February 11 2026

The Rebirth Of Niton: A New Chapter Begins With The Prima

MRSTATELESS Uncategorized 2026, Chimes, Jumping Hours, Limited Edition, Platinum, Rose Gold 0

The name Niton returns to contemporary watchmaking with the introduction of the Niton Prima, a limited-production timepiece built around a newly developed shaped manufacture movement. Produced in two precious metal versions and limited to 19 pieces per variant, the Prima marks the revival of a Geneva-based brand originally founded in 1919.

A Brief Historical Background

Niton was established in Geneva in 1919 by Auguste Jeannet alongside Alfred Bourquin and Edouard Morel, both formerly associated with Vacheron & Constantin. During the interwar years, the company developed a strong reputation for ultra-thin and shaped calibers, supplying movements to respected maisons and high-end jewelers.

Throughout the 1920s and 1930s, Niton movements were used by names such as Patek Philippe, Cartier, Chopard, Van Cleef & Arpels, and Gübelin. The manufacture actively participated in chronometry competitions and submitted numerous calibers for Geneva Seal certification. In 1928, the brand registered a jump-hour display, highlighting its technical focus on unconventional time indications.

Economic pressures in the late 1930s led to the transfer of production rights to Ébauches S.A. in 1938. After several ownership transitions and a merger in the 20th century, the brand gradually disappeared from the market. Today, Niton has been reactivated by Yvan Ketterer in collaboration with Leopoldo Celi, both experienced figures within the watch industry.

The Niton Prima and the NHS01 Manufacture Movement

At the center of the Niton Prima is the newly developed NHS01 caliber, a shaped mechanical movement specifically designed to follow the geometry of the case. This approach directly references the brand’s historical expertise in shaped calibers while aligning with contemporary interest in non-round watch architecture.

The NHS01 operates at a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour, equivalent to 4 Hz, and delivers a power reserve of approximately 72 hours. Its construction features sweeping, curved bridges decorated with striped finishing, creating a visual identity that differs from traditional straight-edged Genevan layouts. The architecture emphasizes flowing lines and structural cohesion with the case design rather than classical symmetry.

Niton has indicated that the Prima is intended to pursue both COSC chronometer certification and compliance with Geneva Seal standards, reinforcing the technical ambitions behind the movement.

A Vertically Structured “Totem” Display

The Niton Prima adopts a vertically aligned time display that the brand describes as a “Totem” layout. At 12 o’clock, the watch features a jumping hour aperture. Beneath it sits a central rotating minute display indicated by a blued hand, while the running seconds are positioned in the lower section of the dial. All time indications are arranged along the central axis, creating a clear visual hierarchy.

These elements are set against a textured, grain-finished main dial and are visible through a sapphire aperture integrated into the upper surface of the case. The layered construction enhances the architectural character of the watch while maintaining legibility.

Integrated Complications and Functional Features

Beyond its shaped manufacture movement, the Niton Prima incorporates two technically notable mechanisms.

The first is a striking jump hour. Each time the hour changes, a hammer strikes a hand-soldered copper gong, producing an audible signal synchronized with the instant jump of the hour disc. This mechanism marks the transition from one hour to the next rather than chiming the time on demand.

The second feature is a zero-reset mechanism designed to improve time-setting precision. When the crown is pulled out, the seconds hand immediately resets to zero and the mechanism advances to the next full minute before halting. This allows the wearer to synchronize the watch accurately without manually aligning the seconds.

Case Construction and Dimensions

The Niton Prima is available in either 18K rose gold or 950 platinum, with production limited to 19 pieces in each metal as a reference to the brand’s founding year of 1919.

The case measures 27 mm in width and 42 mm from lug to lug, with an overall thickness of 7.90 mm. Despite housing a shaped manufacture caliber and integrated complications, the profile remains relatively slim. Water resistance is rated at 3 ATM.

The upper surface of the case is vertically brushed, providing a restrained backdrop for the central display. This brushed finish transitions into rounded, fully polished sides that soften the case geometry. The combination of finishes highlights the watch’s contours while maintaining a refined appearance suitable for precious metals.

Dial and Design Details

The dial composition focuses on the vertical stacking of indications. Applied markers with rounded forms and blued components create contrast against the textured base. The typography remains restrained, emphasizing clarity and structural balance rather than decorative excess.

Rather than replicating a specific historical reference, the design reinterprets key elements from the brand’s early years—particularly shaped architecture and jumping hours—within a contemporary framework.

Availability and Pricing

The Niton Prima is available through direct inquiry with the brand. Pricing is set at CHF 44,750 for the rose gold version and CHF 47,750 for the platinum model, both excluding VAT. Orders require a deposit upon confirmation, and production is strictly limited to 19 examples per material.