Stowa was one of only five companies authorized to produce B-Uhr pilot watches for the German Luftwaffe in World War II. Today, the brand continues to craft authentic Flieger watches, preserving a design heritage that other brands merely imitate.
Black Forest Origins
Stowa was founded in 1927 by Walter Storz in Hornberg, Germany, in the heart of the Black Forest region known for clockmaking traditions. The name "Stowa" derives from the founder's name: STOrz WAlter. From the beginning, Stowa focused on producing high-quality timepieces with precision movements.
The Black Forest location connected Stowa to centuries of German clockmaking expertise, providing access to skilled craftsmen and a culture of mechanical precision.
The B-Uhr Legacy
During World War II, the German Air Ministry (RLM) commissioned pilot observation watches—Beobachtungs-Uhren, or B-Uhr—for Luftwaffe navigators. Only five companies received approval to produce these instruments: A. Lange & Söhne, IWC, Laco, Wempe, and Stowa.
The B-Uhr specification demanded large 55mm cases for readability, high-contrast dials with luminous markers, antimagnetic movements, and specific typefaces for numerals. These were serious navigation instruments, essential for calculating position during long flights.
Stowa produced the "Type A" variant, featuring a simple dial with Arabic numerals and a prominent triangle marker at 12 o'clock. This design remains iconic among pilot watch enthusiasts.
Post-War Continuity
After the war, Stowa continued producing watches, adapting to changing market conditions. The brand survived the quartz crisis and various economic challenges, maintaining its Black Forest base and commitment to quality.
While some original B-Uhr producers abandoned watchmaking or moved upmarket to luxury segments, Stowa remained focused on producing accessible, quality timepieces.
Revival Under Jörg Schauer
In 1996, watchmaker Jörg Schauer acquired Stowa, bringing renewed energy and focus to the brand. Schauer recognized the value of Stowa's B-Uhr heritage and began producing faithful reproductions of the original pilot watches.
Unlike brands that merely style watches to look like pilot watches, Stowa offered the genuine article—direct descendants of actual WWII instruments, produced by one of the original five authorized manufacturers.
The Flieger Collection
Stowa's Flieger watches remain the heart of the brand. Available in both Type A (simple dial) and Type B (inner hour ring) configurations, these watches faithfully reproduce the original B-Uhr design. They're available in the original 55mm size for authenticity purists, as well as more wearable 40mm and 43mm versions for modern wrists.
What distinguishes Stowa Fliegers from imitators is authenticity—this isn't a design they borrowed, it's their heritage.
Beyond the Flieger
While Flieger watches define Stowa, the brand produces other collections as well. The Antea line offers Bauhaus-inspired dress watches, channeling the German design movement's emphasis on functional beauty. Marine watches draw from German naval chronometer traditions, while the Partitio provides a versatile everyday option.
Direct Sales Model
Stowa operates primarily through direct sales from their German facility, cutting out retail markups to offer better value. This approach allows customers to purchase genuine heritage pilot watches at prices well below comparable Swiss brands.
German Watchmaking Values
Stowa embodies German watchmaking principles: precision, function, and honest value. Their watches use quality Swiss movements (ETA, Sellita) housed in well-finished cases with attention to detail that belies their modest prices.
Stowa Today
Operating from Engelsbrand in the Black Forest, Stowa continues to produce watches with genuine historical credibility. For enthusiasts who want an authentic Flieger from an original producer—not a fashion brand's interpretation—Stowa offers something no amount of marketing budget can replicate: the real thing.