Updating…
🧊 Vintage NIVADA Antarctic “SPIDER DIAL” – The Other Geophysic Hero ❄️ The rugged explorer that didn’t sit in labs. Born of the same International Geophysical Year as the JLC Geophysic E168 — but built for ice, not ivory towers. This vintage 35mm stainless steel Nivada Antarctic Spider Dial, Ref. 8852M2107, automatic, most likely never opened, all-original incl. its Nivada-signed strap – was made in the 1950s to survive the impossible.
Worn by real explorers, not just scientists. It was the wrist companion of Admiral Richard E. Byrd during Operation Deep Freeze I, when the U.S. Navy carved the first permanent research station into Antarctica’s frozen crust. The Antarctic wasn’t a name — it was a battlefield designation. Nivada didn’t talk romance. They dunked it in icy water, smashed it against polar ice, and it still ticked. Ads promised survival. The watch delivered.
Understated. Underrated. Undeniably badass. This is the expedition watch history nearly forgot — but collectors never will.
Watch is in overall very good condition 8/10, never polished sharp case, running and ready to wear or gift!