THE ESSENTIALS

MAKE: ROLEX
MODEL: 85004
YEAR: c1970
CASE DIAMETER: 38mm
CASE MATERIAL: STAINLESS STEEL
BRACELET MATERIAL: LEATHER
MOVEMENT: MANUAL WIND

Vintage Nivada Grenchen “Chronomaster Aviator Sea Diver” (CASD) models are among the best-kept secrets for vintage chronograph lovers. The sleek design, robust movements, and sheer variety of dials, hands, bezels, pushers, casebacks — and even signature variations — make them incredibly fun to collect. It is even more impressive to consider that these watches were produced for only a relatively short period between the 1960s and 1970s.

This is a particularly beautiful (and rare) example, featuring the shield logo, lollipop chronograph hand, and a flawless dial with lovely tritium lume and vibrant red accents. Sold privately — and one that I (Tommy) will miss dearly.