This is perhaps one of the most epic watch model names to have come out of the 20th century- the Croton Chronomaster Aviator Sea Diver.
 
Quite the mouthful, but talk about tapping into as many demographics as you can!
The Chronomaster came about during a time where adventures and exploration was a hot topic and many watch manufacturers took advantage of this, releasing multiple sports watches.
 
With this example, it is all about the aesthetics- a first execution model that features a classically 60s sports chronograph styling. It has a large 38.5mm stainless steel case with bevelled lugs, an aluminium minute/hour bi-directional bezel and of course, large broad arrow hands. This is exactly what the current market loves and it is no wonder the Chronomaster is a perennial favourite.
 
The Chronomaster came in several variants. Some were branded under the Nivada Grenchen name, but the Chronomasters that went to the US were branded Croton and this variant is by far the highest quality.
 
While the others used lower grade movements, the American bound watches were powered by the industry-leading column wheel Valjoux 92 chronograph.
This example is particular is a particular collectable as it is in exceptional condition. With its deep black bezel in an almost unused condition, the unpolished stainless steel case along with a perfect dial, this is what the term ‘collectors grade’ means. While Chronomasters are fairly common, it is much harder to find the higher quality Croton variant. Furthermore, to find one in this condition? Not so easy. 
 
Just check that dial and lume that has aged exactly as you would want it to on the hour markers & hands to a deep mustard colour with no crumble .
 
Running perfectly on the timegrapher with a amplitude of 290 & plus 8 seconds with no beat error. All chronograph functions working as they should.*stop watch (chronograph),
 
*time out stop watch,
*doctor’s watch,
*yachting timer,
*tachymeter scale,
*aviator’s watch,
*second time zone (on the bezel),
*skin diver’s watch,
*rotating bezel for diving,
*200m water resistant ( no longer water resistant)
*regular watch.
 
The only watch to combine all these features in 1961. This model met everything that the market wanted at the time and epitomized the professional sports watch. This model also won considerable popularity in the United States where it seems to have been sold the most.
 
Imported to the United States by Croton, this is a manual-wind chronograph watch powered by a high-quality movement caliber Valjoux 92 column and signed by Croton Nivada SA Grenchen. 17 jewels, sub-second at 9 o’clock, chronograph: central 60 seconds, 30-minute counter at 3 o’clock. 18,000 A/h, 40 hours power reserve, Swiss made.
 
It still features the original black dial with the two sub-dials: sub-second and 30- minute counter, one of which features a red colored section (the so-called yachting countdown sector covering the first 5 minute of the counter). Lumed hour markers, a tachymeter scale around the minute scale. Large broad arrow metal hands. The dial is also signed “Croton Chronograph Aviator Sea diver.”
 
All original and paired with a new, gorgeous high quality Chromexcel horween leather rowdy brown strap at a cost of £39. 
 
Cased in a 38.5mm round all stainless-steel case and the wide rotating bezel with black aluminium inset and twin scales. Original teeth crown and small pushers. 200m waterproof and shock resistant.