A Modern Take on a Vintage Masterpiece: The Tissot Heritage Navigator

Did I need to buy this watch? No! Was it a moment of weakness? Hell yes! Do I regret the purchase? Absolutely NOT! LOOK AT IT! My fellow watch lovers (or soon-to-be watch lovers) let me introduce you to the Tissot Heritage Navigator 160th Anniversary COSC!

I know, I am a little late with this review, but hey! I only got the watch in August 2023 so I gave myself 6 months to truly get an appreciation for this watch! 

History and Significance: The Tissot Heritage Navigator Automatic 160th Anniversary COSC pays homage to Tissot's illustrious 160-year history of watchmaking excellence. Inspired by vintage Tissot timepieces, this special edition celebrates the brand's heritage while incorporating modern features and innovations.

Sizing (including wearability on the wrist): The case diameter is 43mm with a lug to lug of 51.5mm. Yes it is big, flat and long (no no no dirty jokes here!). But on my toothpick wrists (shown below) it looks surprisingly good! It is 9.6mm thick which makes it a perfect candidate to slide under your cuff and look seriously classy! So in my opinion: This size makes it suitable for a variety of wrist sizes, offering a comfortable fit without feeling oversized or cumbersome.

Whether paired with a formal suit or casual attire, the Heritage Navigator exudes versatility, effortlessly transitioning from the boardroom to the weekend getaway. Its timeless design and understated elegance make it a versatile accessory for any occasion, adding a touch of sophistication to any ensemble.

Grade: 7.5/10

Movement: Powered by a COSC-certified automatic movement, the Heritage Navigator ensures exceptional accuracy and reliability. This high-precision movement not only upholds Tissot's reputation for precision timekeeping but also reflects the brand's commitment to quality craftsmanship. The see-through case back with the gold-plated rotor only adds to the sophistication and I have caught myself many a time just flipping the watch over and staring at it. I do understand that this watch is around 10 years old but in today's market folks might be turned off by the 40-hour power reserve. 

Grade: 9/10

Strap: The Heritage Navigator comes with a premium leather strap on a deployant buckle, adding to its vintage charm and sophistication. Crafted with attention to detail, the strap ensures both comfort and durability, making it suitable for daily wear. Additionally, its quick-release mechanism allows for easy customization with alternative straps, further enhancing versatility.

Strap: 9/10

Case and Dial: 

At first glance, the Heritage Navigator exudes sophistication with its refined design elements. The 43mm stainless steel case strikes a perfect balance between classic proportions and contemporary aesthetics. The polished finish accentuates the watch's luxurious appeal, while the intricate detailing on the bezel adds a touch of refinement.

The GMT function allows travelers to track multiple time zones simultaneously, making it an ideal companion for globetrotters and jet-setters. The rotating inner bezel, operated by the crown at 2 o'clock, enables users to adjust the city ring, providing quick and convenient access to different time zones. This feature, coupled with the GMT hand, ensures effortless timekeeping wherever your adventures take you. And I must mention here that it has Mumbai and Calcutta on the city ring! Hook line and sinker! I cannot think of another watch at this price point with that dial layout! 

Grade:10/10

Conclusion: In conclusion, the Tissot Heritage Navigator Automatic 160th Anniversary COSC is more than just a timepiece; it's a symbol of Tissot's enduring legacy and commitment to excellence. With its blend of heritage-inspired design, precision movement, and exceptional comfort, it's a watch that not only tells time but also tells a story—a story of craftsmanship, innovation, and timeless elegance.

Plus I CANNOT stress this enough! My wife said: "It is a different looking watch....".. THAT IS IT!! it is now part of the permanent collection! 

Overall Grade: 35.5/40 

10,000th Review of the Tissot PRX

I have been told my reviews are too long (how dare you)! so here is my attempt to shorten them and become more to the point and succinct! I will be changing the grading business where each category will be out of 10 and a total score out of 40. And yes, this will be 10,000th Tissot PRX review but I wanted to have a crack at reviewing a truly sentimental watch! 

Sizing (including wearability on the wrist):

This integrated bracelet offering from Tissot has a case diameter of 40mm. Lug to lug is difficult to measure with the solid protruding end links. So if you measure out to the fixed links, it is 50mm. After removing the links it wears very nicely on the wrist so much so that the watch even slides perfectly under a business shirt. Forget lug width. It does not have one! but folks are starting to offer straps. Artisan Straps is one of them (PRX Artisan Straps Link). 

Grade: 8/10

Movement: Yes yes yes it has plastic bits. But millions of PRX (I assume) have been bought and worn and I am yet to see/hear a lot of complaints. I have the version with the Powermatic 80 providing 80h of power reserve with a Nicachron balance hairspring. And this ensures a fairly impressive antimagnetic performance. Simply said the feeling of putting it down on a Friday and then picking it back up on Monday for work and it still ticking away is just AWESOME. Accuracy for the 8 months I have had this watch has also been awesome. It is running on average at +2s/day. I also like Tissot's transparency with the replacement cost of the movement on their website. So total cost of ownership is also calculable.

Grade: 9/10

Bracelet: This is the start of the show for me! You may want to put or buy this watch on a strap, but the watch does NOT work the same without the bracelet. With a butterfly clasp, it is the star of the show just the way it shines when the light hits it. And be it indoor lighting or sunlight, it really elevates the watch into the accessible luxury realm. It is also very comfortable to wear and it does not declare war on your arm hair.

Grade: 10/10 

Case and Dial: The colour of the dial is ice blue and it is the same colour as my wife's dad's first car. No wonder this watch is more on her wrist than mine! Need I say more? OK I will give it a shot. The patterned dial adds depth and texture to the dial that elevates this watch to a new stratosphere. Simple hands and a white date dial make this watch truly a great homage to its 1970s predecessor. Simple text makes the dial look uncluttered (take notes Rolex!). To conclude: clean, simple, and classy.

Grade: 9/10

Overall Grade: 36 out of 40. 

What are your alternatives? Christopher Ward, Rolex OysterQuartz, AP Royal Oak, Patek Phillipe Nautilus, Nivada Grenchen F77 OR  Zenith Defy Skyline. And I am sure I am missing a few but none of the alternatives are as accessible and look as luxurious and classy as the Tissot PRX Powermatic 80