I first noticed the brand new Nivada F77 Black Ceramic throughout this 12 months’s Geneva Watch Days. It should have been one of many earliest prototypes, if not the primary, and it took me some time to grasp. Let me clarify. A ceramic watch seems like a PVD/DLC-coated piece to the bare eye. That’s till you choose it up. The unmistakable really feel of ceramic hits in another way from any coating I’ve seen within the trade. I wanted to place my palms on a ceramic F77, so I requested properly, and Nivada delivered.
I’ve been a fan of the F77 since its preliminary launch. Sure, I do know individuals like to check it to iconic integrated-bracelet fashions from different manufacturers, and that’s positive. It’s a little bit of an outdated argument at this level, however no matter floats your boat. Since its preliminary launch, I had the pleasure of reviewing each the inaugural model and the stone-dial versions earlier this 12 months. In a approach, this new F77 Black Ceramic is a continuation of these. Let me clarify.
Nivada F77 Black Ceramic
The truth that the F77 is a re-edition of a bygone Nivada watch is just not information. Nonetheless, the corporate by no means made a ceramic F77 again within the day. It by no means had a ceramic mannequin, interval. So for that, if nothing else, the brand new F77 Black Ceramic is a milestone mannequin for this historic Swiss model. Moreover, it’s a new case materials for the road after metal and titanium. Is it the fitting subsequent step? This, I’ll allow you to determine. Manufacturers like Nivada have to push the boundaries on issues like case supplies. We had been led to imagine that ceramic is pricey to supply, so solely watches costing 5 digits and up ought to have this privilege. The reality, as all the time, is extra complicated than that.
This subject is extra complicated than a paragraph in my article would permit. Additionally, I want to keep away from getting right into a debate on producing instances in sure supplies. I’m simply saying {that a} ceramic F77 is an thrilling new strategy, and I’m thrilled to see it on supply. Whereas we’re on the topic, Nivada is just not the one model that has put an inexpensive ceramic mannequin in the marketplace. Simply consider the brand new Maurice Lacroix Aikon Automated Ceramic, many Rado fashions, or perhaps a Longines HydroConquest. Ceramic is right here to remain and has lastly reached a brand new value section, so we should always have fun that. The remainder is as much as us, the shoppers.
The fundamentals
Now, let’s take a look at the fundamentals of the brand new Nivada F77 Black Ceramic. For essentially the most half, this new mannequin is similar as the primary F77. Dimension-wise, we’ve a 37mm case with a 45mm size. Keep in mind, the unique F77 from the ’70s was once bigger. When creating the re-edition, the model decreased the diameter by virtually 2mm. The thickness is lower than 13mm, which is ok for an computerized timepiece. It’s not too thick, and it feels nice on the wrist. Like some variations of final 12 months’s first mannequin, the brand new ceramic F77 has a no-date structure. Three Tremendous-LumiNova-treated palms rotate above its black “braided” dial with utilized polished indexes and small luminous dots. There are different choices as properly (extra on that under). Lastly, the bracelet in each instances is built-in with minor modifications. Allow us to go backward and take a look at that first.
The bracelet
This new F77 has a case and a bracelet made from ceramic, and to the bare eye, it seems the identical because the metal model. There are a couple of tweaks, although. The metal model has a Nivada-branded single-deployant clasp with micro-adjustment holes and a push-button launch. The ceramic F77 additionally has buttons, however this time, it’s a dual-deployant (butterfly) clasp with no brand or micro-adjustment. That additionally means you have to be very particular when sizing the bracelet because it offers you no wiggle room. The second factor and what could trouble extra of you, is the design of the top hyperlinks.
The metal mannequin had finish hyperlinks with {a partially} articulating piece within the heart. Nonetheless, on the F77 Black Ceramic, every finish hyperlink is one T-shaped piece. Consequently, the top hyperlinks protrude extra, rising how lengthy the watch feels on the wrist. It’s no large deal for me as my wrist is giant. Nonetheless, if yours is on the smaller facet, you must attempt to get your palms on the watch earlier than ordering it. Throughout my final go to to London, I took the ceramic F77 and confirmed it to Mike, who has a wrist a lot smaller than mine. Regardless of the top hyperlinks, he cherished it on his wrist.
The motion
Inside the brand new F77 Black Ceramic is Soprod’s P024. Based mostly on the ETA 2824-2, this caliber presents 38 hours of energy reserve, hacking seconds, 25 jewels, and a 28,800vph frequency. It’s a trusty motion that will get the job achieved, however it’s easy sufficient to service, which isn’t a problem for many watchmakers. Do not forget that actions like these from Soprod don’t signify the head of watchmaking. As an alternative, they’re, for lack of higher expression, workhorse calibers. They’ve little ornament, which doesn’t matter because the F77 has a metal case again. Alternatively, as they’re cost-effective selections, they’ll hold the worth down, permitting manufacturers like Nivada to supply their watches very competitively.
Good issues to know
Except for the braided dial, Nivada has launched the F77 Black Ceramic with two different dial choices. For full disclosure, I didn’t see these in particular person besides once they had been provided within the metal F77 fashions a couple of months in the past. The black ceramic case is complemented by lapis lazuli and meteorite dials. Each iterations are breathtakingly stunning in particular person. Within the ceramic case, they give the impression of being equally nice, if not higher. Whereas the braided model I had for evaluation is a regular-production mannequin, the stone dials are each restricted and out there just for the one-month pre-order interval. We have to discuss one very last thing — the worth. Nivada presents the common F77 Black Ceramic mannequin for €1,370 / US$1,450. It’s essential pay a couple of hundred extra for the restricted stone-dial editions.
I wore this watch virtually solely for weeks and was very proud of the way it felt on my wrist. The matte black end is just not “loud” and doesn’t draw a whole lot of consideration. The load distribution is on level as properly. Remember that as a result of black case and bracelet, it could really feel smaller on the wrist than the metal mannequin; a minimum of, this was my commentary. Nonetheless, it’s snug and simply legible. Whereas the common mannequin is in inventory and able to be shipped, the limited-production fashions might be delivered round February. You’ll be able to try the opposite variants and discover extra info here.
What do you consider the F77 Black Ceramic and ceramic watches generally? Are you content to see them changing into extra accessible? Share your ideas within the feedback part.
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