STOWA

STOWA makes German pilot and marine watches. The brand was founded in 1927. It is based in Pforzheim, Germany. The name STOWA comes from the founder’s name, Storz, Walter. STOWA was among the few permitted to build original pilot watches. The company still focuses on aviation and sea inspired pieces.

Pilot watches

Pilot watches were once vital navigation tools on board aircraft. STOWA built original models with the Fl 23883 engraving and clear, high legibility. The classic 1940 design followed Baumuster A. Around 1942 the Baumuster B dial was developed with an outer minute track and inner hour circle. Historic STOWA pilot watches used the Unitas caliber 2812. Today some models use the Unitas 6498. Dials carry a luminous triangle with two dots for night reading. Thermally blued steel hands with lume also aid night-time use. STOWA reissued Baumuster A in 1997, added B in 2010, and a pilot chronograph in 2012. The 55 mm Baumuster B STOWA pilot watch is extremely rare, with likely only 42 made. The Flieger Original is a faithful replica of a historic pilot watch with manufacture central seconds.

• Flieger Original
• Flieger Classic Sunray blue and green
• Flieger Verus Black Forest Foxfire
• Flieger Verus Black Forest WRC
• Verus Black Forest Blue Lagoon

Partnerships and special editions

STOWA partners with the FIA World Rally Championship as Official Time Keeper and Watch Partner. The Verus Black Forest WRC reflects this theme. The brand introduced the Chrono WRC Stage 1 automatic chronograph. STOWA launched a pilot’s watch in gold, silver and bronze for the Paris Olympics. It also worked with ABT Sportsline on the Chrono ABT 24h, limited to 50 pieces. Since July 1, 2021, STOWA has operated under the umbrella of Tempus Arte.

History

STOWA was founded in 1927 by Walter Storz in Hornberg. The company moved to Pforzheim in 1935. In 1938 STOWA built its own building on Bismarckstraße 54 in Pforzheim. In 1945 that building was destroyed, and production relocated to Rheinfelden. Pilot watches were indispensable navigation instruments on board aircraft. Since 1997 STOWA has been building its pilot’s watch again in varied designs.

Service and visits

STOWA’s workshop is staffed by highly trained watchmakers with decades of experience. You can book watch services online. STOWA offers repair service for models built after 1996. It cannot refurbish or repair watches built before 1996. Factory visits in Pforzheim are possible by appointment, and include a museum visit.

Pilots and aviation fans like STOWA for its clear, purpose driven pilot watch design and long history. The mix of historic details, modern options, and practical services suits everyday wear and collecting.