The Real Time Show: Geneva Watch Days 2025 — Matthias Stotz, Tutima

Date: September 7, 2025
Hosts: Rob Nudds & David Gaucher
Guest: Matthias Stotz, CEO of Tutima

Episode Overview

This episode, recorded at Geneva Watch Days 2025, features an in-depth conversation with Matthias Stotz, the new CEO of Tutima, a storied German watch brand based in Glashütte. The discussion ranges from Stotz’s watchmaking background and transition from Junghans to Tutima, to the distinctions of German versus Swiss watchmaking, Tutima’s dual identity as both a tool and haute horlogerie brand, and a hands-on showcase of their latest Patria line, the flagship Tempo Stop chronograph, and the exceptional Hommage minute repeater. It’s a deep dive into German watchmaking craft and philosophy, delivered with enthusiasm and expertise.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Matthias Stotz’s Journey to Tutima (00:39–01:37)

• Background: Fourth-generation watchmaker, hands-on passion for the craft, previously led Junghans for 15 years.
  • "I'm a fourth generation of watchmakers... to do them by myself, by my hands." – Matthias Stotz (01:08)
• Transition to Glashütte: Became Tutima CEO in January 2025; excited about leading one of Germany’s “hidden gems.”
• Reflection on Junghans: Instrumental in the brand’s resurgence during their 100th anniversary in 2011.

2. What Makes German Watchmaking Different? (02:12–04:44)

• Historical Context: Glashütte, the core of German watchmaking, suffered post-WWII but rebounded after reunification in 1991.
• Philosophy: Emphasis on highest quality, precision, and technical achievement—often compared with Swiss peers like Patek Philippe.
• Tutima’s Achievement: In 2012, first German wristwatch minute repeater showcased, establishing fine watchmaking credentials.
  • "Tutima was the first brand to show a minute repeater on a wristwatch made by a watch brand in Germany." – Stotz (03:45)
• German vs. Swiss: German style is distinctive—robust engineering, three-quarter plate movements, and rigorous finishing.

3. Tutima’s Dual Identity: Military and Fine Watchmaking (04:44–07:48)

• Balancing Two Worlds:
  • Tool watches like the M2 (military, robust) and high horology pieces like the Patria or Tempo Stop.
  • "Luckily I have two wrists... on one wrist I can wear manufacturing watches... on the other hand side I have the M2, which is really a professional tool watch." – Stotz (05:22)
• Technical Highlights:
  • M2 features: titanium case, sandblasted finish, inner soft-iron “mu-metal” dial for anti-magnetism, protected pushers.
  • Host credit for real antimagnetic innovation: "Moo metal. Finally someone's using it... the only way to really provide magnetic resistance." – Rob Nudds (06:11)
• In-House Expertise:
  • Manufacture movements for fine pieces; own chronograph module atop a Valjoux 7750 base for M2.

4. The Patria Collection: New Launches & Materials (08:01–11:42)

• Patria Novelties:
  • Introduction of grade 5 titanium in the line—polishable, skin-friendly, and modern, with 41mm diameter but comfortable lug-to-lug.
    • "It's very good to polish. It's a very durable, it's skin friendly material and it's popular more and more." – Stotz (08:10)
  • New colorways: graphite gray, silver with honey-brown leather, and black with diamond-cut indices and SuperLuminova.
    • "We have three different colors. So I personally that's my favorite. It's the gray one." – Stotz (09:18)
• Movement Craft:
  • Calibre 617: Features classic Glashütte 3/4 plate, free-sprung Breguet hairspring, in-house lever.
    • “If you look at our products... this nice E magazine shows the view to the watch when we remove this three quarter plate. So that's very beautiful.” – Stotz (10:14)
  • Emphasis on hand finishing, gold chaton settings, long 65–70h power reserve.

