Latest Review
February 28, 2025 
At the end of 2022, we collaborated with Nivada Grenchen to create something exceptional: a small series of Chronomasters with restored Valjoux 72 chronograph movements inside. A legendary caliber that is present in many of the most sought-after vintage watches, it was the first time in a very long time that any brand had used them. The only issue was we could only make 20 watches, which, while quite remarkable, didn’t exactly speak to our approachable philosophy. So, we also created a sibling Datomaster with similar looks but powered by modern Seiko Meca-Quartz movements, allowing for a reasonable quantity and price tag.
We repeated the project a year later with a new dial design and palette, as Nivada had secured more Valjoux 72s. Limited to only 15 units, we complemented that tiny series with an edition of 150 VK63 Meca-Quartz Datomasters that, like the previous version, made the design of the Chronomasters available to a broader audience. Well, another year later, we’ve teamed up with Nivada Grenchen again for a limited edition, but this time with one big difference: we’re only doing the Datomasters, as, well, we just kind of love them.
As expected, we took the opportunity to change some things up, creating a dial that we think is pretty special. Inspired by mid-twentieth-century automobiles, the Datomaster’s dial features a cool, pale mint base. At the center is an unexpected circle of a darker, greener teal tone that extends out, encompassing the sub-seconds at six. Sub-dials at three and nine for 24-hour and 60-minute counters, respectively, cut through the center, emphasizing their functions while creating a unique look.
Dark gray indexes add contrast for legibility, while hazy purple adds a surprising play of color. The date wheel, with purple numerals and a sage surface, has been color-matched to the dial. A medium brown leather rally strap complements the dial’s colors. Together, these elements create an uncommon but refreshing palette distinct from our previous Datomaster collaborations and, frankly, anything else.
Fun, stylish, and easy to wear, the 36mm x 43.5mm Datomaster’s case is a fantastic example of a vintage-inspired chronograph. Thanks to the VK63 Meca-Quartz movements inside, they are closer in size than nearly any modern mechanical chronograph can be. In addition to their diameter and length, a 12mm height, including a domed K1 crystal, keeps them in proportion but sporty, and a 20mm lug width gives them a presence on the wrist.
Trilogies often get a bad rap, with the third part typically getting the brunt of the blame. Sometimes, it’s warranted (ahem, Godfather Pt. III), but in the case of our collaborations with Nivada Grenchen, we’re pretty sure the third entry has kept pace with the first two, or maybe even surpassed, but we don’t play favorites. Limited to 150 units, the Nivada Grenchen x Worn & Wound Datomaster VK63 V3 is available to preorder now at Windup Watch Shop and will begin shipping in July 2025. Windup Watch Shop
