Art Deco
Quick facts
Prototype
There's no logo and no insignia on the movement. Were made for multiple brands.
Brand: Nivada/Dugena prototype, dial by Singer
Model: 'Paul Newman' chronograph
Reference: 500-1
Year: 1980s
Case: Stainless steel, 37mm, 14mm
Caliber: Valjoux 7765, manual wound
What about it
In today's fast-paced information age, stumbling upon prototype vintage watches is a rare occurrence. Therefore, coming across this particular timepiece is truly a noteworthy find.
The dial layout of this model adheres to the characteristic style found in Valjoux 7760 chronographs. Notably, it adopts a distinctive two-register configuration, positioning the chronograph counters at 9 o'clock and 12 o'clock, while accommodating a date window at 3 o'clock. Additionally, the outer track of the dial is adorned with a tachymeter scale, contributing to the overall design and functionality of the timepiece.
The vibrant blue dial of this timepiece boasts a textured surface, complemented by black glossy sub-dials featuring lollipop indexes with square tops, and a captivating luminescent color. The rotating bezel is seamlessly integrated into the case, maintaining a cohesive design without protruding beyond the case sides. While the crystal adds height, creating a perception of thickness when viewed from the side, on the wrist, the watch sits comfortably. The case exhibits a combination of brushed and polished surfaces, contributing to its overall aesthetic appeal.
The overall design of this timepiece exudes a hint of funkiness, evoking the sporty and distinctive aesthetics characteristic of the 1970s. What makes it particularly intriguing is the fact that these designs continued to be produced into the early 1980s, showcasing a unique blend of retro charm and enduring style.
Nivada has recently launched a remake of their black dial version of this design.
See my photographs here
37
Diametermm
18
Lug widthmm
28800
Frequencyvph
48
Power h
plastic
Crystal
The 'Paul Newman' dial
The standout feature of this design lies in the presence of the distinctive 'square lollipop' index markers on the sub-dials, complemented by an Art Deco-style font face. This makes this dial very different from "the regular" dials. The intriguing origin of this feature can be traced back to Rolex, specifically on their Cosmograph Daytona models from the 1960s, with Paul Newman's ref 6239 (hence the name). Singer, the dial manufacturer, who made dials for Cosmograph, incorporated this distinctive design into dials produced for various brands over many years. The extensive list of brands includes Tudor, Vulcain, Nivada, LeJour, Dugena, Lipp, Wyler, Bucherer, and more.
Nivada Chronosport (2024)
The new Chronosport stands out for its elegant design, advanced technical features, and most notably, its one-of-a-kind face. Indeed, its dial is both striking and original, deserving a closer, deeper look to fully appreciate its exceptional beauty: a textured matte black background; two embossed sub-dials (minutes and seconds) in taupe with a hint of khaki, positioned in an inspired move at 12 and 9 o'clock. The tachymeter scale surrounding the dial adds a sophisticated tool watch touch. The pointed baton indices, enhanced with white Super-LumiNova® and a white or yellow dot, underscore the design's refinement. Similarly, the hands, also filled with yellow or white, echo the elegance. The bold white logo and the Singer Art Deco typography contribute to a fascinating sense of visual depth.
Similar
Nivada
Bucherer
Market
References
Nothing really out there.
Related
Baylor "Exotic" chronograph
(1970s)
No reference nr
Straps
Some recommended strap options for this watch. External links to their webshops.
