The Best Swiss Rolex Explorer & Seiko Alpinist Alternative Under $900 - Nivada Grenchen Antarctic 35
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- Опубліковано 28 вер 2024
- What do the US Navy, an Omega Constellation in the Godfather movies, a Rolex Explorer, John Carpenter's The Thing, the Seiko Alpinist, and some of the most iconic watches of all time have in common? Today we find out, with a look at a 2023 reissue of one of the most elegant field watches I've ever experienced. In this video, I review the Nivada Grenchen Antarctic 35mm, a modern interpretation of a design first launched in the early 1950s. I analyze its specifications, design evolution, and deep history, along with its positives and negatives, to find out why so many people have made mistakes in understanding this watch, and why it is the most underrated, Swiss made, do it all alternative to its more famous rivals from Seiko and Rolex. What do you think of the watches in this video? Please share in the comments.
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#watchcollector #nivadagrenchen #watchreview #watchcollecting
Bro I watch your videos for relaxation. No joke.
Same here. Plus, Hugo is a riot.
Me too. For donkeys. Even helps me fall asleep sometimes
Definitely me as well
You are not alone 😅
yes, they are relaxing, best channel on the cultural watch space.
TGV! While it's not an Explorer alternative, I just bought my first Grand Seiko Spring Drive!
👏👏👏 Congrats, you must be over the moon with it
I hope to join you in the GS club one day.
Thank you my friend, enjoy! 🥂
Best regards,
TGV
Bravo, just don’t do any hard-core exploring with that Zaratsu polishing
Enjoy! I bought the 'Mistflake' last year. It gains 1 second per month! 1 second! Astonishing.
I have a Nivada Antarctic from the 60's that I wear almost every day. I got it from my father (who got it from his great uncle when he was much younger).
The watch had a rough life in the beginning, it's dinged, scratched and the plexi has a little crack.
Still runs fine despite not having been serviced in at least 30 years...
Heuer is associated with racing, Breitling with commercial aviation, IWC with military aviation, Omega with the space program, Blancpain with diving, and so on. Nivada has been the adventurer's brand since the 1950s. "For versatile men only".
Back in England?!? Always a joy to get these on Fridays. Cheers!
Your cross-wipe from the lume shot to daylight - chef's kiss!
1982 version of 'The Thing' is the best, hands down. But I still appreciate the 1951 version and even the 2011 version.
The 1951 by Hawks and Nyby holds up better overall, but I'm able to look past the failings of the 2011 version and appreciate it as a lead-in to the 1982 masterwork. I re-watch each of them ever October and the 1982 version keeps serving up new details to obsess over. Who was the first to be infected? Who's infected at the end? Why do these details still nag at me?
Great review as always! Beautiful watch.
There's no "2011" version. It's not a remake. It's a different story, a prequel.
@@AxLWake All three movies are based on "Who Goes There" by John W. Campbell, Jr. They share the same/similar titles as well. Also, all three share simiar settings and key plot elements. So referring to them as different versions of the same story feels warranted to me. I do recognize that the 2011 version of the story serves as a lead in to the 1982 version. You could make a case for 2011 being Part 0 & 1982 being Part 1 - together they cover the discovery of the Thing and its final(?) destruction. The 1951 version is perhaps the odd man out, as it omits the biological duplication that was a central element in "Who Goes There".
How terrifying is that scene in John Carpenter’s The Thing, when they’re doing the blood test and they are tied to the chairs? Glad you mentioned how terrible the remake in the 2000’s was. I was so excited for it when it came out 😭
Fortunately, that miss was actually a prequel in which the Norwegian team’s backstory is told…not a remake.
Questa introduzione mi fa ripensare ai tuoi primi video! Fiero di seguirti dall’inizio!
Haha, that was what I was going for!
Grazie Paolo, tuo comment significa molto per me,
Best as always,
T.
@@theurbangentryvero, una bellissima recensione come ai vecchi tempi 😊 mi raccomando il verde della nostra bandiera a sinistra 😉 commento costruttivo perché so che ci tieni ai dettagli. 👏👏👏
Thank you for another awesome video TGV. I especially love your referencing to history and pop culture. The link you made to the Thing was SPOT ON!
