Tissot Navigator World Time

This watch has at its heart two driving principles: one, the wanderlust that gripped the world as the Jet Age took hold, and two, the relentless innovative spirit of the man who designed it.

That man was Oscar Waldan, who escaped the horrors of Buchenwald by apprenticing himself to the camp’s watchmaker, Manek. It was Manek who recognized the same curiosity and boundless, adventurous spirit that Waldan would later bring to his work. After the war, Waldan traveled Europe plying his trade, designing pieces for many of the great watchmaking houses before finding himself at Tissot just as the world was opening up.

The 1949 flight of the De Havilland Comet, the world’s first commercial jet airliner, shrank the world more than even the Wright brothers might have thought possible. Prior to then, a transatlantic or transcontinental journey was not one undertaken lightly—it required weeks of planning, and even longer for the execution. But with the emergence of jet travel, a person could break his fast in Rome and sup in New York that very same day.

To capitalize on the growing popularity of these jet-powered flights, watch companies brought out watches that could be used in the air, either by the pilots, airline personnel, or by the passengers. The Rolex GMT is by far the most recognizable of these, with its association to Pan-Am and even astronauts. But this watch, Tissot’s—and Oscar Waldan’s—gift to the Jet Set, is every bit as worthy of interest.

Moreover, it debuted in 1953, a full year before the GMT Master, showing just how ahead of the curve Waldan and Tissot were.

In creating it, Waldan conceived a playful take on a 1930s world time watch designed by Louis Cottier and used by Patek Philippe and Vacheron Constantin. However, Waldan coupled the 24-hour dial layout—including discs for the world’s timezones—with a fixed 12-hour bezel for local time. All of this was enclosed in a 36mm case, here in warm yellow gold.

It’s this choice of precious metal that makes this watch something that we could see on the wrist of a well-dressed jet-setting gentleman—either in the 1950s or today.

Our Pledge

Analog:Shift stands behind the authenticity of our products in perpetuity.

Condition

Since our pieces are vintage or pre-owned, please expect wear & patina from usage and age. Please read each item description and examine all product images.

Warranty

We back each Analog:Shift vintage timepiece with a one-year mechanical warranty from the date of purchase.

International Buyers

Please contact us prior to purchase for additional details on shipping and payment options.

All of our watches include complementary insured shipping within the 50 states.

Most of our products are on hand and will ship directly from our headquarters in New York City. In some cases, watches will be shipped directly from one of our authorized partners.

We generally ship our products via FedEx, fully insured, within 5 business days of purchase. An adult signature is required for receipt of all packages for insurance purposes. Expedited shipping is available at an additional cost. We are also happy to hand deliver your purchase in Manhattan or you may pick it up at our showroom.

Returns must be sent overnight or by priority international delivery, fully insured and paid for by the customer. A restocking fee may apply. Watches must be returned in the same condition as initially shipped.

We welcome international buyers, please contact us prior to purchase for additional details on shipping and payment options.