Nivada Grenchen Revives the Antarctic GMT: A Tribute to 1970s Watchmaking Roots

Since its founding in 1926, Nivada Grenchen has built a reputation in the watchmaking world by producing professional timepieces tailored to the specific needs of their users. From robustness to water resistance, along with practical functions for adventurers and travellers, every watch created by the Swiss brand was designed to accompany its wearers in extreme environments. Today, with the revival of the Antarctic GMT, the Maison pays tribute to a defining chapter in watchmaking history: the 1970s—and, more specifically, the jet age, when the GMT function became essential for travellers around the globe.

Back to the jet age

After the Second World War, the advent of jet travel enabled an unprecedented level of global connectivity. Between 1955 and 1972, the jet age reached its peak, creating demand for instruments capable of tracking multiple time zones. GMT watches, with their additional hands indicating a second time zone, became an indispensable accessory for frequent flyers and pilots. It was in this context that Nivada Grenchen introduced the Antarctic GMT in the early 1970s, enriching its legendary Antarctic line with a new functionality.

The AR-1146 movement that powered the period Antarctic GMT did not allow the 24-hour hand to be set independently. Instead, it moved in tandem with the 12-hour hand, making it an ideal GMT watch for pilots, with the 24-hour hand synchronised to the hour hand, without offset. This feature—rare for the time—gave the watch a distinctive identity in the world of travel timepieces.

An EPSA-signed Super-Compressor case

To meet the needs of professionals and adventurers, Nivada Grenchen incorporated a Super-Compressor case manufactured by Ervin Piquerez S.A. (EPSA), renowned for its reliability and superior water resistance. The dual-crown case of this Antarctic GMT, developed for deep diving, used a patented technology in which water pressure reinforces the seal. The deeper the watch goes, the more water pressure pushes the case against its gasket, thereby increasing its water resistance.

Designed to withstand extreme environments, this case is recognisable by its two crowns: one controls the 24-hour bezel for reading the second time zone, while the other is used for the watch’s traditional settings. This robust, thoroughly water-resistant construction enabled Nivada Grenchen to offer a watch suited both to polar explorers and intercontinental travellers.

A rediscovery by Nivada Grenchen’s CEO

The reissue of the Antarctic GMT is no accident. Guillaume Laidet, CEO of Nivada Grenchen, came across this watch while researching the brand’s archives and was immediately captivated by its 1970s-inspired vintage design, as well as its GMT functionality. Found by chance on the Hodinkee Shop, the watch became a genuine source of inspiration to round out today’s Antarctic range. Its look and features make it a sought-after model among watch enthusiasts and collectors in search of authenticity and vintage design.

Design and technical details: a faithful tribute to the original model

The design of the new Antarctic GMT remains true to the original, with a few modern improvements. The 36 mm case—a classic size that evokes 1970s timepieces—ensures a discreet yet elegant presence on the wrist. At 11.1 mm thick, it retains a slim profile and features a matte black dial contrasted by a two-tone red-and-black GMT hand, faithful to the original model.

For this contemporary model, a Plexiglass insert has been added to the internal second time-zone bezel, reinforcing the retro feel and helping to reduce the visual distortions often seen with sapphire crystal. This Plexiglass choice, while less modern than sapphire, adds extra charm by recalling 1970s watches and underscoring the brand’s watchmaking heritage.

The dial is protected by a thick Plexiglass crystal, and one immediately notices the striking contrast between the dial’s deep black and the rotating bezel with its amber-toned, patinated half-circle. The subtle patina and vintage hues create a harmonious look, while offering excellent legibility of the time and time zones, even in low-light conditions.

A high-performing Swiss Made movement

The Antarctic GMT houses a Swiss Made SOPROD GMT movement, ensuring the precision and reliability for which the Swiss watch industry is known. This modern calibre, while respecting the original’s characteristics, brings an added touch of sophistication and performance. Choosing SOPROD allows Nivada Grenchen to remain faithful to its commitment to Swiss Made quality, while offering a modern GMT complication suited to the needs of today’s travellers.

A collector’s piece: the rebirth of a legend

This reissue of the Antarctic GMT is far more than a watch; it is a celebration of Nivada Grenchen’s heritage and its expertise in professional timepieces. Production of the original Antarctic GMT in the 1970s was cut short by the quartz crisis, and the remaining examples have become rare pieces sought after by collectors. This reissue model represents a rare opportunity for vintage-watch enthusiasts to own a piece of history, reimagined for the modern world.

In summary, Nivada Grenchen’s new Antarctic GMT captures the spirit of the jet age while adapting to today’s aesthetic codes. It is a tribute to 1970s watchmaking innovation and offers lovers of fine watches a timepiece that combines vintage design, technical prowess, and robustness. This iconic model brings a mythical watch back to life, ready to accompany a new generation of travellers and adventurers.