Stowa Flieger 40

The Stowa Flieger 40 represents pilot watches in their most classic possible form. The components of these classic pilot watches in a 40 mm case are as rare as time itself: blued steel hands, sapphire crystal, Superluminova luminescent material, and, of course, a Swiss Sellita movement with decoration. The dial is without a logo and without a date display.

Stowa Flieger – Authentic Tradition since the 1940s

Among aviation watch enthusiasts, the Stowa brand holds a unique position. It is one of the few that still produces its Flieger model in almost unchanged form, as it was in the original pieces from the 1940s. At that time, it was a tool, not a fashion accessory – the watches were intended for Luftwaffe navigators who needed an exceptionally legible dial, precise synchronization, and robust construction.

The design was not an end in itself: the large case diameter facilitated legibility, the matte black dial contrasted with prominent luminescent numerals and hands, and the onion-shaped crown allowed for easy operation even with gloves. Every element had a practical purpose, from the precise minute scale to the absence of decorative details.

Thanks to this functional aesthetic, Stowa's Flieger has maintained its reputation as one of the most authentic pilot watches on the market – and even after more than eighty years, it remains true to its original mission: to offer maximum clarity and reliability in every situation.

The current Stowa Flieger offering includes classic Type A and Type B versions, various case sizes, and the option to choose between a manual or automatic movement. Customers can also choose variants with or without a date, a sapphire case back, or a solid historical case back. What remains unchanged, however, is the emphasis on original design and authentic execution, which Stowa offers with a unique combination of German watchmaking tradition and contemporary quality.

It is certainly interesting that Stowa still manufactures its Fliegers directly in Germany – including cases and assembly – and uses components exclusively from German or Swiss partners. Unlike many brands that have moved part of their production to Asia, Stowa can thus guarantee not only the authenticity of the design but also the origin and quality of workmanship.

If you are looking for a true piece of history on your wrist, not just a modern reinterpretation, the Stowa Flieger is one of the best choices. Unlike many other brands, Stowa doesn't just draw inspiration – it is one of the original manufacturers from the 1940s, and therefore can offer an authenticity that is hard to find elsewhere.

Technical details:

Case: steel (matte), 40 mm in size. Lug-to-lug 48.6 mm. Case height: 10.2 mm.
Dial: black (without date and logo). Heat-blued hands.

Glass: sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating
Water resistance: 50 m
Movement: Swiss, mechanical, Sellita SW200 (top grade) with automatic winding and hand-decorated rotor.
Strap: brown leather strap, 20 mm width, pin buckle.

About the brand

The STOWA brand is one of the most significant representatives of German watchmaking, with its roots dating back to 1927, when Walter Storz founded it in the Black Forest. The name STOWA was formed by combining the first letters of the founder's surname and first name – "STO" and "WA" – and soon became a symbol of precise watchmaking craftsmanship. As early as the 1930s, the brand made a name for itself with elegant models inspired by the then-modern Bauhaus style, from which the later famous Antea series also emerged.

The 1940s marked a breakthrough period when STOWA began producing the legendary aviator watches – the so-called Flieger. These large and highly legible timepieces were intended for pilots and became one of the pillars of the brand's history. Along with several other manufacturers, STOWA was among the five companies that supplied original pilot watches for the German Air Force. The Flieger remains an icon to this day, and the brand continues this tradition with modern reissues that retain the original character and aesthetics.

After the war, STOWA continued to produce functional and elegant watches, including marine chronometers, which inspired today's Marine series. A new chapter began in the 1990s when watchmaker Jörg Schauer took over the brand. Under his leadership, STOWA successfully returned to the scene and began to produce not only pilot models again but also timeless classics like Antea, Partitio, and Marine, which today combine historical roots with modern technology and precise craftsmanship.

Vandaag, STOWA is seen as a brand that maintains authenticity and respect for tradition, while appealing to mechanical watch enthusiasts worldwide. It combines history, timeless design, and German precision, which is why it remains synonymous with quality watchmaking craftsmanship even after almost a hundred years.

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