On Holden’s list, Absolute Favorites
Nivada Grenchen F77 MK2 Lapis Lazuli
The Nivada Grenchen F77 MK2 Lapis Lazuli (68048A77) is an everyday sports watch from Nivada Grenchen: a 38 mm 316L stainless steel case, 12.2 mm thick and 46.2 mm lug to lug, with an automatic Soprod P024 movement and 100 m water resistance.
Going by its 46.2 mm lug to lug, it should sit within the flat top of a wrist of about 6.3 inches (15.9 cm) or larger.
Research found it at $1,560 list in the US (checked August 2026).
The 1970s Nivada design has a ton of personality, and it's built for enthusiasts. The value gets harder to justify as the configuration I want gets close to $1,500.
Specifications
From the research, with the sources for each group of facts. Unknown means no source confirmed it.
| The watch [1][2][3][4] | |
|---|---|
| Brand | Nivada Grenchen |
| Reference | 68048A77 |
| Category | Everyday / Sport |
| Production | Current (introduced 2026) |
| Case and size [1][5][6][7] | |
| Case diameter | 38 mm |
| Lug to lug | 46.2 mm |
| Thickness | 12.2 mm |
| Lug width | 22 mm |
| Case material | 316L stainless steel |
| Crystal | Double-domed sapphire with anti-reflective coating |
| Water resistance | 10 ATM / 100 m |
| Weight | Unknown |
| Movement [1][5][2][8][9][10] | |
| Movement | Soprod P024, automatic |
| Power reserve | 38 hours (official SPECS F77 MKII SST sheet and the lapis/onyx product pages; also Quill & Pad and Time+Tide); 42 hours… |
| Accuracy | Unknown |
| Bracelet [1][5][2][6] | |
| Bracelet or strap | Unknown |
| Clasp | Stainless steel push-button deployant buckle (official SPECS sheet) |
| Price and warranty (US) [1][2][8][3][4][9] | |
| List price (US) | $1,560 on the integrated steel bracelet (68053A77); $1,360 on canvas velcro or black rubber tropic (68053A77-BC / -DR) |
| Street price (US) | $1,560 bracelet / $1,360 strap — sold at list direct and through authorized dealers (Exquisite Timepieces lists 68053A77 at $1,560, in… (August 2026) |
| Used price (US) | Unknown |
| Warranty | 24 months from shipping, covering movement, hands and dial only |
Will it fit?
A watch wears comfortably when its lugs stay on the flat top of the wrist. Here is the 46.2 mm lug to lug against the flat top estimated for common wrist sizes.
| Wrist | Flat top | Fit |
|---|---|---|
| 6 in 15.2 cm | 47 mm | At the edge |
| 6.5 in 16.5 cm | 51 mm | Comfortable |
| 7 in 17.8 cm | 55 mm | Comfortable |
| 7.5 in 19.1 cm | 59 mm | Comfortable |
| 8 in 20.3 cm | 63 mm | Comfortable |
Check it against your own wrist An estimate, not a guarantee; how the method works is on the tool page.
What the research found
These are the research’s judgments, scored against Holden’s priorities, not his own words.
Strengths
- Authentic 1977 in-house heritage in the integrated-sports genre otherwise dominated by Royal Oak homages — its own identity, which is rare and valuable here
- MK2 refinements are genuine product discipline: slimmer 12.2 mm case, curved drilled lugs, redesigned tapered bracelet, upgraded handset
- Octagonal 8-screw bezel and braided dial are distinctive signatures
- 100 m WR with screw-down crown — real sports capability
Weaknesses
- Integrated bracelet means brand-dependent parts for life — clasp, links, end pieces
- Clasp and micro-adjust details unpublished; a critical checkout unknown for an integrated watch
- MK2 reference list largely unpublished
Research scores, 0 to 10
| Execution and feel in the hand | 8.0 |
|---|---|
| Design identity | 8.5 |
| Value at a realistic price | 7.3 |
| Long-term ownership | 6.5 |
| Movement and engineering | 6.5 |
| Wearability and proportions | 8.0 |
| Versatility and durability | 7.8 |
| Fit with Holden's collection | 6.9 |
Also on Holden’s list
Other everyday / sport watches on his list.
Sources
- F77 SST GREEN AVENTURINE MK2 - 38MM — official product page nivadagrenchenofficial.com · read August 26, 2026
- Official Shopify product feeds for collections f77-mk2 and f77-watches (SKU-level reference and price data) nivadagrenchenofficial.com · read August 26, 2026
- Introducing: Nivada Grenchen F77 MKII Collection — 12 New References watchcollectinglifestyle.com · read August 26, 2026
- Nivada Grenchen F77 Aventurine MK2 38mm 68053A77 — authorized retailer listing exquisitetimepieces.com · read August 26, 2026
- SPECS F77 MKII SST — official specification sheet nivadagrenchenofficial.com · read August 26, 2026
- The Nivada Grenchen F77 MKII: Refining the Integrated Ideal quillandpad.com · read August 26, 2026
- Nivada Grenchen F77 MKII | INTRODUCING timeandtidewatches.com · read August 26, 2026
- Introducing: The Nivada Grenchen F77 MKII with Classic Braided and Stone Dials monochrome-watches.com · read August 26, 2026
- Two Year Warranty — official warranty terms nivadagrenchenofficial.com · read August 26, 2026
- FAQ — official customer service page nivadagrenchenofficial.com · read August 26, 2026
- F77 SST LAPIS LAZULI MK2 - 38MM — official product page nivadagrenchenofficial.com · read August 26, 2026
Personal research, not a source of truth. Spotted an error? Email a correction.