So much so that a group of collectors recently wrote a whole book about the watch called Chronomaster Only. The Chronomaster was produced in a huge variety of case, dial, and movement executions throughout its production years. As a result of the twosome's partnership, many Nivada watches sold in the United States were branded Croton (or Croton Nivada Grenchen).Īlongside the Antarctic, the Chronomaster chronograph is the best known (and most sought after) watch to come from the Croton (and Nivada) stable. You might recognize Croton from the company's long standing relationship with the Swiss brand Nivada Grenchen. The brand's main function in the watch world was as a distributor to the good ole, US of A. Growth necessitated a larger office, driving the company to a suburb of the city, Croton-on-Hudson, in 1963, which ultimately gave the company its name. The Full StoryĬroton Watch Company dates back to 1878 when a man named Jacob Horton founded the company in New York City. Byrd reported that despite intense cold, harsh impacts, high magnetism and altitude the watches performed perfectly.Why This Watch Matters A crisp, classically styled example of Croton's all-in-one chronograph, the Chronomaster Aviator Sea Diver. Renowned explorer Admiral Richard Byrd wore a Croton during Operation Deep Freeze, a 1955 expedition to the Antarctic. Many watch companies quickly rose to meet that challenge, including Croton. The mid 1900’s were a time rich with exploration and adventurers had very specific requirements for their watches. The components were being manufactured in Switzerland, but the watches were assembled in the Croton, NY factory leading Croton to be regarded as an American watch brand. They relocated to New York City in 1928 and finally settled in the Hudson Valley town of Croton, New York in 1963. The roots of the Croton Watch Company can be traced to the city of Crotone in southern Italy.

This model utilizes a Valjoux 92 movement. Revolutionary for its day, the Chronomaster Aviator Sea Diver includes: a chronograph, a tachymeter scale, a rotating bezel for diving, a second time zone on the bezel and a sailing regatta countdown.

Download croton sea diver watch