Stopped watching a Teddy Bulbasaur video to check out the TGV drop 👍
Loving this intro, by the way. 🔥
👍
I can’t watch Teddy. I feel like he’s the guy TGV is always talking about with him becoming an official dealer for many brands. I simply don’t believe his opinions of the watches. Of course he’s going to say good things about whatever watch he’s reviewing simply because he sells them in his store and shop.
@@michaelmyers4176 I didn't know he also had a shop, but I agree with you on this feeling that TGV indirectly or implicitly is talking about him because Teddy used to talk about watches and just show the stock/retailer pictures of them.
So what! Total unnecessary wasteful comment.
Good evening TGV! The Antarctic-line from Nivada Grenchen offers such a great variety. Me, I am pretty fond of the Antarctic Spider Salmon. What makes your Video outstanding is the in depth history section. Have a great weekend!
Thank you Heiko and good evening!
I don't blame you, that Salmon spider dial is gorgeous.
Have a great weekend too, 🥂😎
Best regards,
TGV
Beautiful Watch and I think the Maker got it absolutely right. Re-issue of a style of Watch that is larger in size I find irritating. Think it's probably more due to manufacturing processes of cost saving, using a pre-existing Watch case.
I recently acquired a used baby alpinist. If not I would of seriously considered this Watch ❤
These are lovely watches. Aesthetically and Functionally.
I love vintage watches so great to see some of these makes popping up either on UA-cam or Facebook , just recently the Vulcain cricket pooped up, Roamer also popped its head up on my feeds and now this on your channel. Great to see the old film footage of some classic films.
Love the history, and the explanation of style eras. I would love more on art deco, ponpadour, googie, etc.
Love this watch also. Man! Nivada hits a spot...
can you make citizen attesa and casio protrek reviews? Thanks for all your content these years!
If you had "Ducktails Money" TGV, you wouldn't have to be so imaginative and resourceful with your absorbing content! Then we'd never get to learn about these hidden gems you unearth, lost in the mists of time! Thank you, once again, for enhancing our appreciation of the history of horology. Pure class!
Hey TGV, as a lurker I just wanted to pop in and express my appreciation for your videos.
Excellent video. Amazing research and the access to archive footage is simply unparalleled. How do you do it? Don't give up, these mid range heritage issues are aspirational for us majority
It is a gorgeous watch 😍 I do like the case size, I think in the current era, a small watch stands out, and in fact looks more elegant and special.
It is a great looking watch. Thanks for another great review TGV. Probably a little too small for me but my sarb035 fills that spot perfectly.
i love that watch and am excited they have been received well. i feel the ONLY real negative @ its price point is the water resistance. keep up the good work, regards to Hugo!
Good seeing this one. Checking out the brand now. Looking for something similar although with brushing. Your videos are always great.
My Explorer alternative is a Smiths PRS-29A...absolutely love that little 36mm manual wind beauty..it's not a Explorer like a their Everest watches, but what a great field alternative it is
I think my favorite part in all your videos are the art lessons included ❤
"Art deco" is much abused term this days, especialy from people who have no clue about art. Like Bauhaus etc. Thank you Sir, you've mastered this things...
Hi TGV, can I ask where you get your 5 link bracelets from that fit the Tudor sub please? Love the channel log time binge watcher
Glad you’re not gone
I was as surprised to hear you say this watch is too small as you appeared to be to hear yourself saying it. I was very seriously thinking of pre-ordering one when they become available again. However, for a size test, I tried on a 35 mm Tissot that belongs to my wife. It's not the 'woman's watch' jibes that bother me. It's that wearing the 35 mm watch on my Mr Average Wrist Size 7 inch wrist, it looked like I'd strapped a rather nice looking button to my wrist. I'll go for the (easier to get) Super Antarctic instead; not the Super Antarctic 3,6,9 which, despite looking nice, is too obviously trying too much to look like an Explorer. A little research showed me that NG's mid-20th Century watches were 3,6,9,12, not 3,6,9 like the Explorer.
While the numerals are indeed not art deco per se, wouldn't the other hour markers be considered so? Not well versed there so I'll defer to you.
Anyways, I'm glad this release did well, as it opens up the possibility of other reissues. The Antarctic 3 (the one with real art deco numerals) I find quite pretty, but my favorite may be a variant of this one with a 'snow-drift' textured dial. The proto-Grand Seiko type dial I think further elevates the watch, makes it more quintesessentually "Antarctic".
