Nivada Grenchen Antarctic 35mm AutomaticvsVario 1918 Medic Brass

The Nivada Grenchen Antarctic 35mm Automatic is lauded for its authentic vintage proportions, slim 7mm case profile, and elegant, understated design, with reviewers highlighting its charm, versatility, and friendly price. Owners and reviewers praise its comfortable 35mm size and long lugs for good wrist presence, manual-wind Landeron 21 movement, and applied indices. Some owners note an odd transition between the fully high-polished case and the dull outer links of the Beads of Rice bracelet. Water resistance is limited to 50 meters due to the push-pull crown, and lume is not particularly strong, with one reviewer finding the beige lume on a white dial a slight mismatch. The 36-hour power reserve is also noted. Overall, owners and reviewers rate the Nivada Grenchen Antarctic 35mm Automatic highly for its faithful vintage recreation and value at its price point.

Owners widely praise the Vario 1918 Medic Brass for its crisp enamel dial, easy-to-read numerals, and cathedral hands, noting the brass case develops an attractive patina over time. However, the soft brass scratches easily, and one owner found the lume to be poor. Accuracy varies, with one example running slow by about 10 seconds per day and another owner deeming the Miyota 82s5 movement just okay. On balance, owners rate the Vario 1918 Medic Brass highly for its unique dial and the evolving character of its brass case.