Timekeepers have a long tradition in navigational history, from John Harrison’s H4 in the 18th century, to mechanical aviators’ clocks of the early 20th century, they were integral instruments necessary for ships and planes to maintain their correct headings. The Valjoux 555 was a one day flyback chronograph movement found in brands like Sinn, Breguet, Dodane and Mathey-Tissot. This later generation movement was soon replaced by newer battery and electronic clocks.

The present Mathey-Tissot Type 12 is in excellent overall condition and a fine example of these mid-20th century clocks.