Too Complex for a Tool Watch? Nivada Chronomaster (Review - Part 2)

[@AK-rq1cz]

Great job with this. I agree with much of what you said, if this came out today it wouldn't be good, but in the context of it being a historically accurate reissue true to the time, if you put on the nostalgic blinders and forget about how far things have come, this is really cool. My Grandma loved Jacques Cousteau and got me interested in him as a child and he is the reason I want a Doxa. Reviewing something like this purely from the standpoint of practicality misses the point, as you alluded to. This hobby isn't really practical 😂 I don't need to own over 20 wristwatches, but I like them for what they are and what they represent, all for different reasons.

[@ID-Guy]

Sums up the video nicely A K 🥃 I find it interesting how we often look at watches from two different sides. Some want that "pure practicality" and others want that whimsey. Maybe this is what can at times divide the Modern and Vintage watch collector? It definitely makes our hobby 10x more fun. Thanks for this!

[@davidb9531]

It’s a fascinating piece. The kind that makes the endless Explorers and Speedies on insta look incredibly dull. There’s so much more character to be had with watches a fraction of the cost of the so called staples of watch collecting

[@ID-Guy]

Exactly right David. A Tool watch with a different context (and amazing value for money when you feel the build quality) - Isn't it funny how the "popular" watches are determined today?

[@mchockney3664]

It's like a 50-functions Swiss Army knife. In the end you're only using the bottle opener, but it's nice to have, just in case.

[@ID-Guy]

Only going to use the bottle opener and the pliers 😆 Love it! Great comment!

[@markcopeman3552]

You made me laugh straightaway by saying it's a watch for those with young eyes. Now I'm nearly 60 I've become blind as a bat without glasses for close work Ha Ha ! Sometimes think I should just have Panerai's. Loved it though. Like a Turner painting the more you look the more you see. In fact your eye is drawn to that splash of red , just like the buoy in the foreground of one of his famous seascapes! It's such an interesting watch , like the swiss army knife that lives in my car , it has so much going on. Reminds me of the old Sekonda chronograph I have from the seventies, also branded as a Strela with a tachy scale and I can't read that now ! However, those broad arrow hands look so fantastic to read from a mile away even for me. The bezel reminds me very much of a Sinn and yet it's ironic that their busy dials are so easy to read with their varied contrasts and line weights , but this isn't. For all it's design faults that's what makes it interesting, just the size issue for me. My Big Eye is as small as I can go , as I think I mentioned before to you , 8inch wrists are a curse! Anyway great analytical episode as always.

[@ID-Guy]

There's a good place for all of our eyes and even in my late 20's I have to stare hard at the dial to see the details 😆 For a laugh I gave the watch to my old man (also in his 60's) and he could barely see anything on it. But the whole piece definitely has this Sinn, JLC Deep Sea Chrono feel. After experiencing another (new piece) watch lately, I'm even finding the Big Eye quite small in scale... so I can't imagine what it must be like with an 8" wrist. 44mm Sea-Dweller or a 45+mm Breitling Superocean would suit you nicely 😉 Thanks as always Mark!

[@peakrider4886]

Thank you this pair of great reviews. For me this watch fulfils so many needs - a regatta timer for when I’m sailing, and chronograph for when I’m on the motorbike and at races, it’s the right size and won’t overwhelm my 18cm wrist, and I love the vintage look which would go well with my Lorier Neptune. If you’re not keeping and thinking of selling, I’m interested!!

[@msm9430]

I just learned about NG a year or so ago and have been looking up their offerings. As a wristfully challenged individual I can’t get over their dimensions. Love what they’re doing. I’m so excited.

[@ID-Guy]

IDGuy Store: teespring.com/stores/the-idguy-store Channel Support - Patreon: www.patreon.com/idguy Latest Releases: kzbin.info/door/zf6rqsEBni5G2TSevD6F4Afeatured Follow me on Instagram: instagram.com/id.guy/

[@garyzimmerman6367]

Great review and commentary. I think the watch is very interesting. I’m not usually interested in watches this size but I can’t help being drawn to it. It’s so unique and special that I could easily see myself purchasing it as my everyday watch.

[@ID-Guy]

It's a great piece and means a lot that they managed to bring it together so faithfully (the build quality cannot be understated, it blew me away) These lil NG Chronomasters have a cult status 😉 Thank you Gary!

