An Essential Item for Pilots

For pilots back then, wristwatches were a lifeline for performing navigation calculations.

It must operate flawlessly under harsh conditions—such as intense vibrations, sudden changes in air pressure, and an extremely cold cockpit—and be operable even while wearing thick gloves.

As a result, Tuchima’s chronograph—featuring large pushers and a crown—became an indispensable piece of equipment for German Air Force pilots. This model can be considered one of the origins of the “Flieger” style that continues to this day.

A Charm That Endures to This Day

After World War II, when Glashütte came under East German rule, the brand temporarily lost its base of operations, but it made a comeback in the 1950s in Gandelsee, West Germany.

Subsequently, Tuchima signed another contract to serve as the official pilot's chronograph for the German Federal Armed Forces.

The designation "Officially Adopted by the West German Air Force" is a testament to its reliability, as it means the product has met strict military standards.

The history of Chuchima has always been intertwined with the front lines of aviation. Today, having returned their base to Glashütte, the company crafts the "Flieger" watch, which carries on the design heritage of yesteryear while incorporating modern technology without reservation.

Case Durability

While many pilot’s watches prioritize design, Chuchima’s watches are engineered to withstand the impacts and friction encountered in real-world operations. Furthermore, the watches feature numerous design elements intended to enhance usability in harsh conditions—such as push buttons integrated into the case to prevent accidental activation.

Uncompromising Visibility

The bold hands and hour markers on the jet-black dial, coated with a powerful luminescent paint, are essential for instantly and accurately determining the time—even during night flights or high-speed maneuvers. The watch features a sapphire crystal with an anti-reflective coating, which prevents sunlight reflections from making it difficult to read the time.

A Unique Commitment to the Internal Movement

Models equipped with in-house calibers feature Glashütte’s traditional 3/4 plate, ensuring high rigidity. Furthermore, measures such as the use of an inner case to enhance anti-magnetic performance have been taken to ensure stable accuracy even inside modern, digitized aircraft.

A store with a deep understanding of the brand's history and structure

Since Chuchima offers not only standard, general-purpose movements but also many models featuring complex mechanisms with proprietary modifications, repairing these watches requires more than just technical skill—it demands meticulous work that respects the brand’s philosophy. This is especially true for chronographs and models equipped with in-house movements, where it is often necessary to source genuine parts and use specialized adjustment tools.

The biggest advantage of having an overhaul done through an authorized dealer

A major advantage is that, through direct collaboration with the manufacturer, you can receive maintenance based on the latest technical standards. Conducting water resistance tests and replacing gaskets and other components that have deteriorated over time are also crucial for maintaining the performance of military watches.

Finding a trustworthy shop that can perform maintenance while respecting the memories you’ve built with your Chuchima over the years is the first step toward continuing to use it.

TS-HORIUCHI aims to be a partner with whom we can build a long-lasting relationship.

Leave it to TS-HORIUCHI in Ueno to help you experience the true charm of Chuchima and find a partner who will be with you for a lifetime.

We are an authorized watch retailer that has been serving watch enthusiasts in Ueno—the "City of Watches"—ever since our founding.

We carefully select and carry authentic brands with historical significance, such as Chuchima.

Our knowledgeable staff is dedicated to providing you with sincere and attentive support in selecting a watch, from explaining its historical background to advising you on overhauls.