Croton 106A Chronograph (Ref. 953011) "Paul Newman", 1970s

Dealer description — Craft & Tailored

Croton began its roots in New York circa 1878 but was formally introduced as Croton Watch Co. in 1928 when the company began assembling watches under their own name. Nivada Grenchen was founded in 1920s Grenchen, Switzerland and was actually one of the first watch brands to manufacture automatic watches. Nivada encompassed another modern wristwatch innovations as well, creating waterproof and “rustless” watches that would stand up to the rigors of the outdoor adventures they were creating a watch for. In the 1930s Croton and Nivada Grenchen would form a strong partnership which allowed Nivada’s watches to be imported into the US without restrictions as long as they were sold under the Croton name, allowing Nivada Grenchen to grown they’re market tremendously, and for Croton to use the Nivada platform to continue assembling watches under their name. This Croton 106A Chronograph ref. 953011 features a beautiful and intricate dial designed by Singer and most notably features the same sub-dial printing as the famous "Paul Newman" Rolex Daytona dial which was also made by Singer. These incredibly rare examples have excellent art-deco styling and they're large case design for the era makes them an easy to wear option by today's standards. Powered by the Valjoux cal. 7733 chronograph movement, this Croton 106A Chronograph is a durable choice for daily wear. SPECS Stock # CTN106A 953011 Brand Croton Style 106A Chronograph Model 953011 Serial 44XXX Size Men's Material SS Dial Matte Black "Paul Newman" Millimeters 38mm Bracelet 2pc Handmade Leather Strap CASE & BRACELET The semi-square tonneau case design has a lovely aesthetic and is in excellent condition. The case appears to have been very lightly polished in the past and retains its all of its angles and shapes with light signs of use. The black bezel sits flush with the top of the case and is in remarkable condition, remaining deep black in coloration with light signs of use around the outer edges. The case retains its original unsigned crown and pump-pushers. The case back factory engravings have slightly faded through wear but all still remain visible to the naked eye. The watch will come supplied on a 2pc handmade leather strap. DIAL & HANDS The intricate and high-contrast matte black, 2-register chronograph dial features a white outer tachymetre and telemetre timing scale, the dial itself is in excellent condition showing no blemishes or major signs of aging. The white "Paul Newman" style sub-dials feature a metallic outer track which has taken on a wonderful patina, the left sub-dial shows some light marks. The tritium topped markers are in excellent condition displaying no degradation under U.V. light inspection and have taken on a lovely dark patina. The original tritium hands have aged slightly lighter than the dial and exhibit no degradation when inspected under U.V. light. ACCESSORIES None. The watch is keeping time and functioning perfectly, previous service history is unknown.