by Brent Robillard
Vintage done right
It’s not often that a brand revisits its past with such consistency and care that it feels like flipping through the pages of a beautifully preserved design journal. Yet that’s exactly what Nivada Grenchen continues to do, and the newly released F77 Mark II—especially in its gold-plated iteration—is a gleaming example of vintage inspiration done right.
I had the opportunity to go hands-on with the gold version of the F77 Mark II shortly after seeing both models in person at Time to Watches in Geneva two weeks ago. As longtime fan of the brand (and proud owner of the Chronomaster Aviator Sea Diver), I knew the F77 line was already one of Nivada’s strongest modern reissues. But this latest refinement? It takes the concept to a new level of retro elegance and mechanical poise.
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Key Features of the MKII Fulcrum 39mm
From 1977 With Love
Originally launched in 1977 as one of the earliest integrated-bracelet sports watches to feature an octagonal bezel, the F77 was Nivada’s answer to the rising tide of “sport-chic” designs. The look was sharp, angular, and effortlessly cool—at home under a cuff or poking out of a vintage leather jacket sleeve.
In 2023, under the eye of vintage revivalist Guillaume Laidet, the F77 was reissued to immediate fanfare. Now, in 2025, the Mark II version refines the silhouette even further with tapered lugs, a thinner case profile (12.2mm vs 12.65mm), and a reworked integrated bracelet that hugs the wrist with more natural ergonomics.
The changes are subtle but impactful—an evolution, not a reinvention.
Going for Gold
Nivada’s decision to offer a gold-plated version of the F77 Mark II is nothing short of bold. And frankly, it works. The 18K yellow gold-plated steel catches the light in a way that’s more classic than flashy. Paired with a deep Onyx dial—a shade so dark it feels like you’re staring into a void—the result is dramatic, elegant, and unmistakably retro.
Under the double-domed sapphire crystal, the blackness of the dial takes on a life of its own. It’s almost Vantablack-like in effect, visually swallowing the light while letting the gold-plated Dauphine hands and applied indices float above the darkness. There’s a real sense of depth here—almost architectural.
Wearing this piece feels like you’re carrying a little solar eclipse on your wrist.
For those looking for something quieter, the steel version offers a similar sense of vintage cool with silver-tone hands and markers, producing what Nivada describes as a “milky glow” against the same Onyx dial.
Movement and Mechanics
Inside beats the dependable SOPROD P024 automatic movement—a Swiss-made caliber with a 38-hour power reserve and no date complication. The choice to go dateless feels right for this watch; it keeps the dial clean and uncluttered, letting the Onyx surface and minimal design language speak for themselves.
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Drilled lugs add versatility, allowing for easy strap swaps. Nivada even suggests pairing it with a fabric Velcro or flat rubber Delugs strap for a more casual look. But honestly? That integrated bracelet is part of the magic. It’s sleek, sculpted, and finished with alternating brushed and polished surfaces that harken back to the ‘70s golden era of sports watches.
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SPECS
| Case | 316L Stainless Steel (18K Gold Plate) 38mm Diameter 46.2mm Lug to Lug 12.2mm Thick Integrated Bracelet Screw Down Crown & Case Back 100m Water Resistance |
| Dial & Crystal | Sapphire Crystal Gloss Black Dial Applied Markers Dauphine Handset |
| Movement | Soprod P024 No Date 25 Jewels 28 800bph 38-Hour Power Reserve |
| Strap | Integrated Bracelet /w Tool-less Micro-adjust |
Nivada Grenchen F77 Mark II
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Final Thoughts
With the gold version priced at €1,865 and the steel at €1,665, the F77 Mark II delivers on what Nivada Grenchen does best: retro styling, solid build quality, and remarkable value for money.
It’s a watch that feels more expensive than it is, both in wrist presence and finishing. And in the case of the gold version, it’s not just a revival—it’s a resurrection of everything that made the original F77 special, dialed up for 2025 with deeper design choices and a lot more swagger.
For fans of integrated-bracelet icons, the F77 Mark II is a worthy contender. And for those of us who love a little nostalgia mixed with modern muscle, it’s a compelling reminder that Nivada Grenchen continues to honour its past while confidently stepping into the future.
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Brent Robillard is a writer, educator, craftsman, and watch enthusiast. He is the author of four novels. You can follow him on Instagram.
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Unexpected. That’s the first word that come to mind. But pretty damn good looking.