Nivada Grenchen Chronoking "Paul Newman" Owner Review : Proportionate, retro and timeless

On vacation in Brittany, and while the rain falls without stopping, I decide to spend the time looking for my next watch. I then come across an article presenting the future Chronoking called "Paul Newman" by Nivada Grenchen, this disappeared brand that is rising from its ashes since its acquisition a few years ago now. Initially announced at a small hundred copies, Nivada finally decides to innovate by offering a one-month pre-order period for anyone wishing to get this pretty watch. Luckily, the date of opening of the pre-orders corresponded to the very day of my discovery of this watch. Without further ado, I savor my Breton galette and settle comfortably in an armchair while waiting for the exact time of opening of the orders (2 p.m.). At 2:03 pm, I am the happy (future) owner of the Chronoking Paul Newman, whose delivery is however not scheduled for several months, at the end of October (we are now at the end of July). I am writing this text about 3 weeks after receiving this timepiece. Let's start at the beginning, the unboxing: a fairly simple but very effective box, I did not expect to have a collector's box for this price (a little less than €500). However, the surprise was total when I discovered the watch: I did not at all have the impression of observing a watch at this price. In terms of finishes and quality of materials, the impression is that of a premium watch, both in terms of the case, the dial, and even the strap (I chose a black "racing" leather). It is not light, but it is not heavy either. Once on the wrist, I am won over by its dimensions: a diameter of 38mm (46.5mm lug to lug) for a thickness of just over 13mm, it is very appreciable for a chronograph, especially for those who, like me, do not have a large wrist. The readability is excellent, the slightly domed glass brings out the colors well. Concerning the specifications: the watch is equipped with a Seiko meca-quartz movement (VK63), sapphire crystal and polished-brushed case. The watch is assembled in Switzerland (and not Swiss Made). Design-wise, this is a reissue of a watch released in the 70s and equipped at the time with a Valjoux 72. The dials refer to the work of Jean Singer, a major Swiss dial manufacturer based in La Chaux-de-Fonds and very famous for having produced some of the most iconic dials: Speedmaster Racing, the punchy Heuer Skipper or the intensely blue Nina from Universal,...