These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Even at the higher end of the price range, this is great value for a classically styled vintage diver’s chronograph. Nice examples can range from $850 to upwards of $2000 for rarer variations. Prices obviously can vary widely, mainly depending on condition and the movement. The Chronomaster is not a scarce watch, but can be difficult to find in good condition as they appear to have been a watch that saw a lot of real world wear/use. As much as I dig this watch, it’s almost ended up on the sales block a few times, but I just can’t bring myself to part with my only Valjoux 23!
CROTON SEA DIVER REVIEW MANUAL
It’s a 17 jewel manual wind that beats at 18,000 bph, with a power reserve of 48 hours. As mentioned above, the Chronomaster can be found with a wide variety of movements, but my favorite of the lot is this classic V23. This one has the buttery smooth Valjoux 23 column wheel movement powering it.
So sad when these original crystals get replaced with an ill-fitting thin new one. The original crystal is a gently domed thick acrylic type that completes the sweet vintage vibe. Sadly this is a feature that is easily lost due to polishing. The lugs feature a sharp bevel to them that really gives is a sporty look. The solid stainless steel case is a great size, measuring 38mm wide and 45mm long with 20mm lugs. The oversized crown is unmarked, however I’ve seen many Nivada branded versions that have a signed crown. The bi-directional friction bezel has an aluminum insert marked with 60 minute elapsed time graduation, as well as 1 through 12 to double as a GMT function. Because, you know, who doesn’t love to count down the beginning of a yacht race, right?Ī classic lume filled arrow hour hand, dauphine minute hand and steel sweep second hand give this variation a very ‘ 1st gen Speedmaster-esque’ look. My understanding is that this is for timing the countdown to the beginning of a boat regatta. The 30 min sub-dial at 3 o’clock has a red triangle highlighting the first five minutes which count down from 5 to 1. It has a matte black dial with black sub-dials that have glossy black bevels which really make them stand out. This example is from the early to mid ’60’s, and is the first generation style. Other movements used include Valjoux 92, 7733, Landeron 248 and Venus 210 to name a few. The best would have to be the venerable Valjoux 23 column wheel movement, which was also found in chronographs from Heuer, Rolex and other higher-end Swiss brands. There were also a large variety of different movements to be found in the Chronomasters. There are black dials, white dials, some with different color subdials, and some later versions with a date function at 3 o’clock or even at 12 o’clock. There were a boat load of variations made over the years it was produced. The Chronomaster can be found branded with Croton, Nivada, Nivada Grenchen, and even Croton Nivada Grenchen.
Mine is signed ‘Croton’, which is the name Nivada Grenchen used for their watches sold in the US. The first generation style like my example here with the large arrow hands was made from 1963 to about 1970 when they switched over to the classic ’70’s ‘stick’ hands. Most variations are a two register chronograph with subdials at 3 and 9 o’clock, and a sixty minute elapsed time diver’s bezel. The Chronomaster made its debut in 1963 and continued production until about 1978. This name has all the bases covered! Fortunately, it’s not just a cool name, this is one cool watch as well. What’s in a name? Sometimes a whole lot! There are some great model names in the annals of watch history like Speedmaster, Submariner, Sportsmatic and Snorkel….but there’s one that takes the cake: The Croton Chronomaster Aviator Sea Diver.
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