This made the IGY a perfect opportunity for watch manufactures to tie in their products with these scientific endeavors.

Wristwatches were becoming more capable of highly accurate timekeeping, as well as being exposed to extremes of temperature and water depth. This was a time of burgeoning scientific progress, and the watch industry was right there too. It was a scientific collaborative effort to explore the Earth’s poles, climb the tallest mountains and advance the exploration of space. Furthermore, to find one in this condition? Not so easy.In 1957/58, a group of about forty countries, including the US, Soviet Union, and most of Europe came together to declare the International Geophysical Year (IGY). While Chronomasters are fairly common, it is much harder to find the higher quality Croton variant. 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. This example is particular is in particular collectable as it is in exceptional condition. While the others used lower grade movements, the American bound watches were powered by the industry-leading column wheel Valjoux 23. Some were branded under the Nivada Grenchen name which was powered by the Valjoux 92, but the Chronomasters that went to the US were branded Croton and this variant is by far the highest quality.

The Chronomaster came in several variants. This is exactly what the current market loves and it is no wonder the Chronomaster is a perennial favourite. It has a large 38mm stainless steel case with bevelled lugs, an aluminium minute/hour bi-directional bezel and of course, large broad arrow hands. With this example, it is all about the aesthetics- a first execution model that features a classically 60s sports chronograph styling. 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.

Quite the mouthful, but talk about tapping into as many demographics as you can! 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.

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