My previous post to this community asked for input on the idea of selling my Tudor BB36 Blue Smiley and Omega Aqua Terra 36mm Silver Dial First Gen for a 36mm Rolex Explorer. I got some really helpful feedback and ultimately decided I’d keep most of what I have (Tudor and Omega included). I did however decide to sell one of my less expensive black dial watches, an Archimede Outdoor Protect 39mm, and pick this up.

This watch cost a bit more than the servicing of a Rolex. I may still be in the honeymoon period with this Nivada, having purchased it just a few weeks ago, but I feel like it has more than sufficiently scratched my 3.6.9 dial itch.

Nivada Grenchen has a storied past and while I know that this watch’s artificially expedited UV light based “tropical” aging process is divisive, what results is a truly warm, rich and inviting dial. At the end of day, I see this as a colorway that I just connect with - a chocolatey to deep maroon brown depending on the lighting with warm patina indices.

I’ve been wearing it nonstop since it arrived. It’s comfortable at 38mm for my 17.5cm wrist, it’s running at +5/spd and every time I look at the dial, it makes me happy. I’ve found the “explorer watch” my collection. At least for now…

What do you think of this time piece? Would it satiate your explorer watch desires?