Stowa
ActiveOverview
Stowa is a German watchmaker founded in 1927, specializing in pilot's, marine, and Bauhaus-inspired wristwatches. It occupies a niche in the luxury watch market with historical designs updated for modern use, employing Sellita, ETA, and modified movements. The brand maintains small-scale production in Germany, focusing on tradition and reliability.125
History
Stowa was founded in 1927 by Walter Storz in Hornberg, Germany, initially producing pocket watches before shifting to wristwatches, including early Bauhaus-inspired Antea models. It specialized in precise pilot's and marine watches. From 1996 to 2021, it was owned by Jörg Schauer; on July 1, 2021, it was acquired by Tempus Arte GmbH & Co. KG, which also owns Uhrenmanufaktur Lang & Heyne and others. The company is now based in Pforzheim.123
Product Lines
| Product Line | Positioning | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Prodiver (sports diving watches) | high water resistance dive watches | $1,500 - $3,000 |
| Antea (Bauhaus-inspired) | minimalist dress watches | $1,200 - $2,500 |
| Flieger (pilot watches) | historical pilot designs | $1,000 - $2,200 |
| Marine (marine watches) | navigation-inspired tool watches | $1,200 - $2,500 |
Manufacturing
Stowa produces watches in Germany, based in Pforzheim. Movements are sourced from Sellita and ETA, with decoration and modifications including their own M1 caliber, done in-house. Production remains small-scale.15
Notable Products
- Prodiver - Sports diving watch with 1000m water resistance, inspired by vintage Seatimes models.
- Antea Klassik - Bauhaus-style watch exemplifying the brand's minimalist philosophy.
- Flieger - Pilot watch recreating historical German designs.
- Antea - Early Bauhaus-inspired collection transitioned from pocket watches.
Reputation
Stowa is regarded by enthusiasts for its faithful recreation of historical pilot and Bauhaus designs with reliable quality. Owners rate models like Prodiver (4.8/5) and Antea (4.3/5) highly for consistency and value. Criticisms are minimal, though some note reliance on third-party movements limits full in-house prestige.14