Nivada Grenchen Unveils F77 MKII 100 Years: Stone Dials and Enhanced Movement

Nivada Grenchen, under the innovative guidance of Guillaume Laidet, commemorates its centenary with the release of the F77 MKII 100 Years edition. This collection elevates the brand's distinguished F77 line, known for its integrated sports watch design inspired by the 1970s. The latest models introduce exquisite natural stone dials and an upgraded automatic movement, promising enhanced performance and a refined aesthetic.

Since its relaunch in 2020, Nivada Grenchen has consistently revisited its archival masterpieces, preserving their historical essence while infusing modern advancements. The F77 series, a highlight among its offerings like the Antarctic and Chronomaster, made a significant return in 2023. Subsequent years saw the introduction of stone-dial and titanium versions, leading up to the more ergonomic F77 MKII in 2025. The current 100 Years collection further distinguishes itself by combining visually striking stone dials with the superior La Joux-Perret G101 automatic movement.

The Refined Aesthetics and Ergonomics of the F77 MKII

The F77 MKII maintains its distinctive 38mm stainless steel case and integrated bracelet, characterized by sharp lines and a sophisticated blend of brushed and polished finishes reminiscent of its 1970s predecessors. A notable enhancement in this generation is the reduced case thickness, now 11.5mm including the double-domed sapphire crystal, making it noticeably sleeker than its 12.2mm predecessor. These carefully considered proportions ensure the F77 retains its robust sporty appeal while offering superior comfort on the wrist. Further emphasizing its anniversary, a sapphire exhibition caseback, adorned with a 100-year commemorative engraving, proudly displays the new movement, replacing the solid casebacks of earlier models. The iconic octagonal bezel and 6mm crown remain, along with a reliable 100m water resistance, affirming its practical and stylish design.

A core feature of the new collection is the introduction of six distinct natural stone dials, available as permanent additions to the F77 MKII range. These include the vibrant Azurite, with its intense blue formations; the ethereal Labradorite, known for its deep blue hues and shifting iridescence; and the rich, smooth Jade with its profound green tones. Each stone dial provides a unique visual depth and character, ensuring no two watches are exactly alike. The Black Opal variant stands out with its dramatic flashes of blue, green, red, and violet against a dark background, while Shungite Black offers a more understated, deep matte finish with subtle textures. Smoky Quartz introduces warmer, brown-grey tones. Additionally, an exclusive Ice Agate dial, featuring pale blue and white layers, is reserved for a limited centenary edition of 100 pieces, highlighting its special anniversary status.

Enhanced Performance with the La Joux-Perret G101 Movement

The most significant upgrade in the F77 MKII 100 Years series is the integration of the La Joux-Perret G101 automatic movement, replacing the Soprod P024 used in previous F77 MKII models. This new caliber is a true no-date evolution of the G100, positioned as a strong alternative to industry mainstays like the ETA 2824-2 and Sellita SW200-1. The G101 significantly boosts the watch's autonomy, extending the power reserve to an impressive 68 hours, a substantial increase from the Soprod's 42 hours. Operating at a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour, the movement is equipped with a tungsten rotor for efficient unidirectional winding and features a KIF anti-shock system, ensuring reliability and precision. This upgrade not only enhances the watch's internal mechanics but also contributes to its slimmer profile, demonstrating Nivada Grenchen's commitment to continuous improvement in both aesthetics and functionality.

Functionally, the F77 MKII maintains its straightforward display of hours, minutes, and central seconds, reflecting its clean and purposeful design. The openworked baton hands are paired with faceted applied indices and small Super-LumiNova dots around the periphery, ensuring excellent legibility in various lighting conditions. The integrated stainless steel bracelet retains its tool-free micro-adjustments, offering convenience and a secure fit. For those seeking alternative styles, the collection also provides options for a canvas Velcro strap or a black rubber strap, allowing for more versatile and casual expressions of the timepiece. The F77 MKII stone-dial models are set to launch on September 24th, with pricing at EUR 1,660 on a strap and EUR 1,870 on a bracelet, offering compelling value for these meticulously crafted timepieces.