Tutima M2 Seven Seas in signal orange and yellow

Tutima M2 Seven Seas in signal orange and yellow Watch Review (2021)

The Tutima M2 Seven Seas is now available in signal orange and yellow. Once again, the brand synonymous with making utilitarian watches has shown it can deliver not just practicality but a high quotient of style.

Pilots’ Chronograph Tutima (1941)

In 1941, Tutima released the Two-Button Pilots’ Chronograph ‘Tutima’. Fitted with poire-squelette hour and minute hands, two registers and a fluted bezel, this watch was intended for professional use. Its composition could be described as utilitarian, prioritising functionality over aesthetics. However, the design codes of the 1941 reference went on to strongly influence the appearance of today’s Grand Classic Chronograph. In my opinion, this latter watch remains functional, delivering day-to-day practicality, but it is also very handsome.

Tutima Military Chronograph ref. 798 official pilots’ watch of NATO

Throughout its history, Tutima has made a number of watches suitable for professional use. For example, in 1984, the Tutima Military Chronograph ref. 798, equipped with a Lemania 5100, was voted the official pilots’ watch of NATO. The integrated chronograph pushers could be operated with gloved hands but did not protrude, mitigating the risk of the pushers snagging clothes.

Having been rigorously tested by the German armed forces procurement team, this reference was shown to be ultra-reliable, notably robust and highly legible. Needless to say, many civilians were attracted to these timepieces and even now there remains a strong following for the ref. 798 among collectors of military watches. Today, the brand offers the M2, a watch that shares a similar appearance to ref. 798, but is endowed with the Cal. Tutima 521.

Tutima M2 Seven Seas

With a proven track record for producing watches for use on land and in the air, it was perhaps inevitable that the company from Glashütte would seek to master the seas. The Tutima M2 Seven Seas, with its very legible dial, features a titanium case, an extra-thick über-strong sapphire crystal and a unidirectional bezel. Moreover, it has a maximum water resistance of 500m. Despite the specification of this timepiece probably meeting the needs of many professional divers, I suspect the majority of sales will be to so-called ‘desk divers’.

Desk divers

This latter phrase has become part of the horological vernacular. It refers to the large group of watch buyers who select a divers’ watch with little intention of using their chosen timepiece in anger. This may sound disparaging, suggesting these subaquatic wannabes are pretending to be something they are not. However, this market segment is of huge commercial significance to watch brands.

A divers’ watch proves a sensible ownership proposition even if you are likely to spend most of your life on terra firma. Indeed, these watches are highly legible, robust and not afraid of getting their hair wet. Based on its many attributes, a divers’ watch makes much sense.

Tutima M2 Seven Seas in signal orange and yellow – additional references

Now, the German marque has released the Tutima M2 Seven Seas in two additional references, signal orange and yellow. The watches incorporate virtually all of the same specification details as the existing versions, save for their dial colours and matching kevlar straps.

Where the other models encompass sombre black or blue colourways, the new versions of the M2 Seven Seas feature eye-popping shades of signal orange and yellow. Beyond the main epidermis of the dial, each colour suffuses the flange, encircling the display, as well as the stitching adorning the kevlar strap.

These latest models perpetuate Tutima’s reputation for making practical, robust watches while embracing vibrant hues that promise sunny cheer all year round.

Tutima M2 Seven Seas in signal orange and yellow – brand’s press release