Description
The Nivada Grenchen Super Antarctic is the not-so-distant cousin of the original Nivada Antarctic collection launched in 1950. The original rose to fame when it was used by members of the American Navy’s Deep Freeze 1 Task Force during their expeditions in the South Pole (1955-56). It was noted as being reliable and robust enough to perform in the most extreme conditions. Today’s Super Antarctic is an evolution from the original Antarctic keeping close to the 50s’ lines & design. Just like the original Antarctics, Nivada Grenchen added the 1957 International Geophysical Medallion directly on the caseback of all its modern Super Antarctics.
Admiral Richard Byrd and his US Navy team were given the Nivada Antarctic to accompany them on their Operation Deep Freeze I expedition to the South Pole in 1955/1956, making it the first watch that went to the Antarctic. A feat of great proportion which earned this model a place in the history of horology! Although, until recent times, before its revival, it was the most underrated expedition watch ever.
In November 2021, Nivada Grenchen launched a modern re-issue of the Super Antarctic. Here's an interesting story about it. When one of the fans posted a vintage Super Antarctic on Instagram, Guillaume shared the post as a story on Nivada Grenchen's official Instagram account and the fans went wild. Requests started pouring in to re-issue the model. Nivada Grenchen listened to its fans and set to work. Soon, the Nivada Grenchen Super Antarctic was launched.
The Nivada Grenchen Super Antarctic's black dial is simple but striking. Beneath the Nivada name is the word Aquamatic, (waterproof + automatic). Above the number 6 is the signature Super Antarctic font with 25 RUBIS printed below. The Super Antarctic features a true 1950s vibe, thanks to its unique lollipop hour hand and large sword minute hand combo. Complemented by the (almost) oversized triangle index markers at 3, 6, 9 and 12 o'clock, you’ll clearly understand why this watch was used in conditions as harsh as the South Pole. Both dial and hands work together to provide superb legibility and elegance.
The 38mm case of the Nivada Grenchen Super Antarctic with a screw-down crown wears comfortably on the wrist. Its case back is decorated with the signature golden medallion. The medallion of the Nivada Grenchen Super Antarctic is one of the most intriguing parts of the watch. It throws you into the past and depicts a scenario from operation Deep Freeze I. The embossed aircraft has the following story. On 21 October 1956, one of the first USAF aircrafts, a Douglas C-124 nicknamed "Miss North Caroline" landed in Antarctica after a 121/2-hour flight from Christchurch, New Zealand. Deep Freeze I prepared a permanent research station, which is also etched on the medallion (along with glaciers stars and the crescent moon in the background) and paved the way for more exhaustive research in future Deep Freeze operations.
| Case size: |
38mm
|
| Case material: |
316L stainless steel
|
| Case back: |
316L stainless steel; signature gold medallion on the back
|
| Movement type: |
Automatic |
| Movement no.: |
Soprod P024 |
| Power reserve: |
Approx 38hrs |
Dial:
|
Matte black dial; silver hands and indices filled with green SuperLuminova |
| Glass: |
Sapphire
|
| Water resistance: |
10ATM |
| Strap type: |
Strap
|
| Strap material: |
Brown calf with white stitching |
| Buckle: |
Stainless steel tang buckle
|
| Warranty: |
2 years |
