Tissot Navigator 45501 Chronograph Vintage watch

SPECIFICATION

POINTS TO MENTION

• In great pre owned condition with signs of wear from use
  
• Movement fully serviced.
• Paired with a black leather strap

Wondering why we have an Omega logo in the crown? At that time, similar to Tudor and Rolex. Tissot and Omega shared parts and knowledge.

Tissot merged with watch company Omega SA in 1930, forming SSIH (Société Suisse pour l'Industrie Horlogère) and Tissot-Omega watches from this era are sought after by collectors.

The Tissot Navigator chronograph has a rather odd dial layout. It is anything but symmetrical. The logo is at the 12 o’clock position, the 12-hour sub-register of the chronograph is at 6. The seconds sub-dial is at 9, but there is no sub-register at 3 o’clock. Instead, we have a nicely-sized date aperture (with a quick set) and the model’s name as well as the calibre designation — Navigator Automatic. The dial’s primary colour is black with white sub-registers and a Tachymeter bezel inside the case. It is a separate ring, not part of the dial. The black and white colours with bright orange chronograph and white hour and minute hands make the watch highly legible.

Although we are talking about a watch from the 70s, the Tissot Navigator chronograph’s case has pleasingly modern proportions: almost 39mm in diameter, and 43mm from lug-to-lug. The round, pump pushers are not too pronounced. Indeed, it is a very comfortable and easy-to-wear watch. Due to the automatic movement, the case is a bit thick, but it’s not too disturbing either

OUR THOUGHTS

Tissot was, and to some degree still is, a prestigious brand in the industry. Its 40s and 50s chronographs are lovely, and when they come up for sale, command big bucks. Equally so, the brand’s 70s chronographs deserve a spot on more vintage watch lovers’ wish lists. For the most part, they are affordable, readily available and no less fun than an Omega from the same era. I think they are sleepers of the vintage market and collectors are slowly waking up to their potential