Finally, it’s “No Name” dial (meaning no Chronomaster Aviator Sea Diver marking on the dial) is only one of two models without this indication, Ref. Perhaps the most horologically significant, it’s the only CASD with a “deluxe” gilt caliber (a Valjoux 23 movement). First, it has a distinct Nivada logo (“Special Logo”) on the dial and crown not seen on other references as well as an exclusive caseback engraved with a stylized penguin. This model is particularly rare and collectible for a number of reasons. Little did I know at the time, the watch was a seldom-seen Nivada Grenchen Chronomaster Aviator Sea Diver (CASD) “Special Logo” reference 0/4076. Byrd reported that despite intense cold, harsh impacts, high magnetism and altitude the watches performed perfectly.One of my first forays into vintage chronographs was a purchase early in my watch collection. 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 features a Valjoux 7733 movement. This 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. No two watches will turn tropical the exact same way. The enticing colors and organic textures seen here adds a distinct personality to any time piece- differentiating one watch from others of the same model.

A tropical dial is a black face watch which has changed color over time due to the substances used inside the dial markers and/or inside the hands of the watch. All watch enthusiasts know that there is one thing no watchmaker can plan, predict, or intentionally replicate - the coveted “tropical dial”.

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