Tutima Seven Seas S Watch Review (2022)
The Tutima Seven Seas S is housed in a generously proportioned 44mm case. Its robust construction, legible indications, 500m water resistance and automatic movement make the watch a very practical ownership proposition. Moreover, with its unusual and eye-catching colour scheme, the timepiece simply brims with style.
From being a utilitarian product to becoming an object of desire
In 1947, the initial prototype of the ‘Land Rover’ was built by the Rover Company. The concept was described as an ‘all-purpose vehicle along the lines of the Willys – Overland post-war jeep’. It featured a centrally-positioned steering wheel, making it suitable for all markets. The construction comprised of a steel box-section chassis dressed in an aluminium body. This inaugural model unveiled at the Amsterdam Motor Show in 1948, was initially only offered in light green. Powered by a 1595 cc, 50 BHP four-cylinder engine, the ‘Series 1’ model was produced at the firm’s Solihull facility.
The car proved popular with the British Army, farmers and intrepid explorers alike. Over the years, the Land Rover evolved, becoming more powerful. Moreover, it was soon offered in various body configurations. The Land Rover has always been prized for its practicality and its capacity to go anywhere. It was intended to be simple and utilitarian, eschewing luxurious niceties. However, fast-forward to the present day and the stand-alone car marque now encompasses numerous models, all endowed with impressive go-anywhere ability, but now packed with technological refinements and infused with a notable degree of luxury. In little more than 70 years, Land Rover has transitioned from a paragon of robustness to an object of aspirational desire.
Tutima seit 1927
I was reminded of the Land Rover during a recent spell wearing the Tutima Seven Seas S. Tutima was founded in 1927. During the 1930s it produced rectangular-shaped dress watches, executed in an Art Deco style. However, the brand became better known during the 1940s for producing the ‘Two-button Pilot’s Chronograph’. This watch was intended for military use where legibility, precision, reliability and robustness were the order of the day. Like the Land Rover of 1948, beauty was set aside in favour of practicality.
Moving on, in 1984, the Tutima Military Chronograph Ref. 798 was voted the official watch of NATO. While some horophiles may talk about the aesthetic charms of this model, it was, first and foremost, intended to be functional. Again, fast forward to the present day and, like Land Rover, Tutima has produced a robust product, brimming with aesthetic charm.
Tutima Seven Seas S – dial
The dial of my press sample is described by the German marque as ‘red dégradé’. Personally, I would describe the central area of the dial as raspberry-toned, while near the edge of the display it transforms into a brooding shade of black. The name of the model suggests the Tutima Seven Seas S is intended for subaquatic use, however, there is no hint of divers’ orange to be seen. In my opinion, the distinctive colour scheme of the Seven Seas S transforms the model into a handsome creation befitting any occasion.
The baton-style hands interact with baton-style indexes. Both the hands and the indexes are liberally coated with Super-LumiNova. The central sweep seconds hand is supremely slender but eminently legible. A ‘luminescent lollipop’ augments the readability of the seconds hand, while crisp white markings reside between the indexes. During the time I wore the watch, I found the indications highly legible.
A date aperture is located at the base of the dial. It features slim black numerals atop a white disc. Ordinarily, purists express a preference for the date disc matching the dial hue, however, in this instance, I think the white date disc seems most appropriate as it confers a tasteful contrast with the main dial.
Two rows of text, positioned above said date aperture, declare the watch is ‘automatic’ and has a maximum water resistance of ’50 ATM’, a figure that should fulfil the requirements of most wearers.
Tutima Seven Seas S – case
Measuring 44 mm in diameter, the Tutima Seven Seas S is no shrinking violet, albeit when it was affixed to my wrist, I didn’t find it cumbersome. The design of the watch head and the integrated bracelet afford a comfortable fit. This is primarily because the bracelet is predisposed to project downwards, perpendicular to the watch head, ergonomically enveloping the wearer’s wrist.
The crown nestles between the stout shoulders of a crown protector. The unidirectional bezel features a count-up scale, employing black Arabic numerals every 10 minutes with neat markings in between. The absence of a coloured insert may irritate some die-hard divers, however, I like the monochromatic look of the bezel. Indeed, the visual restraint of the bezel makes it a fitting accompaniment to formal attire. A triangular index is positioned at noon, while the sides of the bezel are scalloped, facilitating adjustment.
Tutima makes affordable, quality watches. To this end, it would seem reasonable to expect the case execution to be a tad perfunctory, however, this is not the case (no pun intended). The bevelled edge of the bezel is highly polished. Likewise, the caseband and the vertical sides of the bracelet are, again, highly polished to a gleaming conclusion. The remaining surfaces of the bezel, case and bracelet are presented in a lightly brushed finish. Combining two finishes heightens production costs, hence to see this level of refinement on a watch costing £1620 (RRP as of 10.1.2022) is very impressive.
Appraising the case and bracelet between the forefinger and thumb reveals an extraordinary degree of ‘baby-soft’ smoothness throughout, save for the bracelet clasp. Where the brand’s name has been applied to the clasp, the resultant surface did feel a little rough. Nevertheless, this is a minor gripe and it did little to diminish my temporary ownership experience.
Consistent with divers’ watch tradition, the Tutima Seven Seas S is fitted with a solid caseback. In this instance, the caseback features a depiction of a galleon in relief.
Tutima Seven Seas S – Cal. Tutima 330
The Cal. Tutima 330 is hidden from view, hence I was unable to appraise its execution/finishing. Tutima state the movement features a ‘rotor with gold seal’ and ‘polished screws’. The movement incorporates 25 jewels and, assuming it’s fully wound, will run autonomously for 38 hours.
Tutima Seven Seas S – closing thoughts
Over the years, Tutima has kindly loaned me a number of watches for ‘hands-on’ evaluation. As a result, I have discovered various recurring traits. Firstly, each watch conveyed information lucidly, free of any ambiguity. Secondly, appraising the composition of each watch with a loupe and an outstretched index finger, the quality/price ratio has always been incredibly impressive. So far, so Tutima. However, with its distinctive design colour, refined finishing and suitability for all occasions, this model is decidedly different from the company’s historical pilots’ watches.
Similar to the Land Rover, the Tutima Seven Seas S will undoubtedly engage with new market segments, repositioning the brand from a utilitarian object to a luxury product. By rethinking what Land Rover means to the public, the luxury carmaker now engages with many well-heeled motorists. Likewise, perhaps Tutima should consider repeating this latest phase in its history and produce more watches along a similar vein to the Seven Seas S.
Further reading
Technical specifications
- Model: Tutima Seven Seas S
- Reference: 6155-08
- Case: Stainless steel; diameter 44 mm; height 13 mm; water resistance 50 ATM (500 m); sapphire crystal to the front and solid case back.
- Functions: Hours, minutes; central sweep seconds; date
- Movement: Cal. Tutima 330; self-winding movement; 25 jewels; power reserve 38 hours
- Strap: Stainless steel bracelet with folding clasp
- Price: £1620 (RRP as of 10.1.2022)