Watch Lust: Tutima Grand Classic Chronograph UTC

Many of the watches we buy, wear and love today are rooted in or call to a long-standing history of military horology, from faithful recreations of the pieces worn by servicemen to contemporary re-imaginations.  With the watch company Tutima, you have an outstanding example of a company that has not only been active for nearly a century, but also continues to produce timepieces that stay true to the vintage historical aesthetic.  As a result, their products are, in many ways, living artifacts of horology. An excellent and lust-worthy example of one of their current timeless models is the Grand Classic Chronograph UTC.

Case: Stainless Steel
Movement: Valjoux 7754 automatic
Lens: Domed Sapphire
Strap: Steel with deployment clasp (leather optional)
Water Res.: 10 ATM
Diameter: 43mm
Crown: Screw down
Thickness: 15.9mm
Bezel: Bidirectional Coined

Founded in 1926/27, Tutima is a watch brand with a deep and rich tradition of watch making that begins in the infamous city of Glashutte, the birthplace of some of the worlds greatest watch brands and the current location of one of the brand’s workshops. Today, the company’s work reflects a connection to its horological tradition, resulting in truly authentic and beautiful wristwatches.  The Grand Classic Chronograph UTC is an excellent example, featuring a Valjoux 7754 automatic movement, and much of the same styling found in their classic Flieger Chronograph.  The Grand Classic Chronograph dial displays 12-hour and 30-minute sub-dials, a large chrono second hand and an active second sub-dial at nine o’clock. The piece also features a 24-hour second time zone display and a bidirectional rotating bezel with red reference marker.  The case is stainless steel and features a coined bezel and domed sapphire crystal on the front and read of the case.

At approximately $4,000 (depending on the dealer) the Tutima Grand Classic Chronograph UTC is firmly in the watch lust category, but the watch finds itself in this price category for all of the right reasons.  Movement, complication, build material and quality are all there, but it’s the Tutima pedigree and history of their classic pilot chronograph that put this piece over the top.  It’s a sight to be seen and a piece to be desired.  For more information on Tutima and its history, check out their website.  Tutima’s discussion of company history is especially well presented.