A Sumptuous Centenary: Hands-On With The New Nivada F77 MKII Stone Dials Collection
Although Nivada Grenchen re-entered the market in 2020 after decades of absence, its roots date back to its original establishment in 1926. To celebrate the 100th anniversary, Nivada is releasing seven new dial variations for one of its most popular models, which also underwent a facelift. I was lucky enough to put my hands on one of the seven new stone-dial versions of the F77 MKII.
Since the F77 received some design updates (hence the MKII moniker), we hadn’t had a chance to go hands-on with it. So, let’s start at the beginning and see what has been updated.
The Nivada Grenchen F77 MKII
I remember how big a deal it was when the F77 hit the market back in 2023. The watch sold out so fast that media outlets had to wait a while to get their hands on a watch for the review. While that piece was very close to the original vintage model, some were critical of its wearability. As with most things, certain features and elements could have used some fine-tuning. Nivada listened to the market and, more importantly, its customers. Only a few years after the initial success of the F77, an updated version, the MKII, debuted. First, let’s look at what remained the same. We have a 38mm 316L steel case and integrated bracelet (should you opt for it) with an unmistakably ’70s design.
For enhanced wearability, the F77 MKII features a rounder case shape that sits better on the wrist. The lugs also received some work; they are a tad shorter and break at some point to follow the curve of the wrist. Consequently, the MKII feels different on the wrist than the “original” F77. It’s not smaller, just different; perhaps “ergonomic” is the right word. Now, the 100th-anniversary models have even more tricks up their sleeves. These ones are only 11.5mm thick, which is 0.7mm thinner than the regular F77 MKII. They also have sapphire-equipped display case backs rather than the all-steel ones. The most important upgrade, however, is inside the case. Whereas both the F77 and regular F77 MKII have Soprod’s P024 beating inside them, these anniversary versions received a very substantial improvement.
La Joux-Perret inside
The beating heart of the new 100th-anniversary Nivada F77 MKII models comes from the illustrious La Joux-Perret atelier. The G101 caliber is not new, and if you are familiar with watch movements, I’m sure you’ve seen it in a bunch of other watches. It is used in offerings from various popular brands, including anOrdain, Furlan Marri, and Farer, just to name a few, and it’s also the base movement inside the M.A.D.Editions M.A.D.2. This mechanical self-winding caliber has a frequency of 28,800 vph and 24 jewels. The LJP G101 also offers 68 hours of power reserve. With such a list of features, the 100th-anniversary F77 MKII packs a lot of heat, and we have not even mentioned the best part — the seven stone dials.
Jade, azurite, opal, and more
In case you are wondering, yes, stone dials are still trending. Well, it’s been a hot minute, so perhaps that trend is here to stay, especially thinking about what we saw during Geneva Watch Days a few weeks back. Stone dials in the F77 are nothing new. However, these specific variations are new to the brand and the model. They include labradorite, jade, azurite (my review watch), shungite black, smoky quartz, and black opal, meaning there are quite a few versions to choose from. Nonetheless, that was only six dial variants. This is because the seventh version, ice agate, is the only one available in a limited edition of 100 pieces. Each stone dial also comes in date and no-date versions, so technically, we have 14 new models here. Plus, due to the nature of a stone dial, every watch has a unique face.
On the wrist
My F77 MKII came with a canvas Velcro strap and a beautiful azurite dial. I received the watch a few days before my vacation in Greece, and I must say it was the perfect match for the Mediterranean Sea. Although I was a bit worried about the canvas strap, it served me well in the hot Greek summer. The watch even excelled in the water thanks to its 100m water resistance. Still, if I had the chance, I’d opt for the bracelet version. The F77 with the integrated bracelet feels special on the wrist; it’s hard to put into words. You need to try the watch on to feel it. My watch had no date, which I did not mind, and it allowed me to enjoy the azurite dial in all its glory.
Pricing and final words
The 100th-anniversary Nivada F77 MKII, with its seven-stone dials, is competitively priced. If you are picking one up on a canvas or rubber strap, the price is €1,660 / US$1,590 / CHF 1,380. Should you choose the watch on the steel bracelet, you are looking at a price tag of €1,870 / US$1,790 / CHF 1,550. Yes, this will be more expensive than the original F77 was a few years back, but if you already read my article, you understand why. And for all the upgrades you are getting, it’s a modest price to pay. These seven dials give you enough versatility. That may be an overused term, but it’s true. You have so many options to choose from; surely, you’ll find a dial that fits your style. If you’d like to check out the watch, please click here.
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