Tissot 24-hour watches

To start, I am far from knowledgeable about vintage Tissot watches. I just own a couple and have admired them for a number of years. Recently, I became interested in the PR 516 model line. After some patience, and the generous assistance of another OF member, I acquired a PR 516 with a 24-hour dial/movement. This prompted me to do a bit of research.

As it turns out, Tissot has made quite a few different model lines with 24-hour dials/movements. Below is a selection of the ones that I have encountered. They are roughly in chronological order. Also, I have included a few key specifications (e.g. reference number, caliber, case diameter, water resistance).

The first notable line that I came across was the Navigator world-time watches from the 1950s. One could dedicate an entire thread to these watches and, thankfully, @Vitezi has done just that. See it here: https://omegaforums.net/threads/tissot-navigator-dial-variants-first-execution-1951-53.102166/
Also, here is a neat video showing how the watch operates:
Reference: 4002 (steel)
Caliber: 28.5-N21
Diameter: 36 mm
Water resistance: unknown

Source: https://www.ebay.com/itm/1956122057...PQ9tEhEDgVLNn14bdQU9/VaQ==|tkp:Bk9SR46pt9_eYQ


Source: https://www.horare.com/products/1950s-tissot-navigator-worldtime-4002-1


The next model is quite a departure in terms of style and function. Period literature seems to use different names to describe this model. The advert below, from a 1967 issue of Flying magazine, calls the watch the Tissot Navigator. The instruction manual further below refers to the watch as a Seastar T-12.

Reference: 44566 (steel)
Caliber: 788
Diameter: 42 mm (across)
Water resistance: 120 m

Source: https://www.ebay.com/itm/364153953957

Source: http://chronomaddox.com/tissot/manual/tissot_technical_watches/tech_side.html#top


Source: https://www.ebay.com/itm/3546066049...IRPtfjnYcbB2qwPmkDl+iR3A==|tkp:Bk9SR4jouODeYQ

Based on the advert below, this next model was offered at the same time as the Seastar T-12. This model was part of Tissot's PR 516 line. There were at least three variants offered: (1) steel case without bezel, (2) steel case with bezel, and (3) gold-plated case with bezel. Again, a couple of different names were used in period literature to refer to these watches: PR-516 24-hour dial, and PR 516 Navigator.

Case number: 44574 (steel without bezel), 44624 (steel or gold-plated with bezel)
Caliber: 798
Diameter: 36 mm (across)
Water resistance: 100 m

Source: https://omegaforums.net/threads/vintage-tissot-resources.88078/

Source: https://omegaforums.net/threads/vintage-tissot-resources.88078/#post-1139412


Source: https://www.catawiki.com/en/l/93449...ar-pr-516-24h-watch-men-s-watch-1970s#gallery

Source: https://www.vintagewatch.ca/5792-tissot-vintage-navigator-24-hour-gmt-bezel-c1969/

The last model I will include is another T-12. The catalog below refers this model as a Super T12 Navigator. It seem that these were offered with a variety of internal bezels (e.g. one with cities/time zones, one with 24-hour markings).

Reference: 44596 (steel)
Caliber: 788
Diameter: 44 mm
Water resistance: 200 m

Source: http://chronomaddox.com/tissot/catalog/T-12/t-12_catalog.html

Source: https://www.ebay.com/itm/2847171840...ThNwarEsNon/AkmQPwTN4lHQ==|tkp:Bk9SR6bhrebeYQ

Source: https://www.ebay.com/itm/2847171840...ThNwarEsNon/AkmQPwTN4lHQ==|tkp:Bk9SR6bhrebeYQ

Please feel free to correct any errors or add information.

I love the Navigator series. The vintage ones are a bit out of my price range but I used to own the 36mm reedition from the 90s. I probably would have kept it but mine was gold plated which I didnt like that much… I have yet to find a classic steel one at a decent price.
There is also a 42mm modern version which in my eyes has lost its charm due to the size.

I quite like the 1950s Navigators, as well. I have not looked into the re-editions, but it does seem like the vintage ones are relatively expensive now.

Here is a table that summarizes some key information.

These are cool. I've got a few different vintage tissot models on my watch list, the T-12 in particular. I saw a blue dialed on pop up on Reddit a few weeks ago and I regret not grabbing it when I had the chance.

And the vintage chronos have some really designs as well.

The T-12 name seems to have been used on many different models and across multiple decades. I am partial to the earlier designs from the 1950s, but all have a certain appeal. I agree, there are lots of great chronographs, and the prices seem reasonable.

Here's the one I wish I'd grabbed:

Nice! A neat variant in blue and silver. Thanks for posting it here.