Would you imagine me if I informed you we’ve got by no means featured a devoted article a few classic Nivada Chronomaster Aviator Sea Diver article on Fratello? I needed to test twice, however it’s true. Let’s repair this with a scarce model of the Nivada CASD. This one is one is ref. 85004/4076, aka the “Orange Boy.”
The Nivada Chronomaster Aviator Sea Diver is without doubt one of the only a few chronographs that bought tens of various executions and dial/hand configurations. Created in 1961, the watch stayed in catalogs by the ’70s. The CASD reached iconic standing (amongst watch lovers, not less than), and it’s a steady pillar in lots of chronograph collections. It may be discovered underneath completely different model names, signed with completely different logos, and powered by completely different calibers. The Landeron 248-powered variations are the least fascinating CASDs for me. There have been additionally fashions with the Venus 210, Valjoux 92, and, probably the most valued motion of the bunch, the Valjoux 23.
Chronomaster Solely
The Nivada CASD will not be as fashionable because the Omega Speedmaster. Nonetheless, simply because the Speedy bought the Moonwatch Solely e book, the CASD bought a devoted e book known as Chronomaster Solely. In case you are acquainted with the Moonwatch Solely e book’s idea, you’ll know what to anticipate. Moreover the intro with many elderly images, I benefit from the introductions of the person fashions probably the most. In case your espresso desk is powerful sufficient to carry one other watch e book, I extremely suggest it.
The Broad Arrow versus the Orange Boy
I used to be looking out for a Nivada CASD for years, and I ended up proudly owning two of them — a model with Broad Arrow metal palms and a later mannequin with white baton palms. Regardless of the actual fact each home the Valjoux 23, I’m clear on which one is my favourite. The Broad Arrow was the primary one I purchased, and I had the identical downside with it as I had with early Speedmasters. Sadly, irrespective of how broad the arrow is, the legibility of the palms is an issue. Perhaps that’s why each Omega and Nivada ended up switching to straight contrasting white palms.
So I suppose it received’t shock you after I say that for the reason that Orange Boy landed, my CASD Broad Arrow has not gotten a lot wrist time. Positive, the latter is classier and barely extra elegant. Other than the crimson spotlight, its black tone-on-tone sub-dials don’t scream however mix in with the dial. On the Orange Boy, the sub-dials have a contrasting grey background, which makes them the goal of focus. Counting within the slim palms and orange particulars, the Nivada CASD Orange Boy has a a lot sportier look.
The place did I discover it?
I dwell subsequent door to Austria, however actually, out of the a whole bunch of watches I’ve purchased, only a few got here from there. I used to test the native Austrian micro-advertising portal usually, usually with no outcomes, so I used to be leaping everywhere in the roof after I noticed an Orange Boy there. It wasn’t due to worth, which was the market customary, however due to its trustworthy situation. From the crappy footage within the itemizing, I might inform for positive that the vendor was not a vendor. The watch belonged to his father-in-law, who obtained it for his affirmation. Scoring an original-owner watch is all the time a pleasing bonus.
After a visit to the spa
Upon arrival, it bought full service. The lume materials was so fragile that it dropped out the second my watchmaker touched the minute hand. As you’ll be able to see, he did a pleasant job of placing the identical materials again after which fixing it from behind. For the reason that service, the Orange Boy has been going robust. The Valjoux 23 motion is good to function, and the pushers supply agency and exact clicks.
Unique Plexi
The 38mm case is properly formed and supplies a pleasant wrist presence. But when there may be one element I like most about this watch, it’s the unique Plexi crystal. I can’t play the numbers recreation, however it’s not straightforward to discover a CASD with the OG crystal on it. A head-on shot doesn’t do it justice, however take a look at the shot above, and you will notice what I imply. My Broad Arrow didn’t include one, however the Orange Boy’s authentic crystal that falls in keeping with the bezel and case traces is unbeatable. Comfortable looking!