Many love a wonderful mecaquartz chronograph. Manufacturers can spend more cash on the appears of such watches because of their inexpensive actions. These watches typically punch above their weight, at the very least visually. Others say they’re low cost interpretations of the true deal, a timepiece with a mechanical motion. I acquired the brand new Nivada Chronosport Blue (computerized) and the Chronosport Mecaquartz Salmon concurrently, and the latter felt nearly as good as the previous. Now, just some days after publishing my assessment of the Chronosport Blue, listed below are my ideas on the Chronosport Mecaquartz Salmon.
Earlier than we get into it, it’s best to know that the Salmon model pictured right here is, sadly, not accessible. It was just for sale throughout a pre-order window, however on account of an unlucky miscommunication, we weren’t capable of publish this text in a extra well timed trend. Our apologies for that, and we hope, if nothing else, this text will nonetheless function a helpful assessment of the Chronosport Mecaquartz normally. Additionally, I ought to be aware that I’m not making an attempt to instantly evaluate the Mecaquartz model(s) to the mechanical Chronosport fashions. Apart from their appears, we’re speaking about very completely different timepieces. Nonetheless, we can’t converse in regards to the Chronosport Mecaquartz Salmon with out mentioning the Chronosport Blue since they got here out concurrently.
The Nivada Chronosport
The primary trendy Nivada Chronosport, which I reviewed some time again, is available in two variations. You will get it with trendy white lume, or for a extra classic really feel, you may go for yellow lume. My assessment watch had the latter. Quickly after, Nivada launched the Chronosport Mecaquartz to serve an viewers with much less finances however equal thirst for vintage-inspired chronographs. The Mecaquartz takes inspiration from the common Chronosport, but it surely has a 12-9-6 sub-dial structure as an alternative of simply two sub-dials. It begins at simply €550 versus €2,395 (and extra) for the mechanical computerized model. Each examples draw direct lineage to the unique Chronosport from the late Seventies. Just lately, Nivada expanded the road with a brand new blue-dial model of the mechanical Chronosport and the limited-edition Mecaquartz Salmon mannequin you see right here.
Chronosport Mecaquartz Salmon
To the bare eye, the Nivada Chronosport Mecaquartz Salmon appears acquainted. That’s as a result of the primary Chronosport Mecaquartz comes with a black dial and taupe sub-dials. The Salmon mannequin appears equivalent, except for the completely different shade sub-dials. Because the model places it, the “matte black textured dial is adorned with Artwork Deco-inspired sub-dials in salmon tones, including depth and a novel classic attraction.”
Certainly, the pair of salmon and black is an age-old trick within the watch trade that works, similar to the Singer-style minute scale on the sub-dials. I may even forgive Nivada for the 12-9-6 sub-dial structure, which isn’t in fashion (I’m wondering if it ever was). At 3 o’clock, Nivada added a date aperture to counterbalance the salmon subs. The one draw back is that the bezel rotates whereas adjusting the quick-set date, however I can stay with that.
On the wrist
Crucial factor it is advisable to keep in mind when carrying the Nivada Chronosport Mecaquartz is that, with the bracelet, it’s a €770 watch. If this have been a recreation, I’d name it a cheat code. The motion makes the worth considerably decrease than the automated variations. Consequently, it isn’t Swiss made like its large brother is. Sure, the dial structure is comparable however not equivalent. two of the watch’s dimensions, they’re the identical because the mechanical model, with a 38mm diameter and a 44.8mm lug-to-lug. Notably, although, for the reason that motion is thinner, this mannequin has a 13.3mm profile, together with the crystal, equaling a 2.4mm discount from its mechanical counterpart. The burden, at 143 grams, is simply 20 grams much less. It has the essence of the classic/trendy mechanical Chronosport with, some could say, an excellent higher execution, being balanced in appears, weight distribution, and bang for the buck.
Usability
The benefit of three sub-dials is obvious. On the 6 o’clock place, we discover the operating seconds with that unmistakable quartz ticking, adopted by the 12-hour counter for the chronograph at 9 o’clock. At 12, we’ve the 60-minute counter. All in all, it’s a transparent and legible watch face with yellow faux-patina lume within the palms and indexes and a small however readable date aperture.
But, similar to with the Chronosport Blue, I can’t use the tachymeter scale printed on the sting of the dial. It’s small and not possible to learn, and the double-domed sapphire crystal distorts the view. Moreover, the aluminum bidirectional 60-minute/12-hour bezel is so free that it strikes each time I contact the watch. Then once more, I acquired an early prototype, so maybe it’s been remedied since then. Fortunately, the mechanical motion on the beginning/cease and reset pushers is there, and the watch doesn’t really feel like some low cost copy however a coherent timepiece.
The motion inside
Let’s spend a minute on the caliber. Contained in the Nivada Chronosport Mecaquartz ticks Seiko’s VK67 mecaquartz motion. One of many go-to calibers for mecaquartz watches, the VK67 provides a mechanical chronograph module and a tuning-fork-style quartz expertise for the primary capabilities. It’s a easy however environment friendly motion that permits manufacturers to maintain the worth low and spend the cash on options just like the 316L case, the bracelet with micro-adjustment and push buttons, and the 200m water resistance. Additionally, the VK67 offers you an accuracy of about ±20 seconds per 30 days. With the Chronosport Mecaquartz, you get all this for lower than €800 on a bracelet or below €600 on a strap.
Closing phrases
Talking of the bracelet, the Chronosport Mecaquartz has the identical one as the automated mannequin. The brand new clasp has two push buttons to safe it and a built-in micro-adjustment mechanism. This permits a +13mm bracelet extension must you want it. When you ask me, quick-release spring bars ought to now be the norm for leather-based straps. Equally, a micro-adjust clasp ought to now be commonplace for metal bracelets. I’m you, Grand Seiko.
When you go for the bracelet, you’ll spend €770 / US$700. Must you decide as an alternative for a leather-based strap or a rubber Tropic-style one, the worth drops to €550 / US$500. I counsel going with the bracelet, although. Whereas it’s dearer, you may all the time take away it and use no matter 20mm strap you would like. When you by no means determine to maneuver the watch on, nonetheless, the presence of the unique bracelet is a big plus — simply my two cents.
All in all, we should always not have a look at the mecaquartz Nivada Chronosport as an affordable and inferior model of its large brother. Reasonably, the watch holds its personal. I stand by my preliminary assertion that it felt simply nearly as good because the mechanical model, the one main variations being the motion sorts and costs. Whereas I want we’d been capable of let you realize in regards to the now-unavailable Salmon model sooner, the common Chronosport Mecaquartz nonetheless provides glorious worth for the cash spent.