[@mt24Carson]

I like the size, historical reference and the all-in-one tool vibe. Currently giving it consideration. Thanks @IDGuy, cheers from the mountains and the desert. ⌚🛠👍

[@ID-Guy]

A pleasure as always David and I hope you're well, sir! I'd love to be trekking through a desert right now 🥃

[@SamrayGTR]

Love this watch as Jacques Cousteau wore a Nevada Gretchen during his dives.

[@ID-Guy]

Anything that's Cousteau approved already gets better marks 🔥

[@mcody68]

A great follow up to your earlier review. I do seriously love this watch and although my brother has a vintage version, think it would be a great daily driver. All the benefits of vintage (design, style, character etc) but without the risks (warranty, waterproof etc). Very tempted to pull the trigger on one… keep up the great work. 👌👌👌

[@ID-Guy]

It really is a great lil machine and so faithful to the original. I'd love to see them side-by-side. And you're right, I never once thought about "is this watch okay for the task" it performed like a champion 😉 Thanks as always Mark.

[@russell996]

Great review 👏 Interesting piece. I like smaller watches and love the broad arrow hand style. Keep up the excellent work.👍

[@kaspermittel]

Great content, although somewhat similar to your part 1, I was hoping maybe here you would give your personal verdict on wether or not you would buy/keep the watch, how much wrist time it got versus your other pieces. Cheers!

[@btmontres1423]

Great review with lots of thoughtful comments. I appreciate the imagination it takes to design like this and that it feels like it comes from the 1950s/1960s. Rightly or wrongly, the timeframe feels like a period when we were trying to move away from past world and regional conflicts and problems, and trying to embance the future in the now. This is the companion to help us get there, timing and measuring events and pulling ourselves forward, moments at a time...

[@ID-Guy]

Nicely said, very relevant with what we're seeing now too... to say that life is cyclical would be an understatement 🥃

[@edc3093]

I have a mechanical 39mm LeJour Incabloc 2 sub-dial Chronograph with a manual wind Valjoux 7733 movement (no-day/date) from the early 1970's (the "LeJour") that looks virtually identical to the Nivada Chronograph even down to the pusher and the bezel (except that the LeJour has no tachymetre nor does it have a Yacht Master style minute - no red countdown) stopwatch dial as is the Nivada. It is just a 2 sub-dial chronograph. My LeJour broke during the later part of the 1970's and sat in a jewelry box for the better part of 4-1/2 decades. I recently spent the money (don't ask how much, just to say, it was a lot of money) to refurbish the watch because I grew up with two parents that worked at times as many as 3 jobs at a time to make ends meet and they sought to make me happy and by that watch. LeJour was known as the poor man's Heuer Autavia. But, I love the watch. Now, it works well and is accurate. I am told that the LeJour is worth as much as the Nivada costs. But, none of that matters. I am certainly glad that I had the LeJour refurbished out of honor and respect to my parents.

[@davem8836]

I think I said this on your first review. I'm not going to be a naysayer here. I love everything about the watch including the price, period. I don't have one negative comment.

[@ID-Guy]

Value for money, build and the feeling of quality puts this watch leagues ahead of so many others (I've also fallen for it - pity it can't stay in the collection) You can see that it's a design right up my alley. A blend of broad arrow and skin diver will always be exciting 😉

[@garrisong]

I have a vintage baylor reverse panda chronograph and it’s similar to this I love the design.

[@julienfroidevaux1143]

It offers so much without looking contrived or haphazard. Good job NG

[@anthonystevens8683]

I stand by my comment on part one. It's not the best at anything but this piece is so versatile as a do it all machine. It isn't the best diver, chronograph or GMT etc but it does do all of these jobs and if your eyes are well enough to read it even if it takes a little time I think it's a great execution of the cannot pigeon hole watch.

[@ID-Guy]

Nicely said Anthony. It can't be pigeon-holed. It's too broad. Actually would be awesome to see more brands taking on these designs today. We know how well received diving chronographs are haha! Have a great start to your weekend sir! 🥃

[@rabadabadoo491]

Looks sweet, not normally a chronograph fan. But I really like that.

[@chrispenn715]

I really like this watch - the size of the sub dials etc. wouldn't bother me. I rarely use the chronograph features on my watches (Same as most people I suspect). I've spent too much money on watches recently, but this is on my list for the future. 🙂

[@juniorjohnson5961]

Great Review I found myself answering questions along with the video , The hands are some of my favorites the size is nice I find myself wearing my smaller watches more often lately, I agree it could be someone's only watch it's got everything you need. I was disappointed that you have to send it back I think they should have let you keep it . Hope your doing well and at some point we get to meet I would really like that

[@juniorjohnson5961]

I see your getting close to 50,000 subscribed Congratulations. One of my favorite channels !!

