The Nivrel Chronograph Replique II is a handwind mechanical chronograph with a vintage look and authentic vintage movement to match. It’s built around the Landeron 248, a well-regarded movement introduced in 1955. This version is a limited edition of only 50 pieces, so most of us will never see one in person, unfortunately. Although the look is retro, Nivrel updated it with a modern sapphire crystal and rates the result to 50m (165ft). It’s 42 by 16mm, and sports a Louisiana alligator strap. Functions include subseconds and 45-minute chronograph, but no date.
Movement specifications:
- 17 jewels.
- Low-beat (18000 vph).
- 42 hour power reserve.
- Poised balance.
- Cam-switched design, which predated the column wheel chronograph.
Hit the break for more.
The combination of red center hand, blued time hands, and blue/yellow/white on the dial struck me as quite compelling. It’s retro, but attractive and functional.
It’s also available as a black dial, but doesn’t work quite as well in my opinion.
List price isn’t given, but I’d estimate it to be in the five to ten thousand dollar range.
By Paul Hubbard
