Tufina is a popular brand that specializes in crafting handmade mechanical and automatic watches. As a family-owned company with a long-standing history in the industry, it has gained a significant following among watch enthusiasts. Many people are drawn to Tufina’s remarkable heritage and its watches’ exceptional craftsmanship and emotional value. In this article, we will delve into everything you need to know about Tufina and how it stacks up against other brands in the Australian market.
Brief Company History
- In 1828 Ismail Tufina became famous for constructing clock towers, including the Clock Tower of Tirana in Albania.
- The Tufina family had established their reputation as a family of skilled watchmakers who all had a strong entrepreneurial spirit.
- Tufina has a deep-rooted history in the German horology industry, serving as the leading representative brand in the Balkans for renowned German names like Junghans from 1900 to 1944, as well as prominent Swiss brands such as Longines and Eberhard.
- Bahri Tufina opened one of the first watch factories in the Balkan in the mid-1950s.
- Due to high persecution in communist Albania, some Tufina family members escaped to Munich, Germany, where they re-established their watchmaking business.
- In 1999, Enis Tufina introduced two new German watch lines, Theorema and Pionier, and obtained patents from the German government five years later.
- Nowadays, Tufina has gained global recognition as a provider of hand-assembled mechanical and automatic watches for men and women.
Tufina Watches Overview
High-quality, hand-assembled movements
The company is proud to assemble each watch by hand and test them rigorously to meet the highest standards set by Germany. Tufina offers a range of movements, including tourbillons, mechanical and automatic variants. Their watches feature different vibrations per hour (VPH) that range from 21,600 to 28,800. Additionally, the watch models contain 17 to 35 rubies jewels and have real diamonds or Swarovski crystals on their dials. Tufina does not mass-produce, therefore every watch receives careful attention to detail.
Innovative and attractive designs
Tufina is known for introducing new and creative watch models regularly, providing a broad selection of designs that cater to different tastes. Their collection includes dress watches and skeleton watches, appealing to a diverse audience. Unlike other watch brands that follow trends or copy existing designs, Tufina’s watches stand out for their uniqueness and originality. Although they may take inspiration from other watches, they have a distinctive style that sets them apart from competitors. Choosing a Tufina watch means owning an exclusive and one-of-a-kind timepiece.
Materials
Tufina watches are made of stainless steel. Compared to ‘normal’ steel, this material is not affected by moisture or perspiration, which makes it an ideal choice for watch manufacturers. To assure this Tufina uses 5-micron plated cases, the highest quality of layers. Moreover, skin irritations are extremely rare with stainless steel watches. Tufina takes it up a notch, using 316L stainless steel, which has a higher purity level.
Watch Glass
All watches from Tufina are equipped with a sapphire-coated lens, which is guaranteed to remain clear and scratch-free even after frequent use. Considering their reasonable prices, this was a nice surprise, as not many brands actually make an effort to implement high-end materials even in their affordable pieces. Then, if you take a look at Tufina’s most expensive timepieces, they use sapphire crystals! Take for example their three real tourbillons (Geneva, Basel, and Zurich), all topped with a sapphire crystal lens. You really can’t get any better in terms of lens quality and durability.
Water resistance
A good quality watch will have the right water resistance suited to its purpose. In the case of Tufina, their timepieces are made for extravagance, style, business and casual wear. Therefore, they come with either a 3 ATM or 5 ATM water resistance which is ideal for everyday use. You don’t need to worry about your watch holding up when it’s raining or when you’re washing your hands, as these timepieces are built to easily withstand water splashes. However, you really won’t find any diver watches in their collections, so don’t expect to go swimming with a Tufina watch.
Watch strap
Tufina’s leather bands are made of real cow genuine leather. They often implement designs of crocodile patterns or fish skin patterns, which I think is a nice touch. The leather may feel a bit rigid at first but it quickly moulds to the shape of your wrist after bending it once or twice. It is thick but not heavy, not taking away from the comfort of these lightweight watches. The bands fit well with the case and the seams are symmetrical and quite narrow. The attention to detail makes them feel more expensive than they really are. As for the bracelets, they are again made of 316L stainless steel. They don’t tug on any hair and won’t irritate your skin either. The shiny and sleek look is also a plus.
Finishing
Now, I’m very picky about the finishing. In my opinion, it is what makes high-end watches stand out from cheaper ones. The finishing on Tufina’s timepieces is superb. You won’t find any bumps, sharp edges or uneven angles. The polished surfaces reflect the light easily creating an elegant look and feel to the watch. You can really tell that an equal amount of attention is paid to the making of each timepiece.
Heritage
Last, but not least, Tufina is a watch brand with a rich history. And although there are plenty of decent brands that may have just started their journey, it’s nice to know that your watch carries some sort of history within. In the case of Tufina, their watches are the product of a life-long watchmaking tradition that has surpassed many hardships and difficulties. Made with techniques passed down in generations, their timepieces get an A+ in craftsmanship. Also, in case something is wrong with your purchase, their warranty delivers that additional peace of mind.
Price and Value
This brand is known for providing affordable options to watch enthusiasts, especially when compared to other brands like Seiko. Their timepieces are priced competitively and offer great value for money, with most of them being priced under $500. Additionally, many of their popular models are available at even lower prices.
A perfect example of this is the Buenos Aires watch, which is reasonably priced but still offers excellent features such as a water resistance rating of 3 ATM, sapphire crystal coating, and an in-house mechanical movement with 18 jewels. It’s quite rare to find a watch with such high-quality craftsmanship at such a low price point of under $350. Unlike some brands which have already increased their prices for entry-level watches, Tufina has remained consistent in its pricing strategy.
Remember that with proper care, a Tufina watch can be cherished in your collection for a lifetime! Regular maintenance every 5 to 7 years is recommended for maintaining the watch’s internal components, preserving its resale value, and ensuring its long-lasting performance.
Buy A Tufina Luxury Watch
You can easily purchase a Tufina watch on one of their official websites:
Tufina’s Official Theorema Collection Website
Tufina’s Official Pionier Collection Website
