Tissot Navigator
Manufacturer : Tissot
Reference : Navigator 4002-1
Year : 1952
Case : Steel
Caliber : 28.5-N21 bumper automatic movement
Dial : No lume
Size : approx 36mm
Condition : Excellent
Historically significant, exceptionally rare, and innovative, the Tissot Navigator holds a special place in horological history as the first automatic, mass-produced World Time wristwatch. The first generation, produced from 1951 to 1953, marked a milestone for both Tissot and the world of timekeeping.
The Tissot Navigator was based on Louis Cottier’s world time design from the 1930s and modified for Tissot by the designer Oscar Waldan. This particular example is powered by the Caliber 28.5-N21 bumper automatic movement, a mechanism specially crafted for the Navigator. The central city disk, featuring one location per time zone, rotates once every 24 hours, with the time indicated against a fixed 24-hour scale. A push button allows the city disk to be uncoupled, making it easy to set local time without affecting the world time function.The watch also features a 12-hour local time display on the bezel, with the minute track placed along the outer edge of the dial for clear legibility.
We are proud to present this steel example, exceptionally well-preserved for over 70 years. It retains all the key characteristics of the early Navigators, with both its aesthetic and mechanical aspects in outstanding condition. As first-series Navigators become harder to find, this piece stands out as a true collector's item.
Produced in 1952, this particular reference 4002-1 remains in remarkable shape. The no-lume dial is flawless, and the movement functions perfectly, making it one of the finest specimens of this model available.