Just like their «ordinary» T-Navigator, the 2011 Tissot T-Navigator Automatic Chronograph (ref. T062.427.11.057.00) had great potential to become a gorgeous “aviator” if not that hideous PVD-treated bezel with its “compass” scale that is as crude as it is completely unnecessary both functionally and aesthetically.
On the other hand, the new chronograph looks somewhat better than the simple three-hander.
Thanks to so many white elements on its busy dial, the black and white bezel isn’t so overcrowded and even makes the watch look more like an instrument from a real cockpit.
Even though a simple 12-hour second time-zone scale would probably have done a much better job here, I have a strong hunch that some of my readers may feel different (I mean, they -and probably you personally- spent at least half a minute of their life to google it,) so I probably have to stop whining about the damned bezel and get down to the business of actually reviewing the chronograph.
The T-Navigator Automatic Chronograph is still offered in a relatively oversized case of 43 millimeters: not too much by modern standards although its thickness of close to 16 millimeters coupled with the massive stainless steel bracelet may make the timekeeper not particularly comfortable to wear with certain kinds of dress. Also, tipping the scales at more than half a pound (246 grams, to be more precise,) you may find this gadget a bit too heavy if your idea of a well-spent evening doesn’t include 60 minutes of the heavy lifting in a gym.
From the point of view of usability, I don’t see any serious flaw here: the crown is easy to operate and the chronograph push-pieces are comfortable and actually pleasant to use. Readability, too, won’t cause you any issues if you are used to the concept of a chronograph watch.
Like the new Tissot Seastar 1000 automatic diver, the T-Navigator chronograph sports the new self-winding ETA caliber C01.211: a relatively new mechanism that will gradually replace the more expensive ETA 7750 and the less reliable combination of ETA 2824 + Chronograph module for relatively affordable wristwatches manufactured by the Swatch Group.
Although the caliber has some plastic parts in its structure that may potentially decrease its long-term durability, I didn’t hear about any problems with reliability. In fact, some pretty popular movements, like the now-discontinued Lemania 5100 caliber and earlier versions of the ETA 7750 movement, had plastic parts in them and were considered robust and reliable for the price.
Well, time will tell.
This T-Navigator has an official water resistance rating of 100 meters. While not mind-blowing, it is more than adequate for a pilot’s watch, and you can actually swim in it, although taking it for a dive (like in a sea, not in a bombing run) would not be a good idea.
According to Tissot, the new timekeeper will arrive either on an impressive-looking, massive stainless steel bracelet or on a rubber strap and will retail at a pretty much affordable price of $1095 to $1150 USD.
See also: Revue Thommen Airspeed XLarge Chronograph
Photos: Tissot
Tissot T-Navigator automatic chronograph T062.427.11.057.00 specification
Price: $1095 – $1150
Movement: Automatic, ETA caliber C01.211, 15 jewels, 28,800 vph, 30 mm in diameter, Swiss Made
Movement decoration: Winding rotor customized, stylized as a turbine blade
Functions: Hours, minutes seconds, date, chronograph
Power reserve: 45 hours
Case: Stainless steel
Bezel: Stainless steel, black PVD
Shape: Round
Size: 43.00 mm
Dial: Black
Numerals: Arabic
Hands: White
Water resistance: 100 meters
Strap: Black rubber strap or Stainless steel bracelet
Crystal: Sapphire
Back: Transparent