Last month, a friend of mine generously gave me a piece of the brand’s work, and I started digging deeper into their archives, looking for more greatness. My research has revealed a treasure trove of references, from the traditional to the distinctly eccentric. Unsurprisingly, I prefer the latter. From the unique complexity of deep submersibles to the Datomaster chronograph with unconventional date Settings, Nevada has always done things a little differently from other replica watches, but our next watch actually contrasts with this concept because it bears a clear resemblance to a famous watch.
The chronoking emerged in the early 1970s when alternative design approaches began to dominate. It has a cushion-shaped case and a multi-colored dial, and it’s no exception, but what really sets it apart is its subdial. You’ll quickly notice that the familiar font and hashmark design are almost identical to Paul Newman dial Daytona on closer inspection. Paired with an orange dial and a bright yellow bezel, this legendary subdial design starts to really shine, illustrating just how radical their presence is on the Daytona. On the one hand, these are works by Paul Newman, but on the other hand, they are arguably more common in this work.
The best collectors will appreciate the Valjoux 72 powered chronograph because it is sold not only on the original stainless steel bracelet but also on the fake watch sold in the box. It also aged well, with a yellow acrylic bezel forming a slight orange hue to match the dial’s vibrant application. While some will be quick to scoff at the crystals’ scratches, I personally don’t mind seeing this because it proves that an old-fashioned watch can launch a completely different product without excessive preparation.