Tissot Seastar Navigator, Ghosted Bezel, 1970s (Ref. 40522)

In the grand theatre of 1970s watchmaking, few pieces captured the decade's adventurous spirit quite like the Tissot Seastar Navigator. Born from an era when chronographs meant business and design dared to be bold, this reference 40522 represents something increasingly rare: a proper tool watch that happens to be achingly cool.

The Navigator emerged during Tissot's golden period, when the Swiss manufacturer was fearlessly experimenting with colours, case shapes, and complications that would define an entire generation of sports watches. At 40mm, this was considered genuinely oversized for its era—a statement piece that anticipated modern tastes by decades. What seemed ambitious then feels perfectly proportioned today.

The magic begins with that ghosted bezel. Unlike the artificial ageing applied to modern pieces, this patina developed naturally over five decades of honest wear. The fade creates subtle gradients that shift with the light—an authentic character that no factory can replicate. Each ghosted bezel tells its own story, and this example's journey from stark black to mysterious grey speaks of adventures we can only imagine.

At the heart of this Navigator beats the legendary Valjoux 7734—one of the most beloved chronograph movements ever produced. Enthusiasts affectionately call it "the tractor" of chronographs: utterly robust and reliable, built to last generations rather than impress with complexity. The manual-winding ritual connects you directly to the mechanism, whilst the distinctive "bump" when starting the chronograph reminds you that this is proper vintage machinery.

The dial showcases everything that made 1970s design special. Those vibrant orange chronograph hands weren't chosen for subtlety—they were meant to be seen, used, and celebrated. The silver sunburst surface creates depth and drama, whilst the twin sub-dials at 3 and 9 o'clock maintain perfect visual balance. It's a functional sculpture that also tells a great story.

These Seastar Navigators have become increasingly sought-after among collectors. What makes them special isn't just their rarity, but their position in horological history. They represent the moment when Swiss watchmaking embraced colour, character, and bold design—creating timepieces that were unafraid to stand out.

For those seeking vintage chronograph character without stratospheric prices, the Navigator offers something genuinely compelling. It's a watch that works equally well timing your morning run or adding period-correct style to evening wear. The kind of piece that starts conversations and rewards closer inspection.

This isn't just another vintage find—it's a slice of 1970s optimism wrapped around one of horology's most dependable movements. In an era of increasingly homogenised design, the Seastar Navigator reminds us that watches can be both serious tools and expressions of personality.

The 1970s may be long gone, but this Navigator carries their spirit forward. It's a watch built for adventures yet to come, wearing its five decades with the confidence that only genuine vintage character can provide.