Tutima M2 Pioneer Chronograph Velvet Black (6451-02)

The Pioneer is the M2 with a bezel added. The M2 itself is the current form of the NATO chronograph Tutima developed in 1984 for the German armed forces, built to a specification that demanded legibility and reliability at fifteen thousand metres and indifference to shock, vibration and acceleration up to seven g in any direction. The Swiss Lémania 5100 that answered it went out of production long ago, so Caliber Tutima 521 runs in its place, forty-eight hours from full wind, driving a centre sweep minute counter, a twelve hour counter on its own scale, small seconds, a twenty-four hour display and the date.

The case is solid pearlblasted titanium, 46.5mm across and 16mm deep, pressure tested to thirty atmospheres, with a soft iron inner case that binds magnetic fields before they reach the movement and pushers set into the flank with a non-slip surface. What separates the Pioneer is the bezel, which turns in either direction and carries fourteen luminescent capsules so a set interval stays readable in complete darkness. Velvet black dial beneath anti-reflective sapphire, screwed crown, screwed back. On a Kevlar strap with titanium clasp.