The Handsome Tutima Patria Small Second In Blue & Gold

When thinking about Tutima, a rather “instrumental” image appears in your mind of the classic German pilot’s watch or of modern, rugged adventure watches – or even a strong diving chronograph, like the one we took underwater here. Yet, there’s more to Tutima than just these watches. In fact, there are some pretty impressive models with true “German School of Watchmaking” credentials, a collection of handsome watches known as the Patria. Available with a chronograph movement, a power reserve indication or a classic small seconds, all powered by manufacture engines, the small seconds comes back this year in a luxurious and handsome colour combination with the new blue & gold Tutima Patria Small Second.

First released in gold with a white dial adorned with Arabic numerals – a very “Glashütte” style – the Tutima Patria Small Second was quite a surprise. Obviously, you can expect this kind of watch from the large brands in the region, but with its usual pilot’s or diver’s orientation, this wasn’t the watch we expected from Tutima. Yet, the result was impressive, with an elegant design and a beautiful movement. This watch later came in a more accessible, more restrained, slightly modernised version with a steel case and a cold blue enamel dial. Again, a very pleasant surprise.

And now, there’s a new, luxurious edition to complement the collection. Still relying on the classic specifications of the model, the new Tutima Patria Small Second sees its 43mm case now made of 18k rose gold with a fully polished surface. Surely, we would have preferred a slightly smaller case, but as we’ve experienced with the steel version, the proportions are still controlled with short lugs. The case retains its lateral guards, giving it a bit more personality, and is framed by sapphire crystals and offers 50m water-resistance.

This new gold Tutima Patria, however, sticks to the elegant, sleek blue dial of the steel version. The glossy surface, which is a pleasure to look at, is obtained by a cold enamel process and is fitted with solid gold hands and applied markers. The seconds sub-counter is large and makes for a very balanced display. Altogether, it’s sleek and minimalist and very Germanic indeed – but with warmth.

The pièce de résistance is the manufacture movement, a typical Glashütte-like hand-wound calibre. Immediately recognisable as a movement from the Saxon region, this large 31.6mm movement features a three-quarter plate and 20 jewels, three of which are held by screw-mounted gold chatons. The finishing is attractive, with pink gold plating, anglage and Glashütte stripes. The balance wheel is screwed with weighted screws and 4 regulating screws. Its hairspring has a Breguet overcoil. Held in place under an openwork cock, it ticks at 21,600 vibrations per hour. When fully wound, the power reserve is of 65 hours.

The new Tutima Patria Small Second Blue & Gold is worn on a matching blue alligator strap and is available under the reference 6600-03. The price is approximately EUR 21,700. For more details, please visit tutima.com.