1968 Guildcrest Deluxe (aka. Chronomaster Aviator Sea Diver) Ref. 85017/5312

Nivada Grenchen is making a glorious comeback under the careful care and vision of a trail-blazing revivalist, Guillaume Laidet. But while the re-issues are exceptional in every way (I simply want them all), there's something undeniably charming about the originals. 

Exceedingly difficult to find in good, never-mind exceptional condition, vintage Chronomasters (or CASD's) have become a grail of sorts for collectors playing in this particular echelon of sub-$5k vintage sport watches. 

Even more rare are those CASD variants stamped with alt branding, like this minty Guildrest Deluxe! This is a Nivada Grenchen Chronomaster Aviator Sea Diver from top to bottom (including the high-end Valjoux 23 movement). These watches were built by Nivada Grenchen in the 1960's, and are identical in every way, aside from from the name stamped on the dial and movement.

These simply do not emerge often, and when they do, they aren't as clean as this one. In my opinion, these have yet to pop. So, don't wait, this watch is a true collector's delight. 

CONDITION

An unpolished, near mint case...this watch is simply exceptional, with hardly any wear. The matte black dial is flawless, and pops in contrast against its glossy recessed sub-dials. The caseback dolphin medallion engraving is preserved, as if brand new. The signature regatta minute counter punches through with an unfaded bright red. The tritium lume on the dial and hands has aged into a rich cream-like patina, enhancing the vintage charm of this amazing piece. 

The large bi-directional bezel has no damage or wear to speak of, and enjoys an unobstructed and tight rotation around the case. 

I noticed the top chrono pusher was a little sticky, so I have had my watchmaker replace with fresh pusher gaskets. The original crystal was also cracked due to dryness, so we have replaced with a beautiful new acrylic crystal.

The iconic Valjoux 23 movement is extremely clean (see pictures), and the watch is running as it should, aside from the occasional misalignment on the chrono hand reset (by a hair). This should be an easy fix at the watch's next service. Prior service history is otherwise unknown, and we are selling this bear mint watch as is. However we can have our in-house watchmaker service the watch for an additional cost before shipping to you. 

Included in the package is a brown leather strap (seen in pictures), a black tropical strap, and a blue vintage Pininfanina box watch box. 

Brand: Nivada Grenchen (stamped Guildcrest Deluxe)
Model: Aviator Sea Diver (Chronomaster Aviator Sea Diver)
Case: 38.5mm diameter, unpolished, drilled lugs
Movement: Hand-wound mechanical caliber signed Southwestern Wholesale Co. / Valjoux 23 
Glass: Plexi