Nivrel Le Chronograph Replique II Limited Edition Watch Is Real Classicism Reborn
Lots of watch companies today are offering re-releases of classic models due to popular interest in classic looking watches. The problem is that save for a few aviator watches, their eyes don’t look that far back. Nivrel has defied this trend by offering up a modern version of a real classics, with a classic movement to boot. Nivrel calls the watch a “replica,” but that is not really the case. It is a style that the watch is emulating, not an exact model as far as can be ascertained. Nevertheless, the look is very familiar as you have no doubt seen bi-compax chronograph watches that look so much like this. From the Bauhaus Arabic numerals to the spiral tachymeter scale, this is a classic sports chronograph like they used to make in the late 1930s through the 1950s. This is actually the second “Replique” watch that Nivrel is due to release after the original model sold out almost right away when it was released about 16 years ago.
Inside the watch is a special movement that was made from 1933 until 1970. It is the Landeron caliber 248 manually wound 30 minute chronograph movement that has been meticulously finished and decorated by Nivrel for use in the limited edition. The movement is a study and simple 17 jewel movement that is a “real” classic – nothing “replicated” there. Original watches of this style from the 1940s were tiny by today’s comparisons – all well under 40mm wide, averaging 35-37mm wide. The Nivrel Le Chronograph Replique II will be a generous 42mm wide in stainless steel with a sapphire crystal. This is not “huge” by today’s standards at all, but will not feel like a petite watch. At just over 12mm thick, the watch is relatively thin and features a sapphire caseback exhibition window for a view of the finely detailed movement. Blued steel hands, a beige and cream colored dial with blue and red accents make for a stunning classic look on the face. The subdials even feature light texturing. A truly classic look with enough modern conveniences (but with vintage elements such as the movement) to give one few hesitations about investing in such a timepiece these days if you are drawn to the looks and theme of the watch.
The Nivrel Replique II Chronograph will be available in a limited edition of just 50 watches. It is ironic that Nivrel decided to use the term “replica” in the same – as that word is a dirty term in the watch world. The watch is attached to an alligator strap and will retail for 3,450 euros.
See available watches on James List here.
For sale on JamesList.com
3,450 €
48,500 $
58,500 $
Looks good.