Stowa
Pforzheim, Germany · Est. 1927
Founded by Walter Storz
Stowa is a German watch brand founded in 1927 by Walter Storz in Schwärtztadt, later moving to Engelsbrand. Historically known for supplying highly accurate cockpit clocks and deck watches to the German military and merchant marine, Stowa today produces aviation and Bauhaus-influenced watches prized for their authenticity and quality.
- Founded
- 1927
- Headquarters
- Pforzheim, Germany
- Group
- Independent
- Price Segment
- Entry
- Status
- Active
Key Collections
- Flieger — Pilot watches based on the original WWII B-Uhr specification, offered in both Type A (12-hour numerals) and Type B (inner 12/outer 60 minute) configurations.
- Marine — Marine chronometer-inspired watches with enamel-like dials, blued hands, and slim dress-watch proportions — a Stowa speciality since the 1930s.
- Antea — Bauhaus-inspired collection with ultra-clean dials, thin cases, and minimalist typography, embodying German design principles.
- Partitio — Vintage-inspired field/dress watch with a distinctive sector dial layout, combining 1930s aesthetics with modern reliability.
Timeline
- 1927 — Walter Storz founds Stowa (STOrz WAtches) in Pforzheim, Germany, initially producing pocket watches and small clocks.
- 1940 — Selected as one of five companies to produce B-Uhr pilot's watches for the German Luftwaffe during WWII.
- 1996 — Jörg Schauer acquires and revives the Stowa brand, bringing back the Flieger and Marine collections with modern movements.
- 2014 — Opens a new manufacture in Pforzheim, consolidating design, assembly, and sales in the brand's historic home city.
Frequently Asked Questions about Stowa
- What is a B-Uhr?
- B-Uhr (Beobachtungsuhr) means 'observation watch' — a specification issued by the German military in WWII for large, highly legible navigation watches. Only five brands were approved: Stowa, A. Lange & Söhne, IWC, Laco, and Wempe.
- What movements does Stowa use?
- Primarily ETA and Sellita Swiss automatic movements, some with proprietary modifications and Stowa-branded rotors. Select models use hand-wound calibres.