Nivada Grenchen has unleashed one of their most impressive tricks yet—rescuing 50 vintage new-old-stock Valjoux 23 VZ movements from horological purgatory and housing them in two spectacular limited editions of their iconic Chronomaster Aviator Sea Diver.
This represents the perfect marriage of authentic vintage mechanics with contemporary restoration quality, creating timepieces that honor both historical accuracy and modern reliability standards.
Vintage Revival
The first variant, the “Chronograph Valjoux 23 Broad Arrow,” pays faithful homage to the original 1963 release with “Chronograph Aviator Sea Diver” script on its matte black dial. Vintage-tinted Super-LumiNova fills the distinctive broad arrow hands and hour markers, while a red printed regatta countdown track adorns the 30-minute totalizer.
The 38mm x 12.95mm stainless steel case features period-correct drilled lugs and a bi-directional no-click bezel, completed with a brown perforated racing strap that evokes 1960s motorsport aesthetics.
The second offering ventures into more exotic territory with the “Chronomaster Valjoux 23 Aventurine Blue,” where both dial and world time bezel are crafted from stunning blue aventurine stone. Each piece becomes genuinely unique due to aventurine’s natural variations, creating a night sky effect that’s particularly mesmerizing in person.
White printing and luminous elements contrast beautifully against the deep blue sparkle, while silver subdials maintain the regatta timer functionality in a more elegant presentation.
Both versions feature double-domed sapphire crystals that enhance the vintage aesthetic while providing modern protection. The restored Valjoux 23 VZ movements operate at the classic 18,000 beats per hour with 48-hour power reserve, maintaining their historical character while meeting contemporary tolerances and quality standards. Display casebacks reveal these legendary manually-wound chronograph movements in all their restored glory.
Limited Treasure Hunt
At $5,000 for either variant, these limited editions represent exceptional value considering their vintage movement provenance and small production numbers. With only 25 pieces of each model planned, Nivada Grenchen has created genuine collector’s items that bridge the gap between affordable vintage-inspired watches and expensive original vintage chronographs.
The production schedule reflects the careful restoration process, with the first batch of 13 pieces per model shipping in July 2025 and the remainder following in September. This staggered delivery acknowledges the meticulous work required to bring these vintage movements to modern standards while maintaining their essential character.
Preorders open May 29th, and given Nivada Grenchen’s growing reputation for creating compelling vintage reissues at reasonable prices, these limited editions will likely disappear quickly. The combination of genuine vintage movements, distinctive design variations, and accessible pricing creates perfect storm conditions for collector interest.
For enthusiasts seeking authentic vintage chronograph experience without the risks and costs associated with original 1960s timepieces, these Chronomaster editions offer compelling alternatives. The Valjoux 23 movement enjoys legendary status among collectors for its robust construction and historical significance, while Nivada Grenchen’s restoration ensures reliability that original vintage pieces rarely match.
Whether drawn to the purist appeal of the black-dialed Broad Arrow or the exotic beauty of the aventurine variant, both watches represent serious horological value. They demonstrate how thoughtful brands can honor vintage heritage while creating new classics that satisfy both collectors and everyday wearers seeking distinctive timepieces with genuine historical connections.
