Introduction
Commissioned by the West German Luftwaffe in 1982 and adopted by NATO in 1984, the Tutima Military Chronograph ref. 798 is widely regarded as the last mechanical pilot's watch built for actual operational use. Featuring a 43mm stainless steel tonneau-shaped case with a matte finish it is deliberately unglamorous, with integrated chronograph pushers sized for gloved hands and a black no-frills imformation-dense dial that reads as an extension of cockpit instrumentation. Powered by the automatic Lemania cal. 5100, its dial boasts a chronograph with orange hands, and a day and date aperture at 3 o’clock. Large, robust, and in-charge, this is what a genuine effort to create a modern pilot’s watch look like.
Loupe This Scorecard
Grade
M 8.5
Status
Vetted & Approved
Included
Watch Only
Est. value range
$2,000 – $3,000
The Details
Brand
Tutima
Dimensions
43mm
Model
Military Chronograph
Movement
Manual-wind
Reference
798
Bracelet
Leather
Year
Circa 1980s
Condition
Excellent
Material
Stainless steel
Included
Watch only
Dial Color
Black
THE DIAL
Featuring an information-dense display, the ref. 798's black display contains bright orange accents for its chronograph function and a day and date display at 3 o'clock, along with plenty of lume throughout.
THE CONSTRUCTION
A large watch given its use case, the ref. 798 boasts a robust 43mm stainless steel case that is decidedly utilitarian as per its smooth domed bezel and no-frills barrel shape.
TIMING MACHINE READOUT
This reading was taken (crown down) with a ONEOF Accuracy Boutique Edition timing machine at time of cataloging. It is provided as a courtesy only, and shall not be construed as a warranty or guarantee of any kind. Please refer to our terms and conditions of sale for more information.
Condition
Watch is in overall excellent condition. The steel case shows light surface scratches and small nicks to the case sides. The pushers display some scratches and small nicks. The case back retains well-defined engravings and shows a couple of light marks. The dial is near mint, with some discoloration visible in the lume of the hands. The orange hands remain vibrant, with a small nick to the paint on the orange hour totaliser hand. The crystal shows a number of surface scratches. It is fitted with a brown leather strap and a steel pin buckle.
Our Perspective
An iconic and influential pilot's watch that perfectly met the German Air Force's requirements, the ref. 798 is the epitome of German efficiency and horological might.
Justin Gruenberg
Co-founder