5. The Tempo Stop Chronograph: Modern Flyback Heritage (13:14–15:19)

• Heritage:
  • Inspired by WWII-era Tutima chronographs (Cal. 59), re-imagined in 2019 as the Cal. 659 flyback (“Tempo Stop”) model.
• Technical Features:
  • Instantaneous flyback reset, in-house finishing, Breguet hairspring, 43mm case in 18k gold.
    • "It's a Flyback chronograph... So you can start, you can stop, but you also can... directly make a reset and... a new start." – Stotz (13:29)
• Hands-On Impressions:
  • Heavier, more substantial versus titanium Patria models.
    • "There is a clear difference in weight." – David Gaucher (15:02)
  • Noted for its engraved balance cock, “top notch” detail.

6. The Hommage Minute Repeater: A Flagship Masterpiece (15:28–19:13)

• Historical Tribute: An homage to Tutima’s founder (Dr. Kurtz) and the brand’s ethos—"Tutus/tutissima" (safe, protected).
• Features:
  • Outstanding chime developed in collaboration with Fraunhofer Institute for superior sound.
  • Hand-wound movement, 21,600 vph, screw balance; “ratchet spring on the click is incredible.”
• Price & Exclusivity:
  • “How much is this one?”—“So it's a little bit below than 200€000.” (17:27–17:30)
  • Playful moment around handling such a valuable piece.
• Aural Demonstration:
  • Live chiming on air; listeners invited to appreciate slow, clear strike sequence.
    • "If it's a minute repeater, you have to hear the hours, you have to hear exactly the... quarters and of course you need to hear the minutes." – Stotz (17:46)
  • “Beautiful.” – Rob Nudds, after the chimes (18:26)

7. Brand Philosophy and Invitation (19:13–end)

• Finishing and Enjoyment:
  • Every part, especially the movement and finishing, should bring joy and pride to the owner.
    • "It must be a pleasure to look at it... every look on the watch on the backside should be really enjoying you. And if you hear it, exactly the same." – Stotz (18:50)
• Future Plans:
  • New factory expansion to finish in 2026; upcoming 100th anniversary in 2027.
  • Warm invitation for a tour: "Take a closer look to German finest watchmaking at Glashütte at Tutima Glashütte. Thanks." – Stotz (19:49)

Timestamped Notable Quotes

• On German vs. Swiss Watchmaking:

  “Glashutte in Germany is the place to be to do fine watchmaking.”
  — Matthias Stotz (01:57)

• On Military and Haute Horlogerie Lines:

  “Luckily I have two wrists... one for manufacturing watches... the other for the M2, a real professional tool watch.”
  — Matthias Stotz (05:22)

• On True Magnetic Resistance:

  “Moo metal. Finally someone's using it... the only way to really provide magnetic resistance.”
  — Rob Nudds (06:11)

• On the Patria Collection:

  "We have a good combination with this graphite gray dial and sheepskin leather strap which is very soft."
  — Matthias Stotz (08:45)

• On Personal Connection to the Brand:

  “When you like a watch, you just get a feeling. I got a feeling and I now get to hold it outside of the case and it’s even better.”
  — David Gaucher (14:39)

• On the Hommage Minute Repeater:

  “If it’s a minute repeater, you have to hear the hours, you have to hear exactly the... quarters and of course you need to hear the minutes.”
  — Matthias Stotz (17:46)

• On Brand Values:

  "Every look on the watch on the backside should be really enjoying you. And if you hear it, exactly the same."
  — Matthias Stotz (18:50)

Highlighted Moments & Segments

• 00:39–01:37 – Stotz’s personal background and arrival at Tutima
• 02:54–04:44 – German vs Swiss watchmaking philosophy; history of Glashütte
• 05:21–07:48 – Balancing military/tool and fine watchmaking
• 08:01–11:42 – Patria line’s new titanium models and movement details
• 13:14–15:19 – Hands-on with the Tempo Stop flyback chronograph
• 15:28–19:13 – Discussion, demonstration, and philosophy behind the Hommage minute repeater
• 19:40–end – Future of Tutima, expansion, and invitation for a visit

Summary

This episode offers a comprehensive, enthusiastic tour of Tutima’s unique place in German watchmaking—where utilitarian tool watches meet exquisite haute horlogerie. Matthias Stotz impressively articulates the brand’s technical prowess, deep handcraft, and passion for forward-looking innovation, all while honoring Tutima’s rich heritage. For collectors and horology enthusiasts, it’s a compelling look at what makes Glashütte a world capital of time.