by Martin Green
I have always had a passion for the Dutch beach, most likely because I grew up relatively close to it. Unlike many, I prefer going to the beach in the autumn and winter in addition to the warmer seasons because these times tend to be much quieter, with the elements harsher and more prominently presenting themselves.
In the winter you can really see and enjoy both the beauty of mother nature and her raw power. When I go to the beach, I don’t park my car near it, but take the time to enjoy walking to it. That is both good exercise and allows me to enjoy the changing landscape as I approach.
Today’s hike to the beach is a little over nine kilometers long, starting in a forest filled with deciduous trees. As the majority of leaves have fallen at this time of year, every step is cushioned. The weather is relatively mild with a watery sun shining through the clouds every now and then. I appreciate this because rain and wind are moving in rapidly.
Tutima M2 Coastline Chronograph on the wrist
My companion for this hike is the Tutima M2 Coastline Chronograph, a formidable watch with genuine military pedigree as my colleague Bhanu Chopra explains in Tutima M2 Coastline Pilot’s Watch: A Chronograph Ready For Everything, From Office To Beach.
I am impressed by its details.
This starts with the dial, which features a beautiful blue tone with a matte finish. However, the subdials have a slight gloss to them, which makes them simultaneously stand out and blend in. A clever detail, but not the only one. Except close to the dial’s center, where Tutima applied the same blue color used on the dial as a witness to the designers’ considerable ye for detail. The hands are otherwise coated with Super-LumiNova for optimum legibility.
Please note that while the dial looks dark gray in some of my photos due to the lighting, it’s actually a pleasing blue.
Tutima M2 Coastline Chronograph in rough terrain
On my walk, it doesn’t take long for a coniferous trees to replace the deciduous ones, leaving openings for spectacular vistas as I walk up and down the hills becoming sandier and sandier as I get closer to the beach.
It can be quite a strenuous walk, but the M2 Coastline Chronograph proves its worth. Tutima is counted among the pioneers in the use of titanium, and that shows. The case profile is sleek and well finished, enabling it to sit very comfortably on the wrist despite its generous diameter of 43 mm. It doesn’t slip and slide on my wrist as I climb to the tops of the first dunes. This says a lot for the case design.
Tutima M2 Coastline Chronograph on the wrist
Tutima’s M2 Coastline Chronograph is powered by Caliber 310, a movement based on the ETA Valjoux 7750, known for the characteristic telltale “wobble” of its rotor, which winds the watch unidirectionally – allowing it to spin freely in the other direction. However, in the Coastline, that telltale wobble is imperceptible.
The ETA Valjoux 7750 is my favorite automatic chronograph movement and I freely admit to being biased.
Clouds moving in
As I get closer to the sea, dark clouds begin to move in. Trees are almost absent, so nothing is breaking the wind that is picking up. While I may be out of my element, the Tutima M2 Coastline Chronograph seems to be right in it.
Tutima M2 Coastline Chronograph
While originally designed as a timepiece for NATO aviators, the M2 Coastline Chronograph is a formidable watch for anyone in the field. Even while wearing gloves the sleek, expansive chronograph pushers are easy to use.
The screw-down crown is integrated between protective embankments, contributing significantly to the wearing comfort. While the M2 Coastline Chronograph is quite thick, measuring 15.8 mm in height, its sleek profile allows it to easily slip under my coat sleeve and gloves.
I am surrounded by grass and sand as I approach the last dunes marking the separation of land and beach. For the Netherlands, these dunes have significance, highlighting the country’s continuing battle with the sea, protecting the land behind it, and creating a unique natural habitat. The flora and fauna in this region are quite special.
Tutima M2 Coastline Chronograph on the wrist
Rabbits and deer are abundant. Predators including foxes and various birds of prey also roam the area. I encounter very few people during my hike, presumably because of the weather.
The storm unleashes
As I enter the deserted beach, the storm unleashes. Winds pick up as the cold raindrops attack me like little arrows. Sand flares up, looking for all the world like mist moving over the beach. The waves violently attack the shore, apparently foaming white in anger.
Back of the Tutima M2 Coastline Chronograph
Taking my gloves off for a final few photos, my fingers freeze nearly instantly. Now it is time to throw the Tutima to the elements. I am particularly curious how the rubber-and-leather strap holds up as I place the watch in the sand, right in the path of the incoming waves.
Normally I would not consider ordering the M2 Coastline Chronograph on a strap, as I much prefer bracelets, however this watch has changed my mind. The buckle looks bulky but gets the job done very well and has excellent wearing comfort. It has turned me into a strap fan.
Tutima M2 Coastline Chronograph
With a water resistance of 200 meters I am not worried about the watch itself, but I am a bit worried as I see that part of the leather is changing color as it submerges in the saltwater; this watch is a loaner. But this is also what it is designed for: to be a loyal companion, providing the time when facing the elements.
Tutima M2 Coastline Chronograph on the beach
I try to take as many pictures as possible, but then it is time to hike back and find calmer ground behind the dunes, which have protected the Dutch coastal region for centuries. Reassuringly, as the strap dries it returns to its original color. And it does the same at home after I wash the watch with fresh water to rinse away the remaining sand and salt.
Tutima M2 Coastline Chronograph on the coastline
After a warm shower and in clean dry clothes and with a hot cup of tea in my hands, I realize that while the Tutima M2 Coastline Chronograph is no longer a NATO-issued watch, it hasn’t lost any of its rugged appeal.
It is a robust and reliable watch offering more wearing comfort than I expected, making it also perfect for civilians who are quite demanding about their timepieces. While I would still order my M2 Coastline Chronograph on a bracelet, I think I would get the strap as well as it is genuinely too good to pass up.
For more information, please visit www.tutima.com/watch/m2-coastline-chronograph.
Quick Facts Tutima M2 Coastline Chronograph
Case: 43 x 15.8 mm, brushed titanium
Movement: automatic Caliber 310 (based on ETA Valjoux 7750), 4 Hz/28,800 vph frequency, 48-hour power reserve
Functions: hours, minutes, small seconds; date, chronograph
Water resistance: 200 meters
Price: €2,900/$3,300 on strap; €3,100/$3,700 on titanium bracelet
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Tutima M2 Coastline Pilot’s Watch: A Chronograph Ready For Everything, From Office To Beach
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Thanks for this! I have been looking at it since announced but couldn’t find much online. I do love this watch but I wish it was a bit less expensive.
Glad to be of service, Taylor John. Regarding the price, it is not a watch that comes cheap, but in my opinion, it is very much worth its money. The finish is at a high level, and the wearing comfort second to none.
This wonderful piece led to my purchase. It’s everything you say: sleek, comfortable, and altogether a really pleasurable watch to wear. Many thanks.