Tutima Glashütte - History, Models and Owners' Reviews

Tutima, founded in 1927, is a Glashütte-based brand initiated by jurist Dr Ernst Kurtz; it targets enthusiasts of technical watchmaking who value a clear pilot identity, functional legibility, and timepieces rooted in German history.

From Glashütte 1927 to pilots’ chronographs

The brand was born in the UROFA/UFAG context in Glashütte and made its mark in the 1940s with a pilot’s chronograph featuring the famed “Tempostopp” (flyback), a benchmark for aviation; after the war, the company continued in West Germany before returning to Glashütte in the 2000s, celebrating the homecoming with the “Hommage” minute repeater, the first of its kind conceived and manufactured in Germany. At Tutima, the common thread links field-ready timekeeping to complications designed for use, then elevated by high-grade execution.

From M2 to Patria: a coherent, readable, purpose-built range

The current lineup is structured across clearly differentiated families, from professional tool watches to Saxon classicism, all sharing the same focus on legibility and robustness. The decision path is straightforward: first choose the universe (pilot, sport, urban, classic), then the level of expression and complication.

• Tutima M2 — Descendant of the “NATO” chronograph adopted in 1984: hefty cases, crown protection, instrument ethos.
• Tutima Grand Flieger — Classic aviation readout (fluted bezel, bold markers), a cockpit mood wearable every day.
• Tutima Saxon One — Architectural silhouette with angular lugs, a more urban stance; offered in three-hand and chronograph versions.
• Tutima Patria — Elegant three-handers with Saxon finishing and in-house movements; the brand’s sober, timeless side.
• Tutima Tempostopp — Hand-wound flyback chronograph (caliber T659) inspired by the historic UROFA 59; strong heritage anchor.
• Tutima Hommage Minute Repeater — A high-complication piece in very limited series, emblematic of the return to Glashütte.

Professional lineage, return to Glashütte and target audience

The operational DNA appears in the historic service chronograph (ref. 798) for NATO pilots and its modern evolution in the M2 line; in parallel, the brand reinvested in Glashütte, building proprietary calibres (Patria, Tempostopp) while maintaining collections suited for everyday use. The core clientele gathers aviation aficionados, collectors of German independents, and wearers seeking characterful watches that don’t demand delicate handling.

Positioning, pricing and distribution

Tutima occupies the independent German high-end segment; precise price brackets vary by line and materials (not officially disclosed), while distribution blends direct sales with selected retail partners in Europe, the United States and Asia, with regular visibility at major watch fairs. The brand favors measured volumes and close relationships with retailers able to convey its technical roots and Saxon manufacture.

Conclusion

Tutima appeals to those seeking robustness and legibility with unambiguous aviation roots, yet capable of reaching refined complications. For a pure “instrument” feel, choose the Tutima M2; for vintage-inflected pilot style, a Tutima Grand Flieger; for a sharper urban design, the Tutima Saxon One; for classic elegance, the Tutima Patria; for a collectible statement, the Tutima Tempostopp or the Tutima Hommage Minute Repeater. To finalize your choice and compare expectations with real-world ownership, rely on Dialicious customer reviews.

(Updated August 2025)