The new Tissot Heritage Navigator Chrono Auto 1973 is set to get the heart and wheels racing
The new 2020 watch release Tissot Heritage Navigator Chrono Auto 1973 is a barrel-shaped chronograph beauty that follows the overnight success of the first generation of the namesake limited edition series that released in partnership with Kessel Classics vintage car racing team last year.
When it comes to combining the vibe of yesteryears with racing aesthetics, Tissot has hit the nail on the head with this chronograph release.
The Context
To achieve this sports elegance meets neo-vintage design language, Tissot brought back from its archives the Navigator Chronographe, a 1973 model that first established the brand’s roots in motor-racing.
The barrel-shape of the steel case and the panda-dial look is what the 1973 model became famous for. It is this look that has been brought back to life here, but with a subtle change that brings the dial face to life: the addition of colour blue on the minute totalizer of the chronograph at 3’o clock.
The Variations
These non-limited editions — a welcome change from last year’s run — come in three variations, with our favourite being the white panda-dial version.
Variation 1: Features black counters against a white dial — panda effect — surrounded by a black dial edge.
The blue of the minute totalizer along with the orange hands and the black outer ring bring a great deal of colour play to this version and helps it to stand out in the series.
It is most visually striking of Tissot’s latest watch releases featuring a very distinctive and charming vintage -retro appeal.
Variation 2: Features white counters against a black dial — reverse panda — with a black dial edge.
Variation 3: Features white counters against a blue dial — reverse panda — and a coordinating blue dial edge.
The Movement of the Heritage Navigator Chrono Auto 1973
The heart used — calibre Valjoux A05.H31 — is a self-winding mechanical movement with an engraved oscillating weight admired through the mineral glass case back and beating at the frequency of 4Hz (28’800 A/h).
The movement is encased inside a 43mm diameter and 14.80mm thick burnished and satin-finished steel case. It boasts of a decent 60-hour power reserve and is water resistant to 100m (10 ATM).
The Dial
The watch face shows the traditional functions of hours, minutes and seconds along with a date window at 4.30 and chronograph with 30-minute and 12-hour sub-dials. It is covered by a vintage glass box type sapphire crystal.
The case shape and dial combine to create the magic for this watch.
The vintage charm is further added by the mushroom-shaped notched pushers at 10 and 4’o clock — typical of the 1960s and 1970s — that resonate well with the design of the barrel-shaped case. The black or blue dial edge gradated with a tachymetric scale of up to 500 km/h again adds to this retro appeal.
To complete this vintage look, the watch comes on a black, brown or cognac calfskin strap with white, racing-style overstitching featured on triple-blade folding steel clasps with safety pushers.
Watch Ya Gonna Do About It?
The new 2020 watch release Tissot Heritage Navigator Chrono Auto 1973 is a true re-edition of vintage sports watch that is cool and sexy.
That execution of the white panda dial with blues and oranges is not only classic but sporty-chic to the max.
Another added touch is the racing-type strap — invented by Tissot in 1965 and recognisable with its large perforations — that resonates well with the overall look.
The detail on the minute totalizer of the chronograph is a great added touch. The section between 0 and 5 minutes is coloured blue, in contrast with the rest of the counter and this play on colour between the totalizers, dial and dial edge brings a distinctive visual identity to the watch.
Racing is all about speed and accuracy. Any chronograph watch, especially a race-inspired one, is only worth its money if it offers great legibility. In this department, the new Heritage Navigator Chrono Auto 1973 works like an ace.
The watch face, owing to its panda look especially in the white dial option, offers great legibility.
The hour and minute baton hands are coated with Super-LumiNova® and so are the hour markers. The orange second and chronograph hands further aide the dial readability and contrast well against the B/W theme.
Given that the watches are not limited edition, they are something that Tissot fans, or even people who love retro inspired race watches, can check out at their own pace and see if this is the right option for them.
Go on, strap it on your wrist and let the race begin.
For more information on this watch and other Tissot watches, head to their website here.