[@tiernanlee8578]

Really love this video. In fact, watching your SOTC video (Dec 2021) featuring a sneak peek of the watch really got me hooked. And now I have this very watch in my collection. I'm curious to know what deployant buckle you were using on the leather strap in this video? Thanks!

[@alecjarnagin9041]

Great review! I have yet to buy this watch but it is high on my list. I own their Super Antarctic re-issue and love it. I also love that you keep putting it next to an SPB143 which I own and love too, but they compliment each other as they are worlds apart.

[@ryana9783]

So cool. This is the watch Bond should have been wearing back in the day.

[@alvinmick218]

I like how the design of this watch instantly pulls you in and it’s complexities just continue to release it’s charm. I think it definitely has “one watch collection” possibilities.

[@mr_watchaddict3146]

Well said, sir! For some reason this reminds me of the jumbled design experiments of 80’s Citizen watches, and fond memories they are too. A quick example would be the Citizen Wingman Chronograph, Ref. GN-4-S 8945-087836. Absolutely love the look! 🥃😉👍

[@ID-Guy]

Freaking love the bizarreness of that design! Thanks for sharing it Mark! 🥃

[@mr_watchaddict3146]

@@ID-Guy …and not too far from that, the Casio DW-400 and others in the range! 😁👌

[@brentwoods7450]

I don't care for a broad arrow hand honestly. Usually kills a watch for me...but not this one for some reason. And its even unpractical by blocking the subdials, yet....I still like it. Something about this watch really sings to me

[@ID-Guy]

I think the broad arrow lends itself to being as peculiar as everything else (and it somehow works) 😆 It's the "compactness" that blows me away. Really gives it such an "instrument" feel 🥃

[@mt24Carson]

I get it, to an extent. I am a fan of the broad arrow hands myself, which is derived from the Omega PO 2500. To me they make it easier to tell the time and provide a "serious" tone to a tool watch vibe.

[@ID-Guy]

@@mt24Carson Broad Arrow lovers don't need convincing 😉

[@EggsOverSleazy]

You can get it without the broad arrow hand. The offer options

[@EdwinNikkels]

I was eyeing this piece a couple of months ago and wanted to buy it, until I saw the size. Yeah, way too small for my massive Dutch wrist. ; ) Thanks for the upload, ID.

[@ID-Guy]

Normally the size of the watch makes me step back and think "woah, can I rock something like this" - usually they appear too big. With this one I took it out the box, sat down and stared at it chuckling "this is tiny" 😆 That's been the only detractor for me (funnily enough) the size is just a bit too small even for my skinny wrists. BUT what an amazing machine...

[@EdwinNikkels]

@@ID-Guy A 42 mm edition would mean in instant sale. Let's see what Nivada comes up with in the near future. In the meanwhile I bought the actual opposite of the spectrum, a Seiko SUN019P1 GMT, haha. What a beasty that is. I absolutely love it. Looking forward to your next video!

[@michaelfierman3256]

Why would they not give a set of instructions on how to use the watch's features? That just seems arbitrary to me. Smug even. ( great episode as always!)

[@ID-Guy]

Technically they do give you the instructions by telling you its a chrono, diver etc. but it's never specified when it would be used. Kind of like being given a Lego set with the complete picture and it's up to you to piece together the parts. It's pretty fun, must say 😉 Thanks as always Michael!

[@stevefox8605]

Quite like the style, but not in the same league as the Speedmaster imho. Too small ( I'm over 50) & I don't like box crystals - otherwise very nice. I like it's "Swiss army knife" approach of having lots of functions. Cool, Cheers 🥃👍

[@ID-Guy]

Cant tell you how close I was to grabbing a Speedmaster the other week. Those new 3861's look so damn professional... Ah, what a great watch... I know what you mean though. First impressions of the Chronomaster after the unboxing was "this is tiny" 😆 Swiss Army Knife sums it up very well 🥃

[@00-Fresh-Snow-00]

Diving, travelling and a timer...what's not to like? If James Bond wasn't so heavily invested in Omega, he'd probably have this watch (or something similar) as part of his gear. And, like yourself, I too agree that the broad arrow hand doesn't get as much love by too many watch brands outside of several Seiko models here and there. Cheers 🍺

[@ID-Guy]

Great seeing you Fresh! Something tells me that a design like this would've made an excellent prop on Mad Men or in a Connery Bond saga. It feels so sophisticated too... Ah, cracking little watch. I wish I could keep it in the collection but alas! Have a great weekend sir 🥃

[@SamrayGTR]

I NEED the Seiko SPB143 so bad...