I always like a screw down crown & I tend to avoid watches without one but when I see reviews like this, I feel as though I'm missing out. I do love the caseback, looks stunning.
There are some post expedition Antarticas with the Geophysical medal on the back and a frosted dial with silver indices and a roulette date wheel.
would you be able to reveal the name of the solitary piano music at time point 11:30 right when you start to mention the cons of this watch. btw, another great review.
Something I learned from you: keep it fresh by hiding watches away. Last month, I was enjoying divers on leather, now I'm having fun with NATO straps after 2 years and then the SNK809 on leather!
That is so true!!!
Thank you, excellent point/method.
Best regards,
TGV
Man I going to say that your watch reviews that are top tier. Thanks to you I have bought 3 NG's although my F77 ended up on my wife's Arm. But I bought a Super Antarctic for my self I preordered another F77 but I think my wife will highjack that one as well
Classic 's I do like the most.put.this on my list as much as your seamaster pie pan.
It maybe small but it looks fantastic on your wrist , I’ve took quite a shine to smaller field watches on NATO’s currently.
Great vid. I was intent on buying this, but now I'm in two minds. It was close between this and the bigger 369 version. I'll keep researching.
TGV please keep up the great work!
I had the opportunity to try on an Antarctica at Wind-Up NYC. Loved it! Hoping NG to release a version with Arit Deco numerals or stick indices 🤞
What is the background music at 06:56?
I have a vintage Nivada... love it !
Nice! Review! the Jacket and the patches are awesome!
Thank you my friend, you are always the true gent 🙏
Best as always,
T.
Best ⌚ content on UA-cam ❤
It’s a beautiful watch, but I do want those 10atm (I swim and row a lot)and personally a more stoic, for lack of a better word, set of numerals, more ala OG Seamaster, hope NG reads the comment or rereleases some of their precious gen with a beautiful brushed dial and a 12
Top notch content again, TGV!
Impressed by your knowledge and horology history. PS, I did not miss the talking dinosaur. Cheers.
My girlfriend's uncle was given a Nivada as a reward for outstanding achievement in his Cub Scout troop when he was a kid.
If you don't like the manual winding crown and the 35mm size, why not pick the 38mm automatic Super Antartic?
Unfortunately it is out of stock for some time :/
Needless to say that I have my eyes firmly pointed on their Antarctic Spider. Also a beauty :)
I have to admit it is quite a pretty watch and in my opinion better that these newly released hype and nostalgia-bait pieces that have flooded my social media feed.
Have you seen the Navada Grenchens Antarctic Spider, that a beauty?
Please dont kill majestic animals just for fun. Their life matters. Wonderful review.
1:01 song
ua-cam.com/video/raR6vspsX1Q/v-deo.html&ab_channel=Splize-Topic
@#&$ this was quick, he is back.
Interesting watch, the Fact “Smiths” were the original explorer worn up Everest and not the brand best known for blazoned advertising Rolex.
The Thing is a perfect film.
The black one with almost mercedes hands rocks.
Nivada brand was solt to Korea in late 90's, the sold again to Mexico-- Now licensed back to the Swiss
Hands up who thinks their SARB033 would pass 100m on-the-bench water pressure test? TGV, any chance you could borrow yours back off the good lady, pop down to Moyers and ask them to test it? Bonus points for testing as-is, and then testing after fresh gaskets installed all-round.
Hi would you plz review Maen manhattan
Hm, I think Nivada seems to be a little too faithful to the original designs, I think the size of 35 is too small, but I guess people with smaller wrists would wellcome it of course. While I havent held this example in my hands, It seems it suffers from the same problem as F77. Just too much reflection in all directions, emphasized by those multifaced indexes. I think the 369 version in 38mm is a much better option.
Let’s do this
Nice watch.
I’m begging my wife to let me get the f77 meteorite. I have truly fallen in love with the NG brand thanks to you tgv.
Never beg .... just save up and buy it.
It does loo like a beautiful watch.
If it was at least 36mm and 10 bar water resistance, I'd jump on it.
I’d be sold at 38mm and better lume. Just beautiful.
What rifle is that, and what scope do you have on it?
Air Arms TX200 MkIII
Thank you,
Best regards,
TGV
Pure class!
Oh I remember that version of The Thing. Gives me nightmares to this very day. Only movie I ever saw I know 1000% I cannot watch again.
