Exuding purpose, strength, and elegance in any setting, this dive watch looks and performs admirably – on the Barrier Reef or in the Boardroom.
The first dive watch to break the 1,000 meter barrier
Introduced in 1965, the Depthmaster was the very firs dive watch to be rated for a depth of 1,000 meters, setting a remarkable record. At the time, most dedicated dive tool watches were water-resistant to 100 meters, and only a select few to 200 meters. Few brands were as committed to innovation, and to pushing the limits, as Nivada Grenchen – who consistently proved it with their watches since 1926.
15 years later, in 1980, a Japanese arcade game would also take the world by storm – and eventually inspire the sobriquet for that ‘dive watch with those out-of-this-world index numerals’: ‘Pac-Man’
Bronze – the metal of monuments and marine hardware
Bronze busts and statues are testaments to the ages. From small screws to huge propellers, bronze is also a material of choice in the marine environment. This is due to the alloy’s particular resistance to corrosion.
Historically, bronze has always been composed of copper and tin (though it may also incorporate metals such as phosphorus, nickel, manganese and zinc).
For the Depthmaster Bronze, Nivada Grenchen opted for a CuAl8 copper-aluminum bronze alloy – consisting of 92% copper plus 8% aluminum. This is because the aluminum oxides that form on the surface as a result of exposure make the metal even more corrosion-resistant.
Depthmaster Bronze – 100% bespoke by its very nature
This brings us to the particular appeal of bronze: the patina that develops over time. And here the CuAl8 alloy develops a subtler, more even coloration over time. More importantly, the watch’s patina is directly influenced by the wearer’s particular skin chemistry and the environment in which
it is worn. This means that no two Depthmaster Bronze watches will ever be alike. At the same time, you can bring back its original bright luster at any time, like pressing reset.
Not just different, special
The original Depthmaster always stood out from the fray of dive watches, which typically feature a round case, a rotating bezel, and round luminous markers. Instead, the Depthmaster came in a 38mm cushion case with robust lugs, a thick metal bezel with a knurled edge but no insert, and in some versions, highly unique (and therefore highly legible), luminous markers on the dial.
In this latest iteration of the Nivada Grenchen classic, the Depthmaster Bronze not only remains water resistant to 100 ATM (1,000m), but also features design touches that add a sport-chic sophistication to its norm-shattering design.
The black ceramic bezel insert, for one, offers a forceful contrast to the bronze and it makes the ‘Pac-Man’ numerals pop even more. A choice of straps, including ‘Tropic’ rubber, leather and ‘Racing’ (7 options), underscores the watch’s versatility and wearability in any setting or circumstance.
Tech Specs – Depthmaster Bronze
Case material CuAl8 (copper-aluminum) bronze Dimensions 39mm width, 13mm thickness Caseback 316L stainless steel
Dial: Matte black with bronze-hued indexes, highlighted with Super-LumiNova® Movement SOPROD P024, automatic, ball-bearing rotor, hacking seconds, 26 jewels Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds
Power reserve: Water resistance: release valve
Crystal: Sapphire
Strap: Rubber ‘Tropic’, leather, or ‘Racing’ (7 options)
