Nivada Grenchen Chronomaster Aviator Sea Diver 8221

The Nivada Grenchen Chronomaster Aviator Sea Diver Ref. 8221 is an early and historically significant example of the “do-it-all” tool watch. Launched in 1963, it was marketed as a “Super-Chronograph,” designed to be a versatile and robust timepiece for a wide range of activities, as its name suggests: a chronograph for timing events, an aviator’s watch with a rotating 12-hour bezel for a second time zone, and a sea diver’s watch with a 60-minute countdown bezel and a water resistance of up to 200 meters (660 feet). The reference 8221 is among the first iterations of the Chronomaster and is often characterized by its use of “broad arrow” hands, reminiscent of early Omega Speedmasters, which were later replaced by baton-style hands. These early models are also notable for having “Chronograph Aviator Sea Diver” printed on the dial, as the “Chronomaster” name was not yet consistently used on the watch itself due to trademark considerations with Croton, Nivada’s US distributor. The bi-directional, non-clicking bezel features both a 12-hour and a 60-minute scale. The dial also includes a tachymeter scale and a regatta timer on the 30-minute sub-dial. The case is made of stainless steel with sharp, straight lugs. This reference is highly sought after by vintage watch collectors for its historical importance, versatile design, and the robust manual-winding chronograph movement it houses.