Vintage Nivada Grenchen Antichoc Gold-Tone Watch Dial
Watch Part (Dial component) · Yellow Gold finish; industrial plating applied for aesthetic color and corrosion resistance
Purity: Non-solid gold; likely gold-plated or gold-washed metallic base (brass/copper alloy)
Type
Watch Part (Dial component)
Purity
Non-solid gold; likely gold-plated or gold-washed metallic base (brass/copper alloy)
Gold Type
Yellow Gold finish; industrial plating applied for aesthetic color and corrosion resistance
Weight
0.5 to 1.5 grams (negligible gold content)
Description
A vintage Swiss-made Nivada watch dial featuring a classic Mid-Century aesthetic. The dial base shows a radiant sunburst finish with applied hour markers, a sub-seconds crosshair at the 6 o'clock position, and the iconic shield logo. This is a component intended for horological restoration.
Key Features
Applied '12' numeral; Antichoc (shock protection) designation; sub-seconds crosshair marking; original Swiss printing
Color & Finish
Pale yellow gold-tone with a sunburst/brushed metallic texture; visible circular graining and aged patina
Hallmarks & Stamps
No purity hallmarks; printed with 'Nivada', brand crest, 'ANTICHOC', and 'SWISS MADE'
Dimensions Estimate
25mm to 30mm diameter; approximately 0.4mm thickness
Gemstones & Inlays
None; features raised, applied gold-tone baton indices and an applied '12' numeral
Clasp & Closure
None (internal component)
Chain & Links
Not applicable; circular watch face profile
Craftsmanship Details
High-quality precision printing (pad printing/tampography); applied markers fixed via tiny feet through the dial plate; precision centered apertures.
Authentication Indicators
Authentic Nivada printing styles and shield logo; characteristic Swiss-made serif font at bottom; age-appropriate patina
Origin & Maker
Switzerland; manufactured by Nivada (Grenchen)
Era & Period
Mid-Century Modern (circa 1950s - 1960s)
Age Estimate
Circa 1955-1965 based on 'Antichoc' branding and handset layout
Cultural Significance
Represents the post-WWII boom in Swiss precision horology and the shift toward 'tool watches' designed with shock protection for active lifestyles.
Condition Notes
Fair to Poor; significant spotting, surface oxidation, and edge wear. Dust and debris present on indices.
Value Estimate
$20 - $50 (Collectible/Parts value); gold melt value is essentially zero as the plating is extremely thin.
Care & Maintenance
Do not touch with bare fingers (oils cause tarnish); store in acid-free paper; clean only with a soft pegwood stick or specialized watchmaker's putty (Rodico).
Similar Items
Vintage Omega Seamaster dials, Longines Conquest dials, or Tissot Visodate components of the same era.
Interesting Facts
Nivada was famously involved in the Antarctic expedition (Deep Freeze 1) in 1955, making their 'Antichoc' and 'Antarctic' models highly collectible today.