[@ID-Guy]

Going to be doing a "year later" review in March, brother. I'll be sure to cover a lot of points 😉 Definitely worth your time

[@it306]

Great review 👏 I own this piece with the white dial and white lume and the. It became really my every day watch and I own plenty other watches Rolex, Patek ect. Can you make a review about the Depthmaster as well?

[@ID-Guy]

I think NG will be sending me more pieces in the future (Super keen to check out the Antarctic "spider") but the Depthmaster "pacman" needs some love too 😉 Awesome to hear that a piece like this has become your daily! I definitely can understand it. The Size & Build makes it such a substantial feeling machine 🥃

[@jkaufmanlcsw]

I bought the white face and white hand model, and wish I’d chosen a different config. Legibility is a big issue as is the friction bezel. It’s very loose on my particular piece. Other than that, I love it, and reach for it regularly.

[@anthonysmith2982]

A really enlightening pair of reviews IDGuy. I've been really excited about the re-birth of this brand since I became aware of it. But there is an element of 'careful what you wish for' with this piece, in that we all lament how re-issues are often up-sized, seemingly unnecessarily, yet perhaps this watch could've done with a little up sizing? Or perhaps that's my aging eyes and meaty paws talking?! My recent first Lorier purchase (and I do mean *first* Lorier. It won't be my last) has reminded me how much I like sub 40mm sports watches and agree with you re. broad arrow hands - but as much as I'm drawn to this watch it's just too small to be so busy, at least imho. It was interesting (and reminiscent of my own process) to see your initial excitement in pt. 1 give way to a more sober appraisal in pt. 2. A great example of why 1 week on the wrist doesn't cut it. So keep up the high standard mate. It's truly appreciated. Now, onwards to the Airain Type XX! (hint, hint!). Cheers, A. 🥃

[@ID-Guy]

Must say, the size isn't a detractor with the piece. It almost enhances it BUT with some the size up's / size down's definitely can be a fail 😆 Thanks a mil as always Anthony. It's really been a joy to wear this lil machine over the past couple of weeks 🥃

[@Billeh556]

Just borrowed one from a friend. Would love to see it on tropic or the BOR bracelet. I also have the super Antarctic on order!

[@ID-Guy]

Must say, having this on a tropic is a treat (really brings out the old-school feel - would also recommend throwing it on leather) and those Super Antartics are awesome! Something's tempting me to ask for the Antarctic "Spider" 😉

[@Billeh556]

@@ID-Guy the one I got was the orange boy manual on brown leather. I’m not a leather strap guy-bracelet, rubber or single pass nato/Zulu for me in that order

[@johnhebert3855]

When I first saw this chronograph, I disliked it for the obvious reasons often discussed. But then people started talking about it, A LOT, then they published a nice picture book about it that I think I ordered. What am I missing? I think Hamilton's new Pilot Chrono will, or at least, should, give this chrono a good run for its money. More provenance than the NG, bigger sub-dials, and overall improved legibility. Same water resistance too. But of course, the Hamilton doesn't have a handy rotating bezel like the NG. Another possible consideration is with Hamilton you get an ETA movement, a Selita movement with the NG.

[@Brisco1983]

This watch has been on my radar since it came out. I have the Seiko 62 MAS reissue and love it. In fact a majority of my watches are from the 50’s. Size wise it’s perfect for my 7 inch wrist. How exactly do you use the GMT though? Lol

[@roamy3605]

I've been yearning for a Tudor Black Bay Chronograph. The Black Bay Chrono is similar in that it is also a watch that isn't sure what it is. Is it a diver or aviation watch? When this Nivada watch was announced and after careful study of the features I started shifting out of the Tudor and going more towards this watch. One reason is that I can't get my hands on a BB chrono. Another is that I'm getting all of the features of the BB with this Nivada for about 60% less and the history is so much greater. There is a good chance a Nivada will end up on my wrist. I hope sooner than later.

[@billlui2269]

If you had to choose between this watch and the Hanhart 417 ES Flyback Chronograph 39mm Panda, which would you choose and why?

[@wysinawyg]

I bought all three Nivadas. The Chronomaster came defective (and wasI bought all three Nivadas. The Chronomaster came defective (and was not new either). I was supposed to prove this with a video, which I did. Then happened: NOTHING MORE. The "service center" in Hong Kong was said to be unable to send me a back label, so I had to have the supposedly new watch repaired at my own expense. I'm not even completely sure whether the watch also contains the specified movement, because two comparison watches react completely differently. Every buyer is asked by NG to give a positive rating on Trustpilot after the purchase - hence the high rating on trustpilot. But look at the one - and two stars. Same experience ...

