02-front_marked
03-back_marked
04-side3_marked
05-side6_marked
06-side9_marked
07-side12_marked
08-caliber_marked
09-dial_marked
10-bezel_marked
11-caseback-out_marked
12-caseback-in_marked

Watch
Score

7.9 / 10

Key features

  • Extremely rare reference

  • Paul Newman dial

Learn more about the WATCHFID Rating.

About this watch

The Chronomaster model wasn’t just a chronograph. It was more like the 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). This development coincided with relatively major changes to the dial and hands. The dials got new typography for the subdials with simplified scales and the numerals the conventional way up. The broad arrow hands changed to the more contrasting white baton hands, while lollipop, followed by  elongated triangular hands indicated the chronograph seconds.

The present model is an exceptionally rare Chronomaster version. Two models have been named Paul Newman because their dials look very much like those on some Rolex Daytonas, with their distinctive subdials: the first one has a black dial and white suddials, and the second one a white dial and black subdials.

This example, reference 85017 / 4531, is the first version: the “Black Paul Newman”. It is in good condition, and all its components are period consistent. The Watch Score is 7.9 and an Extra Score of 0.5 is given for its overall aesthetic consistency.

Our WATCHFID Rating is 8.4.

Condition Report

This watch is provided with an exclusive 32-page book: the WATCHFID Condition Report.

Need more information about this model?
Check out our review on the Watch Books Only website.

NIVADA CHRONOMASTER:
THE MAGIC TRIO