Nivada Grenchen Chronomaster Valjoux 23
Nivada Grenchen Unveils Two Stellar Editions of the Chronomaster Valjoux 23
Mechanical Heritage Meets Celestial Design and Racing Spirit
Nivada Grenchen continues its mission to revive and reimagine horological icons with the launch of two exceptional editions of its Chronomaster Valjoux 23: the poetic Aventurine Blue and the motorsport-inspired Broad Arrow. Each limited to just 25 individually numbered pieces, these releases celebrate not only mechanical excellence but also two distinct expressions of vintage soul.
The Movement: A Legend Reawakened
At the heart of both editions is the Valjoux 23 VZ — a hand-wound, column-wheel chronograph movement produced between 1916 and 1974. Revered by collectors and watchmakers alike, the Valjoux 23 is best known for its precision, elegance, and historical significance. This movement laid the foundation for modern chronographs, notably featuring the dual push-button layout introduced by Willy Breitling.
Nivada has sourced new old-stock (NOS) Valjoux 23 calibers, each meticulously restored to modern standards. The result is a timepiece that feels as authentic as a mid-century chronograph but with the reliability and confidence of a modern build.
Aventurine Blue Edition: A Starry-Eyed Classic
Described as mechanical poetry under a starry dial, the Aventurine Blue edition transforms the Chronomaster into something cosmic. The deep blue aventurine dial, flecked with natural golden pyrite, shimmers like a midnight sky. Crisp white printing and Super-LumiNova accents add clarity and contrast, creating a dial that’s both dreamy and legible.
The watch is paired with a blue calf leather strap, complementing the dial’s elegance and enhancing its refined aesthetic. Encased in 38mm of polished 316L stainless steel, and topped with a double-domed sapphire crystal, it balances vintage cues with modern durability.
For those seeking a horological work of art as rare as it is beautiful, this edition offers a celestial twist on traditional chronograph design — an object of wonder for the wrist.
Broad Arrow Edition: Vintage Speed, Modern Soul
In contrast to the ethereal Aventurine, the Broad Arrow edition is grounded in the adrenaline-fueled world of vintage motorsport. Featuring a matte black dial with bold, arrow-shaped hands and vintage-tinted Super-LumiNova, it evokes the rugged charm of racing chronographs from the 1970s.
Inspired by the inaugural Chronomaster, once known simply as 'Chronograph'. This tribute edition echoes the spirit of the original icon.
The 38mm stainless steel case is fitted with a brown perforated racing strap, completing the retro-sport look. It’s a timepiece made for the road — tactile, tough, and undeniably stylish.
Despite its vintage feel, the Broad Arrow wears like a contemporary chronograph thanks to the restored Valjoux 23 inside. It offers the romance of a golden-era racing timer without the compromise of outdated mechanics.
Two Editions, One Timeless Movement
Whether you're drawn to the starlit romance of Aventurine Blue or the gritty heritage of Broad Arrow, both editions are united by their remarkable movement and Nivada Grenchen’s commitment to authentic revival. These are not homage pieces — they are living continuations of history, reintroduced with care, craft, and vision.
With only 25 pieces of each variant available worldwide, they offer not just rarity, but a rare opportunity to wear a piece of mechanical history — reborn. Thats as long as you have the £4,800.00 available, which does seem a bit of a step up from there stock model. Yes, you are getting a Valjoux movement, but i’m not sure I’ll be queueing for one, as I own the original, which I prefer. That aside, that blue Adventurine, is stunning.