I bought this watch because of the "Nivarox" reference, which I understand was the swiss version of Elinvar. Can anyone tell me who made it, and when?

Hello Steve, Nivarox make hairsprings and mainsprings which is now owned by Swatch. Also a Company "Far" make escapements owned by Swatch and they both make about 80% - 90% of hairsprings, mainsprings and escapements for all swiss watch movements.
Cooksey

Thanks Cooksey. I think that must mean it's a really good watch! How does that compare to Elinvar?

Steve G.

Not all Nivarox is created equal. I belive I've heard of three grades of the stuff and it affects the cost and quality of the watch.

Elinvar Extra (Hamilton's proprietary hairspring steel) is probably still considered the best although its manufacturing process has been lost along the way.

I suppose it must depend on the quality of the alloy. That is interesting. Thanks!

Even when Hamilton was still making their proprietary Elinvar Extra for railroad watches, they used the best for their 950b watch and a lesser testing version for their 992b. From what I can tell, both might have come out of the same batch of steel. It was as much art as science. May be the same with Nivarox.