In 1941, Glashütte-based Tutima began producing a beautiful high-precision fly-back chronograph for the German air force. The Soviet military took note of this watch -- as did countless Soviet soldiers who clamored to steal them from any German pilots unfortunate enough to get shot down behind Soviet lines. At the end of the war, the factory ended up in the Soviet zone – AKA East Germany. Within days of the occupation, all still-existing stocks of timepieces at Glashuette, together with the production lines, inventoried parts and testing equipment, were seized as war reparations and shipped to Moscow.
Starting in 1947 the First Moscow Watch Factory produced Tutima-Urofa chronographs using original parts taken from Glashutte, but with a FMWF-signed dial and a Russian made case. The caliber designation was Type-59. By 1949 the captured German machines were operational and a small number of Type-59 Tutima-Urofa chronographs were being produced with parts made entirely in Moscow
The Classic Flieger Chronograph 1941, being the only Tutima model that has a manual wind, is the one that interests me most. I also like a watch with history, and this does not disappoint. Fortunately, the young chap that took care of us was absolutely full of information about the watch, including the movement, history and manufacturing. Unfortunately, my memory is so bad, I have to rely a little on the beautiful little catalogue I received. This watch is a beautiful and accurate replica of the one given to airmen during the Second World War. Here is a link to the Tutima website, which gives a much better idea of the history:
http://tutima.com/en/classic.php?osC...5ed7a3c19906a6I am very impressed with the finish of this watch. The brushed stainless is flawless over the entire case, including sides, back and lugs. The coin bezel is polished. There is a beautiful thick leather water resistant strap, as good quality as I have seen, and it suits the watch beautifully.
