step delimiting the central area from the outside.
Its caseback bears a personalised engraving indicating that the first owner was a member of the US NAVY.
This example, with serial 27.xxx, is in good condition, and all its components are period consistent.
PLEASE NOTE THAT A COPY OF OUR BOOK “CHRONOMASTER ONLY” WILL BE OFFERED TO THE BUYER OF THIS WATCH.
Croton was the US importer of Nivada watches since the 1930s. The Chronomaster model was first imported with the name association Croton Nivada Grenchen, then with the name Croton only. Pay attention that Croton had its own references and names on the dial and on the movements. It also commercialised Chronomaster model versions that were not available by Nivada. For this reason, despite Chronomaster models originated from Nivada, we can consider Croton as an independent brand.
The Chronomaster was a Super-Chronograph. It in fact had an astonishing number of functions. Such a purpose is accurately reflected in the model’s name: CHRONOMASTER AVIATOR SEA DIVER, which suggests a clientele of professional racing drivers, pilots and divers, as well as the multiple functions evoked in the advertising of the 1960s: THE WORLD’S BUSIEST WATCH – HAS MORE USES THAN EVER COUNTED.
The models fitted with the Valjoux 23 caliber are the third representatives of the Chronomaster dynasty (after the Venus 210 and the Valjoux 92).
Nivada, also called Nivada Grenchen, was founded in Grenchen, Switzerland in 1926 by Otto Wüllimann, Hermann Schindler and Jakob Schneider. In the first 50 years of its life, the company developed a wide range of watches, housing calibers supplied by various Swiss movement manufacturers. It then began to offer several professional watches in its col¬lection. These include the Depthmaster, waterproof to 1,000 meters and the Chronomaster, a super-chronograph with a lot of fuctions. In the 1970s, Nivada failed to withstand the quartz and oil crisis and remain silent until its rebirth in 2020.
The purpose of this document is to determine whether the constituent parts of the watch are conform to the model reference /period or not, and to value their condition and importance.
All the watches are provided with a digital certificate (the Watchfid-ID), that will be uploaded on your protected and anonymous digital wallet.
This document presents each watch in the most objective and detailed manner possible, thanks to a substantiated analysis, high-resolution photos designed to highlight all elements of the watch and an innovative rating system. Available in printed and digital versions.
On request and when available, an extract of the archives from the manufacturer can be obtained.