Nice watch TGV. Not to my taste, but a nice piece. And once again I watch one of your videos, and at the end of 20 minutes I'm smarter than I was. So thank you.
Have a great weekend. I myself today acquired what is for me THE Grail watch of my collection. I've been chasing one of these for FOUR years. And it finally happened. Video coming soon. So for me it is truly Onwards.....Upwards....Ciao.
NG is literally mining their archives and issuing modernized reproductions of their amazing heritage designs, true to size. They really are stunning in hand. Pictures simply do not do these watches justice. I would not be surprised if they didn't end up with a backlog of orders pre-release from Worn and Wound. I saw one of these there in 2023, a prototype or original vintage, I don't recall which. Just stunning. But, and there's always a but, I am not going to buy a watch with a WR rating under 100M. This is a baseline requirement for a sports watch or an everyday wear watch in 2024.
I do hope that NG corrects this mistake in the WR specification in future heritage releases. In every other regard, I consider this to be the bees knees. It has panache. The form factor is perfect and true to the original design, and it has zero bling apeal to attract a thief. I could actually wear this watch without getting jacked. Check all those boxes, and I will break the piggy bank to get on the waitlist. The WR is a deal breaker. I do live in an area with a rainy season.
Anyone with Marcus in their YT picture is always going to have top commentary.
Thank you my friend for sharing that. Well said.
Best regards,
TGV
@@theurbangentry AMOR FATI my friend.
I think it's a nicer watch than the Seiko.. perhaps the Seiko is the alternative to this? 🤔
The vulgarity and stigma that comes with the five pointed corona. Well said 👏👏👏
He built his channel on owning & reviewing Rolex….
And I just bought an Alpinist ha. Maybe a Nivada will be my next. Excellent video as always
You are in for some serious fun, enjoy!
Thank you,
Best regards,
TGV
Good choice with the Alpinist, it’s been on my list for a while
The Alpinist is one of my favorite watches. One of the most comfortable one I have. But I have been on my honeymoon with my Squale lately. Also very comfy.
@@wvmtns6400 I have to get a Squale
@@wvmtns6400 which Squale did you get? I have a 1545 GMT & I’ve been eyeing a “Super Squale” lately.
I wouldn't label this as an alternative but instead a watch that can indeed stand on it's own identity. Quite a handsome piece. Thank you for the review!
Nivada deserves more recognition than they usually get.
I could not agree more! I struggle to think of a micro brand doing it better with now.
Thank you,
Best regards,
TGV
I'm absolutely in love with the font used on the dial. Your content and watch hoices continue to inspire us all!
🙌🙌🙌 O&U!
Thank you so much,
Best regards,
TGV
I Pre-ordered this watch last December with a late March promised delivery. Actually arrived late May! USA customers be prepared to pay customs duty. It’s also shipped from Honk Kong where one of their service centers is located. After that long wait, the watch with full wind only worked for 5-7 hours. I had to send it back to Hong Kong. It arrived there beginning of June. As of today I am still waiting on the fix to be completed, which I was told is a new upgraded crown. Customer service has been responsive, but really, what a nightmare. I would not recommend buying even though it is beautiful wore well and comfy for the little time I had it on.
as ever great watch addicts viewing with no ego or back stabbing , the content is aimed at all levels of watches 👍👍 the hanhart silva is a great watch at that price range too
Great history and great way of getting in a The Thing reference, superb film along with Big Trouble in little China. Classic Kurt. Stunning watch, although i admit i still have a very soft spot for the Alpinist. Brilliant video, have a nice weekend sir
Wow that’s the kind of watch I’ve been looking for stunning. Thanks again TGV for the quality of videos you always pump out
TGV in the woods with a gun. I love it!!
I've been crushing on this watch so much since its release. Absolutely in love with it. Thank you TGV! 👊🏻
I really wish NG would release an Antarctic with a date function.
YESSSSSS, that would be a genius next move, great point, thank you,
Best regards,
TGV
Nice episode as always!
Truthfully though I have been through their entire catalogue online, I just cannot get into the brands aesthetic.
✌️
my friend you got the Italian flag inverted on the jacket 🇮🇹
While I appreciate Nivada Grenchen’s adherence to their classic designs, my personal experience with their customer service has been horrendous.
So sorry to hear that. I have heard mixed things, I must confess, but so far no problems here. I hope they read this and take note. I also hope you have a better experience in the future and thank you for sharing that, it helps me keep informed of how brands like this operate and I will certainly take it into consideration when doing future videos on them.
