Collectible! 1970s Nivada Grenchen Taravana Ref 9.072 Fluted Bezel 17J Automatic (FS)

Make: Nivada Switzerland
Type: Automatic
Model: Grenchen Taravana Series
Year of Production: Circa 1973-1975
Movement: ETA Series
BPH: 21,600
Number of Jewels: 21
Hand and Dial: 3D Baton Indices and Baton Hands
Width: 36.0mm
Lug to Lug Height: 43.5mm
Thickness: 9.5mm
Lug Width: 19mm
Bracelet / Strap: Nivada Signed 2-Tone President Bracelet with Buckle
 Pouch / Box: Brand-New EVA Type Zipper Pouch

Founded in Grenchen, Switzerland, in 1926 (sometimes cited as 1879) by Jacob Schneider. Nivada quickly gained a reputation for reliable and affordable Swiss watches.

During the 1960s–1970s, Japan was one of the largest importers of Swiss watches, but the country also had a booming domestic industry (Seiko, Citizen, Orient).

For Swiss brands like Nivada (especially after the quartz crisis), Japan was a critical export market but also a very difficult one: Japanese buyers wanted value-driven watches, and local distributors often demanded exclusive designs to stand out in an oversaturated market.

Here we have a Nivada Grenchen Taravana 9.072 Fluted Bezel, a watch that has become rare.

Taravana is a Polynesian word describing a form of decompression sickness suffered by traditional free-divers harvesting pearls and shells. Symptoms include dizziness, confusion, paralysis and, in severe cases, death.

Nivada deliberately chose this name because the Taravana collection was marketed as a serious diving range rather than simply another sports watch. The engraved tropical island on the case-back reinforces the Polynesian inspiration.

This beautifully shaped silver case underwent a good clean-up while maintaining its super sexy curves. Most imperfections were removed without compromising the case shape. The original crystal with cyclops eye was polished however, scratches do remain.

The unsigned crown is located at the 3H position and is nicely tucked away yet easily accessible. The crown is a screw-down crown because of its diver pedigree.

The movement was carefully cleaned, and a basic servicing was conducted on the 14 July 2026; hence, it should be able to operate unhindered until the next servicing thereby providing the owner a peace of mind.

Equipped with an ETA movement, it has 21 Jewels and operate at 21,600 BPH. The timing shows approximately 20 seconds deviation daily which is well within the 30 second requirements for by brand new modern automatic watch standards.

The case width and height are approximately 36.0mm (w/o crown) and 43.5mm respectively. The lug width is 19mm and the bracelet can accommodate wrists up to 17.5cm; hence, this watch is suitable for men and the modern women.

The watch is accompanied by its original Nivada Signed 2-Tone President Designed SS Bracelet. It too was given a good clean-up and buff and is now in excellent condition.

To the best of our knowledge and expertise when overhauling the timepiece, the watch is 100% original Nivada components from this particular watch. No parts were replaced with aftermarket parts or modified.

Even though the seals and gaskets are in place, this timepiece has not been water-resistant tested due to its age.

The pictures provided shows the watch in stunning condition and well maintained. It has also been demagnetised to improve parts reliability, minimise wear + tear, and improve accuracy. The only drawback is the lack of documentation and original box. A nice purposeful carrying case or box will be provided instead.

Bear in mind that this watch has seen many of the previous owners’ ups and downs in life and should be cherished and well taken care of for the next generation to savour such engineering beauty.

Yes, there are many other same models in the market, but almost all are not in the same quality condition and is well maintained as what you see here. Hence, it is a no-brainer that this one-of-a-kind watch will make an extremely beautiful birthday present for that special someone!

This is a highly sort-after Collectible Nivada Grenchen Taravana automatic in stunning condition; so, be unique and own a very rare 1970s Nivada Vintage Watch that is almost impossible to source in such fine condition or purchase it for that special someone instead.