
Wristwatches · Wristwatch
Nivada Grenchen Depthmaster 1000 "Mini Paneri", 1960s
- Maker / attribution
- Nivada Grenchen (maker)
- Date
- 1960s
- Historical period
- Modern Mechanical Horology (1945 – 1969)
- Country of origin
- Unrecorded in source
- Object type
- Wristwatch
- Dimensions
- Case 38 mm
- Stock no.
- NGPCAUTDV60
- Credit line
- Dealer listing, Craft & Tailored (NGPCAUTDV60)
- Catalogue title (original)
- 1960s Nivada Grenchen Depthmaster 1000 "Mini Paneri" (English)
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Record summary
Catalogued by Craft & Tailored (dealer), Los Angeles (stock number NGPCAUTDV60), this is a wristwatch by Nivada Grenchen, dated 1960s. The Atlas places it in the Modern Mechanical Horology period (1945 – 1969) of its Wristwatches collection. Recorded dimensions: Case 38 mm. The record is illustrated with 6 photographs.
Assembled from the source record's structured fields. Dates and attributions are given as the source states them; where a field is missing the Atlas leaves it blank rather than estimating.
Catalogue description
Dealer description — Craft & Tailored
Nivada Gretchen Depthmaster 1000, stainless steel cushion shaped diver’s model with heavy and rugged lugs, wide, raised elapsed time bezel, and with dramatic glossy black original dial with patina'd art deco inspired luminous indexes and hands with a red sweep second hand. The art deco font referred to as “Pac Man” dial, as the 6 and 9 resemble a Pacman character. Cushion shaped case resembles the design of the popular Panerai dive watches hence the nickname, “Baby Panerai.” The Depthmaster uses an ETA 2461 movement. This sought after model was marketed under the Croton brand in the U.S. and Nivada Gretchen in Europe. This piece would make a unique daily driver for both the beginner enthusiast and the experienced collector. SPECS Stock # NGPCAUTDV60 Brand Nivada Grenchen Style Diver Model Nivada Grenchen Automatic Serial 89XX Size Men's Material SS Dial Black Millimeters 38mm Bracelet Vintage Style Woven Cotton Strap CASE & BRACELET The stainless steel cushion shaped case is similar to the style of the cases used by Paneri complete with screw in spring bars hence the nickname "Baby Paneri." The case and bezel remain in great condition showing a light patina from general wear and use. The watch will come with a vintage style khaki cotton, woven two piece strap with stainless steel buckle. The original dome crystal shows some mild crazing. DIAL & HANDS The glossy dial remains in great condition and the art deco font has also been referred to as “Pac Man” dial, as the 6 and 9 markers resemble PacMan. The hands were professionally relumed by the previous owner to closely match dial. The red sweep seconds hand remains in good condition and provides a stunning contrast against the glossy black dial. ACCESSORIES None. The watch is running at spec and is in perfect working condition.
Historical context
Modern Mechanical Horology (1945 – 1969)
Tool watches for divers, pilots and astronauts; electric watches anticipate the electronic age.
The classic era of the mechanical wristwatch: dive watches, chronographs for motor racing and space flight, GMT watches for jet travel, slim dress watches, automatic calendars, and the rise of Japanese manufacturers alongside Swiss, American, German and Soviet industries.
Read the period in the timelineMore wristwatches from this periodEarlier: Golden Age of Mechanical Watchmaking
Atlas type guide
Wristwatches
Bracelet watches were worn by women from the early nineteenth century — Breguet made one for Caroline Murat, Queen of Naples, in 1810–12 — but the wristwatch only became a man's instrument with military use and aviation in the early twentieth century. Between the World Wars it overtook the pocket watch; the 1920s and 1930s brought rectangular Art Deco cases, water-resistant cases and the first automatic winding systems.
After 1945 the wristwatch became a carrier of identity — dress watches, sports and dive watches, chronographs, calendars — produced by Swiss, American, Japanese, German, Soviet and Chinese industries. The quartz revolution after 1969 and the mechanical renaissance since the 1990s, including the rise of independent watchmakers, complete the story.
What to look for
- The reference number (between the lugs or inside the case back) and serial number, the starting point for dating.
- The calibre: its maker and number are often stamped under the dial or on the bridge.
- Originality of dial, hands and crown — refinished ('redial') dials are common.
- Case material marks: 18K/750, 14K/585, stainless steel, gold-filled, plated.
Dating clues
- Wire-lug cases: before c. 1925.
- Water-resistant screw-down cases: from 1926.
- Quartz movements: from 1969; sapphire crystals widespread after c. 1980.
General guidance written by the Atlas editors about this kind of object. It is not a statement about this particular piece; for that, rely on the source record above and on physical examination.
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