It’s been two weeks since we received the Nivada Grenchen Super Antarctic 3.6.9 in our store. I still remember the first moment I saw it on my wrist. It’s the kind of watch that doesn’t just sit on your wrist; it whispers stories of adventure, of explorers braving the elements, of history and time intertwined. Here is my experience these last two weeks on the Nivada Grenchen Super Antarctic 3.6.9, with the Topical dial.
First Impressions on the Nivada Grenchen Super Antarctic
The moment I unboxed the Super Antarctic, I knew this wasn’t just another reissue. It was a carefully crafted homage to a golden era of exploration. The tropical dial, with its warm, aged-brown hue and perfectly applied lume, transported me to an age of analog precision, where every second counted, and every detail was built for purpose. It has that rare ability to feel like a watch that’s already lived a few decades while being brand new. It’s subtle, yet it catches the eye. Like a quiet confidence that only true enthusiasts recognize.
The 38mm stainless steel case sits effortlessly on the wrist and with its 45mm lug-to-lug marked it just the right size. The strap is elegant, yet sturdy enough to handle anything. The brushed and polished finishing gives it a refined yet tool-watch feel, exactly what you’d expect from something born from the legacy of Antarctic expeditions.
On the Wrist: Comfort Meets Character
Over these past weeks, the Super Antarctic has accompanied me everywhere. From casual café mornings to late-night walks under the city lights. Paired with the brown racing strap, it felt rugged and ready for action. Eventually I swapped it for a more refined look with the flat steel bracelet, adding a touch of understated luxury. There’s something special about the versatility here. Whether it’s dressed up or down, the watch never feels out of place.
The screw-down crown and 10 ATM water resistance gave me confidence, whether I was caught in an unexpected rain shower or washing my hands in the sink. The sapphire crystal with AR coating ensured that no glare got in the way when checking the time, and that Swiss Super-Luminova? Let’s just say, it glows with a depth that’s as captivating as it is functional.
The Movement: A Swiss Heartbeat
Underneath this vintage façade beats a Swiss automatic Soprod P024 movement, a reliable and precise workhorse with a 38-hour power reserve. While it doesn’t scream for attention like some high-beat alternatives, it does exactly what it was designed to do: "keep time, consistently and beautifully". It’s the kind of movement that lets you focus on the experience of wearing the watch rather than worrying about accuracy.
The Little Details That Matter
What truly sets this watch apart is its connection to history. Flip it over, and you’re greeted by the 1957 International Geophysical Year Medallion, a nod to the original Antarctic explorers who relied on Nivada watches to withstand the harshest conditions known to man. This is a timepiece that respects its roots while embracing the best of modern watchmaking. It doesn’t just tell the time, it tells a story.
A Daily Companion for the Modern Explorer
The Nivada Grenchen Super Antarctic 3.6.9 isn’t just a watch; it’s a companion. It’s the kind of piece you wake up wanting to wear. The one you unconsciously glance at because it feels like part of you. In a world filled with watches that try too hard, this one simply exists with effortless charm.
At €985, it’s a steal for what you get: a Swiss automatic, a beautifully executed vintage aesthetic, and a legacy that most modern watches can only dream of. If you’re looking for something with soul, something that bridges past and present with grace, then this might just be the watch for you.
And trust me, once it’s on your wrist, you won’t want to take it off.
Nivada Grenchen Super Antarctic 3.6.9 - Tropical Dial Brown Lume – MR WATCHIEF
