Tutima’s New Chronograph is a Celebration of the Flieger Friday Hashtag and a Modern Reinterpretation of a Classic

We’ll be a full four years removed from the first “Speedy Tuesday” Omega Speedmaster Limited Edition once we hit January, and it’s kind of amazing how the internet has changed the watch world just in that short span of time. Of course, forums, websites like ours and a host of others, and the emergence of Instagram were all doing their thing well before that particular watch hit the web, but step back a little bit and think about what we saw unfold in January of 2017: A new limited edition Speedmaster was launched on the strength of the popularity of a particular hashtag (an internet invention that my parents still do not understand) and it sold out almost immediately. This moment, in retrospect, seems like a pretty big deal in the ongoing story of the watch industry coming to terms with the internet. Now, in this post #speedytuesday world, we have a whole bunch of similar hashtags, for which watch fans bring out particular brands, straps, and watches of distinct styles and colors for the sole purpose of being snapped for Instagram. The #fliegerfriday hashtag is one such trend to emerge recently, and puts a spotlight on old school pilot’s watches. Today sees the launch of the “Flieger Friday” Limited Edition chronograph from Tutima, and we have to wonder: will all the hashtags have their day? 

That question will be answered in due time, but for now, let’s focus on the matter at hand, which is a handsome pilot’s watch from a brand we admire in a very limited edition. The watch, inspired by Tutima’s original Flieger Chronograph which bowed in 1941, will be made in an edition of just 25. The original watch is exactly what we have come to think about when we consider the classic flieger – a pure tool in a nickel plated brass case with a prominent fluted rotating bezel. The new Flieger Friday edition has much of the same ripped-from-the-instrument-panel feel, but with all the conveniences of modern manufacturing processes. 

The new watch is actually a pretty solid likeness for the version from the 40s, and has the same 38.5mm diameter. The case is in stainless steel and has been given a non-reflective satin finish, and the rotating bezel retains Tutima’s classic red reference marker for easy timing on fly (excuse the pun) and the signature fluted design. The cathedral hands and typeface of the Arabic numerals have been matched to the original as well. 

Modern enhancements are exactly what you’d expect: a sapphire crystal, 100 meter water resistance rating, and the robust hand wound Valjoux 7760 ticking away inside. The caliber has been decorated with a gold plated bridge featuring some custom Tutima engraving, which naturally is visible through the exhibition caseback. There’s also plenty of Super-LumiNova applied to those large hands and numerals, ensuring legibility in the dark, whether you’re in the cockpit or merely your own living room. 

The Flieger Friday Chronograph Limited-Edition is available right now from Tutima at a price of $3,450, and as we said up top, it’s very limited with only 25 being made. Place an order here.