From department stores to deep cuts. Croton is one of those brands that makes collectors do a double take. You’ll see the name and think, “Wait — aren’t they on Amazon for $89?”
And yes… they are. But there’s more to the story. A lot more.
Because before Croton became a budget quartz name, they made some seriously cool watches. Especially in the mid-20th century. And if you know where to look, you’ll find
some hidden gems.
Croton was founded in 1878 in Italy but really became known as a New Jersey-based brand after its American relaunch in the 20th century. By the 1940s–60s, Croton was
producing Swiss-made mechanical watches with real quality — often in collaboration with companies like Nivada Grenchen (yes, that Nivada).
In fact, many early Croton watches share cases, dials, or even movements with Nivada models — including diver chronographs and sport pieces that today fetch real
money from vintage collectors.
But like a lot of legacy brands, things shifted. By the '80s and '90s, Croton leaned hard into the department store market — quartz, fashion-forward, big flashy designs.
Some good, some not-so-much.
Here’s where it gets interesting.
Modern Croton pieces? Hit or miss. But vintage? There's real collector meat on the bone.
Because Croton is one of those rare brands where the name doesn’t match the price — in the best way.
You can pick up a 60-year-old Swiss chrono with a proper movement and real heritage… for a fraction of what the same watch would cost if it said “Heuer”
or “Breitling” on the dial.
There’s something satisfying about wearing a watch with real history — and zero hype. That’s Croton in a nutshell.
Today’s Croton lineup is mostly quartz, fashion-forward stuff. Big cases, flashy dials, lots of bang-for-buck energy. Some are fun. Some feel like filler. But hey
— that’s the modern watch market.
If you’re after something affordable and wearable, it’s not the worst place to look. But if you’re a collector? Go vintage. That’s where the brand still shines.
Croton is proof that every brand has layers. You’ll see one at a mall kiosk and roll your eyes — and then a week later, a vintage Chronomaster shows up on my desk and
makes me say, “Damn. That’s actually cool.”
I wouldn’t build an entire collection around Croton. But if you want a vintage piece with Swiss bones and indie energy? It’s worth a look.
Delray Watch is always on the lookout for Croton watches — especially Chronomasters, vintage chronographs, and clean mechanical dress pieces.
If you have a Croton you’re ready to sell or trade – reach out. We’re always buying.
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