Nivada Grenchen F77

By Vincent Deschamps

Not just another Genta

I get riled up whenever people criticize brands for making sports watches with integrated bracelets as if Gerald Genta had the monopoly on this type of design. Guess what, why don’t you criticize Jaeger-LeCoultre for making rectangular watches in 1931 after Cartier released the Tank in 1918? See how silly that argument that is? Many brands released sports watches with integrated bracelets in the 1970s because it was the trend. Just like it is the trend again today to make watches with nature-inspired textured dials. It’s nice to be on par with the horological zeitgeist and today we’re going to take a look at a watch that superbly followed one of the key design trends of the Golden Era of watchmaking.

Nivada Grenchen F77 Integrated Sports watch — ^{Nivada Grenchen F77 @mainspring.watch}

Since its revival, Nivada Grenchen hasn’t ceased to make the horological news by recreating one beautiful collection after another stunning collection. My personal favorite thus far is the Antarctic 35 which is a 1:1 re-edition of a 1950s exploration timepiece. And the F77 is a close second for me. What I find fascinating with integrated sport watches is the fact that they all share common visual characteristics whilst looking different from one another. For example, the F77 seems to come from the same family as the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak, although it looks entirely Nivada Grenchen in that it has more aggressive lines and a distinct tool-watchy appearance the AP doesn’t have. In any case, let’s take a look at the F77!

Check out the Nivada Grenchen Chronomaster Aviator Sea Diver

Read about the Nivada Grenchen F77

Key Features of the Nivada Grenchen F77

Generally speaking, this type of watch commands a strong wrist presence due to the fact that the bracelet is integrated within the case—in other words, it is designed to perfectly mold within the case to the point where either one would look odd without the other. Though the first difference between the F77 and the AP Royal Oak and the Patek Philippe Nautilus (another one of Genta’s creations) is the fact that the bracelet on the former can be detached from the case, enhancing its utilitarian nature compared to the Royal Oak and Nautilus.

However, and again due to being what it is, the F77 does appear to be longer than its dimensions might suggest. On paper it has a diameter of 37mm, a thickness of 12.6mm, a lug-to-lug of 45mm, and a “lug width” of 22mm, though the latter indicates the dimensions outside the lugs. Technically, the F77 is quite nimble.

As it is, 12.6mm is rather thin for a sports watch endowed with 100 meters of water resistance (screw-down crown and case-back,) a Swiss Made Soprod P024 caliber (4Hz/38 hours of power reserve,) a vintage-looking double-domed sapphire crystal, and an overall dynamic dial layout. The bracelet is made of 316L stainless steel like the case and is equipped with a double-pusher deployant clasp which comes with six holes of micro-adjustments.

Furthermore, the case of the F77 displays a refined alternation of polished and satin-finished surfaces, which to me aid in making the watch command such wrist presence. Lastly, I would add that this choice of finishing makes the F77 versatile to wear in a variety of situations. But that is just my personal, subjective, and personal opinion.

Specs

Case	316L Stainless Steel 37mm Diameter 45mm Lug to Lug 12.6mm Thick /w Glass 22mm “Lug Width” Screw Down Crown & Case Back 100m Water Resistance
Dial & Crystal	Double-domed Sapphire Crystal Basket Weave Texture Applied Indexes Baton Handset Super-LumiNova
Movement	Soprod P024 25 jewels 28, 800bph 38-Hour Power Reserve
Strap	Integrated Stainless Steel

Nivada Grenchen F77

Of Interest

The Nivada Grenchen F77 comes with two key design elements. First, the “carbon effect” basket-weave dial which is both well-executed and visually striking. Second, the intricate juxtaposition of various shapes between the dial and case: a circular dial framed by an octagonal bezel sitting atop an elongated, geometrical case. As you can imagine and see from the photos, the F77 is quite neat looking and it is the combination of the dial texture and play on shapes that gives this model its distinctive appearance. Remove the dial texture and you would have a more generic sports model. Endow the case with more facets and you get an AP Royal Oak. Moreover, the baton-style hands and applied hour markers add to the athletic aspect of the F77.

While the Royal Oak and Nautilus cost an arm and a leg to acquire (I won’t dare mention the price for fear of giving you a heart attack), the Nivada Grenchen F77 is comparatively attainable, coming in at $1,260 as pictured here. If you don’t like the date, then you should rejoice in knowing that the F77 comes in a no-date version. Don’t fancy black dials? Don’t worry, this model also comes with deep navy blue and smoked brown color variants (with and without a date aperture). Don’t like steel? Fine, there is also a version with a titanium case. Lastly, if you prefer stone-like dials, then you’ll be happy to know that Nivada recently released Lapis Lazuli and Meteorite versions of the F77—for a bit more money, however.

This model comes in so many case and dial variations because Nivada’s boss, Guillaume Laidet, has the habit of asking the brand’s fans for what they prefer whenever he teases a new model. When Guillaume came across a photo of a vintage F77 which he promptly purchased, he posted it on Nivada’s Instagram account and asked folks what dial colors and options they would like to see. That is a process few brands bother to go through and it is one of the many reasons which explains why Nivada Grenchen has become so popular again and why it continues to release one successful collection after another.

Final Thoughts

At the time of writing this article (August 2024), all variants of the F77 (13 in total) are available for immediate purchase on the brand’s website. If you’ve been keen on acquiring an integrated bracelet sports watch and cannot afford (or find) a Royal Oak or Nautilus, and if what other indie brands offer does not fit your style and mood, then I suggest taking a closer look at the entire range of the Nivada Grenchen F77. I would argue that for $1,260 (on the bracelet) and $1,060 (on a canvas Velcro strap), you get a lot of watch and heritage for your money.

About the author

Vincent Deschamps is a museum professional, originally from France, with more than 10 years experience as a researcher, producing visitor experiences for national and international organizations. He is also the founder of mainspring.watch. You can follow Vincent on Instagram.

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