Tutima M2 Coastline

THE TUTIMA M2 COASTLINE FEATURES A HIGHLY LEGIBLE DIAL, A TITANIUM CASE AND THE SELF-WINDING CALIBRE T.330 MOVEMENT. DESIGNED AS A ROBUST TIMEPIECE FOR FANS OF YACHTING, THE WATCH ALSO MAKES MUCH SENSE FOR LAND-BASED WEARERS.

This detailed review of the Tutima M2 Coastline includes images, specification details and pricing.

Founded in 1927, Tutima will forever be associated with aviation and, in particular, pilot’s watches. The German company makes the hardy NATO chronograph as well as ‘the official service watch of the German army’s pilots’. As such, the company has an unimpeachable legitimacy in the field of pilot’s watches.

Tutima is based in the German watchmaking enclave of Glashütte. Its repertoire is not restricted solely to utilitarian timepieces, but extends to über high-end watches, including an incredible minute repeater.

The German firm also enjoys close ties with the sport of sailing, sponsoring the Tutima racing yacht. The Tutima M2 Coastline has been conceived with adverse sea conditions in mind. However, as I will go on to explain, this modestly priced watch is also perfectly suited to a life on terra firma.

The dial

The dial of the Tutima M2 Coastline shuns the starkness of black. It is described as ‘graphite grey’ and exhibits a reserved character. The surface of the dial is embellished with a subtle sunray motif. In contrast, the luminescent hour and minute hands are bold and broad. It is the muted nature of the dial epidermis which accentuates the prominence of the hands, ensuring the wearer cannot fail to interpret the prevailing time. 

A vibrant red central seconds hand circumscribes the dial with lucid aplomb. At 3 o’clock, two apertures reveal the day and date. Ordinarily, horological etiquette would dictate that the colour of the day and date discs should match the dial shade. However, in this instance, the crisp hue of the discs augments read-off, vindicating Tutima’s decision to set aside convention.

Tutima has chosen to denote the hours with a combination of plump batons on the dial plane and  bold numerals depicted on the inner flange. The latter numerals employ a modern font, reinforcing the contemporary character of the watch.

The case

Measuring 43mm in diameter, the Tutima M2 Coastline is not a diminutive shrinking violet. Conversely, it is not cumbersome. The linked bracelet nuzzles the watch head, which in turn, eschews elongated lugs. This aspect of the design ensures the watch proves very wearable.

Surprisingly, despite its modest price, the watch head and bracelet are made of titanium. Normally, this lightweight material is the preserve of costlier watches. Titanium is hypoallergenic, making it suitable for those wearers with sensitive skin. In addition, titanium is corrosion resistant, proving ideal for use in saltwater.

Tutima has given much consideration to the frenetic pace of competitive yachting. The case of the Tutima M2 Coastline forgoes corners or edges and the crown nestles unobtrusively within the caseband. By adopting this approach, the risk of the watch snagging on clothing is mitigated.

This timepiece is water resistant to 30 bar (300 metres). The sapphire crystal features anti-reflective coating on its inner surface, once again, heightening readability.

The solid titanium bracelet includes a folding clasp and exhibits an impressive hewn from granite solidity.

The movement

The Tutima M2 Coastline is endowed with a self-winding movement, the Calibre T330. The movement contains 25 jewels and the power reserve is stated as 38 hours when fully wound. Tutima has not specified the frequency of the balance and, other than stating the movement has a ‘rotor with gold seal’ and ‘polished screws’, it has chosen to remain tight-lipped about any other details.

The NATO flag adorns the solid caseback. As the Tutima M2 Coastline is fitted with a solid caseback, it is not possible to appraise the movement finishing.

Closing remarks

The M2 Coastline upholds Tutima’s reputation for crafting quality timepieces. The watch does not purport to be the last word in fine watchmaking, its accessible pricing precludes this (€1590). Nevertheless, the Tutima M2 Coastline excels in many areas. The dial is a paragon of readability. By employing the subtle shade of ‘graphite grey’, the indications come to the fore, explaining its impressive lucidity. Furthermore, beyond this functional attribute, the dial is, to my mind, very handsome.

The design and scale of the case make the watch very wearable. Moreover, the fact that the case and bracelet are made of titanium is amazing. Titanium is more challenging to machine than stainless steel, necessitating frequent replacement of cutting tools. Usually, this aspect is reflected in the price of a watch, making the affordability of the Tutima M2 Coastline even more impressive.

Once again, Tutima has demonstrated its ability to compete with larger brands. Its watchmaking prowess is palpable, a fact which is underscored with the superb Tutima M2 Coastline.

Further reading

https://tutima.com/

Technical specifications

• Model: Tutima M2 Coastline


• Reference: 6150-04


• Case: Titanium; diameter 43mm; height 12.9mm; water resistance 30ATM (300 metres); sapphire crystal to the front and solid caseback


• Functions: Hours; minutes; central sweep seconds; day; date


• Movement: Calibre T330; self-winding movement; 25 jewels; power reserve 38 hours


• Strap: Solid titanium bracelet with folding clasp


• Price: €1590 (German suggested retail price as at 12.2.2019)