Best regards,
TGV
Class act TGV
Same here, customer service is non-existent with problems, like non functioning watch sent. I gave up on the brand. Too bad because there is a lot of potential, but they have a long way to go with QC. Appreciate your videos, my collection almost follows TGVs.
That “Rich man’s Rolex” metaphor was absolutely ingenious 👌Thanks for the amazing video 🫡
Interesting, i never associated art decó with the tragic tirannies of the pre-II World War, but with human achievement and other things close to the people's lives (like train stations, bridges). It's sad that public perception made unfair associations post-1945. Perhaps as a side note, here in Brazil art decó' and mainly eccleticism' downfall happened due to the political petty-tyranny of the modernist clique led by men like Lúcio Costa, and their dubious associations. The destruction of the Monroe Palace is the most blatant proof of what was wrong. Not that brazilian modernism is bad - it's great as a style - but its political ties and overwhelming unorganic social influence were disgraceful and disruptive.
So lovely on the eyes and ears, as always!! Such a delightful way to convey information and opinions👌🏻.
BTW, last weekend- the wife, my youngest and me watched “The Thing”! For them, for the 1st time- for me, maybe 40 plus 😁. It’s not just a great sci fi/thriller/horror movie, and a classic- it is a deep lingering memory from my childhood…
12:40 - It's bizarre that men still associate masculinity with watch size. One thing is taste, another is such a ridiculous "rule". All of the generations of men of the past century so praised today stormed Normandy and such with 'tiny' watches.
Besides, a large watch makes the wearer's arm look smaller in proportion.
Your video are so thoughtfully created. Such a pleasure, wonderful end to the work week. Thank you!
Thank you so much my friend, hearing that brings a smile to my face.
Onwards and ever upwards!
Best regards,
TGV
I have the Nivada Grechen Chrono King Mecha quartz "Paul Newman". While LOVE the watch, at 38mm its just too small for me, even with a 6 1/4 inch. I love the watch, but I know I will not wear it because of the size. So unfortunate. I have only worn it once, but I will be putting it up for sale. So bummed. You cant even get one now as they are sold out. I will be doing a review of it on my channel before I sell it, but just so bummed. It wears and feels so much smaller than 38mm.
I have the original automatic from the 1954 U.S. Release and it works perfectly. Can tell it has never been serviced, very thin, looks beautiful and is my most reliable vintage automatic.
Great watch, I received my pre-order Antarctic 35mm egshell dial two weeks ago. Absolutely love it, except for the slippery crown. Wear it with the brown and black racing strap.
I just picked up the Seiko SJE085 1959 Alpinist reissue (the one with the bund strap), but the Nivada Grenchen Super Antarctic with the four triangular indices and the black dial/white lume was a VERY close second.
As I got the new-in-box 1959 Alpinist for almost half its MSRP, it was an offer I couldn't refuse; even outside of the fact it's a watch that had been on my radar for since it came out two years ago, only being held back by the $2900 price tag. Circumstances just happened to align and it was meant to be. Zero regrets.
Even so, I will eventually own a Nivada Grenchen one day. I love what they're doing in the industry and find their designs far more interesting than the usual fare the bigger Swiss brands put out these days.
When are they bringing out a man's size? Joking apart, and testily responding to your denigrating comments about manliness, my wrist is 20cm, and 6.5cm wide. Looking at your wrist shots of this very lovely watch, it appears to be comparable to me wearing a 41/42mm. Go figure. Lorier, Nevada, I can only admire. And yes, Mohamed Ali was known for wearing a Cartier Tank (is that right?) but IMO looks pretty ridiculous!
236 comments already - wow! Just want to add: isn't most watch collecting based on clinging to the past and thus living in the past? I'm really longing for something new, something fresh (no, it's not Hublot). Although I like Breitling, Vortex, Sinn and others I'd go for Casio instead. Where are the trendsetters?
great vid TGV ...!!!
Wow. Imagine my surprise to see a lettering project I worked on in college over a decade ago, the Pomapdour numerals referenced at 10:45.
For what it’s worth - that naming convention is my own and doesn’t have any historical relevance. My numerals demonstrate a relatively modern style of highly exaggerated contrast, but the bones of the forms are of a so called Clarendon style, quite different from what we see on the Antarctic.