Nivada Tropical Super Antarctic Review
My tastes in watches are evolving - three years into this insanity we call a hobby I’ve been recently yearning for vintage watches. I had my eye on several 1969 models, a GS highbeat, an Omega Constellation, a Seiko, but in the end I chickened out for fear of the unknown. What if it isn’t as advertised, or what if it needs servicing after throwing down $1k+?
Enter theTropical dial from Nivada Grenchen. Modern vintage - the oxymoron watch with some history.
I bought this with the flat link bracelet, while it’s comfortable and easily adjustable it’s too shiny for me. It’s like having a disco ball on your wrist. I’m not the bling guy, I’d rather my watches not stand out. I quickly put a single pass nato on it, ahh that’s better. If I want to dress it up I’ll put the bracelet on. Yes I blew $200. I should’ve got the leather strap. Oh well.
The chocolate dial with honey colored numerals and indices are quite beautiful to me. I understand it’s not for everyone. In the sun this watch is eye candy, it’s striking. The fit is nice, the feel is great and I’m really loving this watch so far.
The negatives:
The crown is way too small and it’s not like I’m ham fisted with giant sausage fingers. I understand why they made it smaller for the vintage vibe, I just wish it didn’t suck to adjust the time. Although it’s running like + 2 seconds fast a day, so I’ve only had to adjust it a few times. The first couple of days it didn’t deviate a second.
The lume sucks, but I knew that when I bought it. If I want lume I’ll wear a different watch. I bought this to look vintage and cool.
It’s just a matter of time before I take the plunge on a real vintage watch, until then I’m good with this watch. NG has done a great job with this one.
Nivada Tropical Super Antarctic Review
Yes
No
- The dial is fantastic
- History
- Caseback - cool gold medallion
- Itty bitty crown
- Lume - but who cares.
- Blowing $200 on a disco ball bracelet
I enjoy the outdoors and solitude. Watches are my guilty pleasure.
Nice review, Scott. Love the images too. You had me with Nivada Grenchen!
Nice review, I was Curious about the crown and the lume from pictures I’ve had this in the cart once or twice and backed out lol
Nice review, I was Curious about the crown and the lume from pictures I’ve had this in the cart once or twice and backed out lol
Both not a deal breaker for me. Not having drilled lugs sucks as well, which I forgot to mention. But the positives outweigh the negatives for me.
Both not a deal breaker for me. Not having drilled lugs sucks as well, which I forgot to mention. But the positives outweigh the negatives for me.
You’re right about the dial love the vintage look they did a great job there!
Review
Funny thing is on their website if you buy the strap and add the bracelet the math I think I remembered was the same as if you just bought it on the bracelet.
Funny thing is on their website if you buy the strap and add the bracelet the math I think I remembered was the same as if you just bought it on the bracelet.
Damnit you’re right! 🤦♂
3 weeks ago I received the black dial with pure white markers on a black leather, white stitching strap. I loved the leather but I quickly replaced it with the Forstner Klip. I'm wearing it for 30 days straight, today is day 9. I set it on day one and it currently is 6 seconds behind. I'm impressed for the money. Something I can't unsee is the white of the hands is more brilliant than the white on the markers. Cheers.
3 weeks ago I received the black dial with pure white markers on a black leather, white stitching strap. I loved the leather but I quickly replaced it with the Forstner Klip. I'm wearing it for 30 days straight, today is day 9. I set it on day one and it currently is 6 seconds behind. I'm impressed for the money. Something I can't unsee is the white of the hands is more brilliant than the white on the markers. Cheers.
That’s impressive -6 seconds in nine days. I’m going for 30 days as well, I’m on day 24 - it’s been a long honeymoon.