Hands-on: New Nivada Glentin Chrono Sports Blue

Spring began strongly for Nivada. The Swiss Watch brand has released two new models to the Chronosport line, expanding it to five watches. We were lucky enough to try both the automatic and Mecaquartz versions. In this review, we will practice the former, namely Chrono Sports Blue. But before you get into it, run a simple new and existing watch.

You may have read my reviews from last August about the then new Nivada Glentin Chrono Sports. The new Chronosport Blue is the latest version of this model. However, let’s take a look at the entire model line.

Nibada Chrono Sports

Nivada’s Chronosport line currently consists of five modes: According to my review above, the original Chronosport came in two versions. You can get it in a modern white room. Alternatively, you can opt for a yellow Rumet for a more vintage feel. My review watch had the latter. Shortly afterwards, Nivada released the Chronosport Mecha Colts, serving an equal audience, although budget-friendly, vintage-inspired chronograph thirst. Mecaquartz takes inspiration from the regular Chronosport, but it has a 12-9-6 subdial layout rather than two subdials. As for the price, the mechanical automatic version costs 550 euros (and more). Both examples direct the lineage to the original Chronosport from the late 1970s. Currently, the brand has added two new models to its existing family, including the automatic movement, the topic of this article. In the second article, we will focus on the Mecaquartz version.

Chronosport Blue

It is now common practice for Nivada and many other brands to release novelty models and follow up with different iterations. For the Chronosport line, this was the first model last year, and was now called Chronosport White or Yellow, depending on the Dial Lume. However, the family’s latest watch, Chronosport Blue, does not have a blue room. Thankfully, “blue” is intended to mean a matte oil blue dial with granulating texture. The first Chronosport had a black dial and a Taupe subdial, while Chronosport Blue is a black subdial that perfectly complements the main color of petroleum blue. As before, the subdial for a few seconds of running is at 9 o’clock, but the 30-minute counter is at 12. There is also a date opening at 3 o’clock to provide visual balance similarity to the dial.

On the wrist

As someone with a large wrist (19cm/7.5 inches), I’m always worried about how the watch will sit. Thankfully, the Nivada Chronosport Blue is comfortable and the bracelet is not integrated, but it feels like that. Overall, this is not a top heavy watch. On the contrary, in terms of weight, the surveillance head and bracelet are balanced. Furthermore, the Chronosport Blue is not large and has a diameter of 38mm. It is totally 15.7mm thick (12.7mm without crystals) and features a standard 20mm wide strap. Finally, the case has a 44.3mm tip to tip measurement, which increases to 46.5mm on the male end link. This is not small, but again, it is not very large. If your wrists are small, make sure you can try them out before ordering. If you step on the 163 grams of the bracelet, the Chronosport Blue isn’t too heavy either.

Ease of use

Don’t let the strange arrangement of the subdials fool you. The Nivada Chronospot Blue is essentially a normal two-registered chronograph. Inside, it breaks the ETA’s 7750 (usually there are three subdials), but it’s back later. Aside from the second, 30 minute counters and quick set dates, the dial provides a tachymeter scale printed on the outer edge. Here is my only negative comment. Due to the curves and small prints of the double-dome sapphire glass, it is virtually impossible to read the scale without a magnifying glass. Finally, on top of a brushed 316L steel case, there is a grooved two-way black aluminum bezel with a large room pip, 60 minute scale and small 12 hour markings. Overall, Chronosport Blue has many offers. Especially considering that it is also rated at a depth of 200m.

Internal eta

As mentioned earlier, the interior of the Nivada Chronosport Blue checks the ETA (formerly Valjoux) 7750, the caliber of the iconic chronograph. The 7750 and its variations enhanced many watches at the time, ranging from Breitling to Tissot, Taghoier, Rondyne, Hamilton, and even the IWC. The ones in the Nivada Chronosport Blue offer a 42-hour power reserve and 4Hz (28,800VPH) frequency. Thanks to its status, the calibers are easy to repair, the parts are still easy to get, and more watchmakers have the know-how they need to deal with it. I know it’s not everyone’s tea, and I’ll hear you, but it’s as good as you get for the price.

What else should I say?

I’m a great bracelet sucker with some security and tweaks. Luckily, the Nivada Chronosport Blue offers both. It offers two security buttons and a clasp with Toolless Micro-Adjuster that allows you to add 13mm to your bracelet. This combination costs the most at 2,625 euros (tax included). The Chronosport bracelet is the only steel option, but Nivada offers watches with plenty of straps. The wrists are long, from black racing straps to brown leather, to matching stitching and tropical style straps with black elastic. For Chronosport Blue, one of the available straps, the price is 2,395 euros. We know that over 2,000 euros is a lot of money, especially if the watch is close to 3k euros. Still, if you’re a fan of vintage-inspired watches, I’m sure you’ll love what you see when you try out the Nivada Chrono Sports Blue. I know what I did.

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