[@Bob.martens]

I'd like the bigeye reissued...

[@TaijanH]

Watch is not quite a tool as it was. It is more like a jewelry or a toy with some functions. Most people buy mechanical watch because it looks good or give them an nostalgic feeling,and, plus it can tell time(not very accurately and conveniently by today’s standard). I would agree with your points if it is about other consumer products.

[@mondrayuk]

Not for me but a great watch nevertheless and well reviewed by you. When is you next Wrist Shot session on a Saturday?

[@ID-Guy]

Thank you Raymond (I can understand why this isn't a model for everyone) 😆 I'm thinking the shows might start again in March? It's been so good taking a break for a few months (Can't believe they've been going on for 3 years non-stop)

[@mondrayuk]

I have clanged my mind - one of these Broad Arrow versions is now on its way. There is so much in this not only from a utilitarian aspect but a good classic that can meet modern requirements.

[@moosehak]

How have i never come across this brand in years of watch collecting? This is a lovely looking watch

[@BWo-bb1yw]

Still love this watch.

[@SlapShotRegatta22]

"Watches that can be worn every day; that aren't going to be damaged by day-to-day wear". Excluding ultra-rare, ultra-luxury, ultra-complicated or vintage pieces what watches are you referring to? I am by no means disagreeing with your statement just hoping you could expand a bit. What makes this watch one that will not be damaged as opposed, to say, a Speemaster?

[@Miginath]

Jack of all trades, master of none. Though oftentimes better than master of one.

[@angusmacleod1692]

A beautiful timepiece

[@captainfalcon8615]

*IDGuy* : "If you like vintage, don't like it, like big arrow hands or don't like them, don't like watches at all or love watches , if you collect them or throw them out, if you have to poop or pee, if you have one or two shoes on, this is the watch for you."

[@ID-Guy]

Rudyard Kipling would be proud 🥃

[@russellharris5072]

Actually,reissue watches aren't that new.O&W were doing it back in the 1990's the M5 was a reissue of a surfmaster watch that sold quite well from the PX stores during the Vietnam conflict.......................

[@ID-Guy]

Speaking of O&W, they need a video! I had no idea they were doing this as far back as the 90's. And then I think of CWC, they still produce the divers they always have since the 80's. I do love what O&W do with their hands and dials. Thanks for this Russell, I'll be sure to check them out in more detail 🥃

[@russellharris5072]

@@ID-Guy I have the M5,bought it around '95 ETA 2824-2,a very slim watch for a navigator/dive watch............................

[@Ilovedoorcounty]

I received mine .. did not work after 2 hours%%%still trying to get Nivada to respond Very disappointed with their lack of service or response.

[@dubbeglas3861]

What’s your wrist size please?

[@johnhebert3855]

If there is a problem with this watch it is their miniscule subdials. You would not believe how small they are.

[@mohammedines6182]

Combien coûte elle ?

[@ID-Guy]

This model that I received costs +/- 1500 Euro's 🥃

[@finesse49]

The broad arrow hand looks so big and ugly to me that it alone eliminates the watch from consideration.

[@ID-Guy]

It's an interesting thing because without the hand it does lose "something" (for my eyes anyway) but then we look to the Rodania Geometer and see what the straight hands would look like in comparison. Pretty cool to see how 50's design transitioned into the 60's but still kept some of these quirks 🥃

[@gelmibson883]

Woooo!

[@ID-Guy]

Gel! How's that Breitling search coming along??

[@gelmibson883]

@@ID-Guy Hi. It might be to big on my wrist. Need to try it on localy. But nobofy at the moment has one.

[@verykeen2please]

i love it, but i need a dish on my wrist to read the time, these days Was more tempted by the pac-man

[@BiffTannenBTTF]

The broad arrow hand literally blocks 1/4 of the subdials. Not good.

[@ID-Guy]

It has its moments but in practice, must say it's never been obstructive compared to other models (like a broad arrow speedmaster for example) 1/4 is way nicer than 3/4 at certain times 😉

[@johnbalian874]

First maybe

[@ID-Guy]

Three weeks in a row? 🔥 Breaking all the records John ;)

[@MrMarkchu]

This is a mechanical Casio.

[@operatorjeffdeathstar7759]

Dude, this junks from China...LOL