Introduction: A fresh rush of colour and customization
Swiss watchmaker Nivada Grenchen returns with a characterful take on the racing chronograph: the Chronoking Racing Mecaquartz. Building on the brand’s established Chronoking line, this new model pairings bring a bold moodboard of motorsport aesthetics with practical, customizable details. Five colourways, five bezel options, and a suite of strap choices invite owners to tailor the watch to their preferred racing vibe. It’s a move that nods to the sport’s visual language while remaining accessible to enthusiasts who want a watch that looks as fast as it runs.
Foundations: A compact, wearable chronograph with retro charm
The Chronoking Racing measures 38mm across and sits 13.7mm high, a compact profile that wears well on a range of wrists. The case is crafted from 316L stainless steel with a closed solid screw-down case back, a practical choice that keeps the design clean and the internals protected. A double-domed sapphire crystal adds a vintage, retro-chic touch while preserving clarity and durability. The tachymeter bezel is deeply ridged and fixed, anchored to the case to maintain a balanced silhouette reminiscent of classic racing cores.
Movement and reliability: Seiko VK64 Mecaquartz power
At the heart of the Chronoking Racing Mecaquartz is the Seiko VK64 Mecaquartz movement. This hybrid calibre blends quartz precision with mechanical chronograph actuation, delivering reliable timing with the tactile feedback enthusiasts expect from a chronograph pusher setup. The result is a movement that offers generous battery life (around three years) and stable accuracy, typically within ±20 seconds per month in normal conditions. The crown and pushers are designed for daily use, with one asymmetric pusher featuring a splash of colour—an intentional nod to racing flair without complicating the dial’s readability.
Dial variations: Five distinct personalities
Five dial options form the visual core of the Chronoking Racing lineup. Two forged carbon fibre dials deliver a deep, moody look with unique grain patterns, each one distinct due to the nature of carbon fibre. Other dial options include a deep metallic blue, a silvery grey, and a striking sparkly metallic teal green. Each dial uses the tri-compax layout: a 24-hour indicator at 3 o’clock, running seconds at 6 o’clock, and a 60-minute counter at 9 o’clock. Subdial details and chapter ring colours shift subtly across variants, with accents in yellow, orange, blues, greys, and blacks. The overall effect is a modern take on a classic layout, with colour and texture carefully balanced for legibility and personality.
Bezel and customization: Endless color combinations
A standout feature is the chrono’s five interchangeable bezels, each with a matching steel hue and tachymeter scale. The bezels are offered in three glass and two aluminium options and can be swapped to instantly alter the watch’s look—from subtle to bold. This level of customization is unusual in this price tier, allowing enthusiasts to mix and match with different straps to create a new statement without buying a separate watch.
Straps and straps culture: A choice for every mood
Nivada Grenchen supports the Chronoking Racing with a broad strap philosophy. Choices include two stainless steel bracelets (flat link and beads-of-rice styles), a black Tropic-style rubber strap for a retro 1960s vibe, and six leather options ranging from smooth to pebbled and perforated finishes. The result is a watch that can transition from daily office wear to weekend track days, with a tactile sense of heritage and modern reliability.
Pricing, availability and the limited edition
The Chronoking Racing Mecaquartz is set for release on September 25, 2025. The black carbon edition—identified by its carbon fibre dial and multicolour subdial details—will be a limited run of 500 pieces. Pricing starts at CHF 560, representing a compelling entry point for a Swiss chronograph with genuine racing DNA and a robust customization toolkit.
Why this watch matters for watch enthusiasts
For collectors and casual fans of motorsport-inspired timepieces, the Chronoking Racing Mecaquartz hits a sweet spot. It combines practical reliability with a vivid, moodboard-driven aesthetic, and the ability to swap bezels and straps makes it a frequently fresh accessory. In a market where many racing chronographs lean heavily on flash or branding, Nivada Grenchen delivers a balanced package: legible dial layouts, tactile chronograph action, and a design language that feels genuinely influenced by the speed and drama of motorsport.
Bottom line
With five dial variations, a spectrum of bezel colours and strap options, and a reliable Seiko VK64 Mecaquartz movement, the Chronoking Racing Mecaquartz stands out as a versatile, affordable chronograph that wears like a tribute to the world of racing—and invites owners to race their own style.
