Finally picked up a true flieger...

I have wanted a true Flieger watch for a while now, but they always seemed to come up at the wrong time or sold too fast for me to strike. But, I finally found the opportunity to pick up a fantastic Stowa…and BINGO, it came in today!

For those of you who aren’t aware, Stowa is one of the original five authorized observation watch makers. Due to the high standard concerning precision and reliability the production of the observation watches was a great challenge for the watch manufacturers. In the 1930s and 1940s, only five companies were authorized to produce such observation watches: Stowa, IWC, Lange + Söhne, Wempe, and Laco (Lacher & Co.).

The model that I bought is one of 70 made in a Flieger 2801 “Made in Germany” special edition produced in June of 2011. The watch features the following features:

Dimensions:
• Diameter: 40.00 mm
• Height: 10.20 mm
• Strap width: 20 mm
• Lug-to-Lug size: 48.60 mm
• Waterproof: up to 5 ATM
• Weight: 70g

Components:
• Caliber: ETA 2801 mechanical (hand wind), no date
• Function: hour, minutes and central second complication
• Case: Stainless steel, fine matt, grinded by hand, solid caseback
• Dial: “Made in Germany“ on the dial, no logo, nodate, black matt, white printed,
Superluminova C3
• Crystals: Front sapphire crystal domed
• Hands: Black outlined stainless steel, Superluminova C3
• Strap: Dark grey/black “old style“ leather strap
• Crown: Stainless steel onion crown

Onto the pictures…











A couple comparison shots to my Tudor Heritage…





Initial impressions:

This thing is super comfortable and sits very low on the wrist. I can almost not feel that I am wearing it! The quality seems to be excellent, which is in line with my Seatime and my former Marine Auto. The fact that it is a limited run and very unique in comparison to their other Flieger models, it is just a bonus and just makes the watch even more appealing to me. Overall, my opinion is that it is fantastic!

Amazing watch Mark!! I really like it. Awesome lume shot as well.

Really nice, Mark. Awesome lume. I like the double-rivet strap...I have one on my vintage Strela, too.

Great looking watch Mark!

Your collection is kicking ass!

That is so nice. And so beautifully presented. Congratulations!!!

Congratulations on yet another FANTASTIC watch Mark ! ..This Stowa is
just pure perfection, and another example of less being more. The whole no
nonsense, simplicity, flawless design of this one is really something special in
my opinion. It being a limited edition, and something that not everyone will
be able to get their hands on makes it that much more exceptional also.
This Stowa is really Spectacular ! Congrats to you on having it !!! ..There
really are many things to love about this watch, but knowing that historical
background about Stowa being one of those elite five brands to be allowed
to produce the observation watches is unbelievably impressive. Genuinely
did not know anything about this. The fact that Stowa was one of those
few brands to be chosen, or authorized like that really shows how important
companies like Stowa are, and have been imho. Thanks for that info there !
With the watch itself, there is a perfect mix of the past, and present that looks
to be happening. There is just this simple, and once again no nonsense personality
about the watch that genuinely must reflect what the original watches must
have been like. The black dial couldn't be more enjoyable imho. On the one
hand it's very straightforward, but on the other it's complex in how the
deep deep black works with the rest of the watch. For example, the way
in which those printed white markings, along with numbers look is epic. You
can literally see that the print is raised up off of the dial, and the fact that
the dial IS such a flat black makes for a neat effect. So on the one hand
you have that traditional look, but then a good amount of contemporary
coolness is added in for good measure also. ..Honestly, this Stowa is
able to balance the past, and present so well. Even the shape of the hands,
and how they reach into the dial is awesome. Hey, and the triangle with
dot markers is once again a flawless part of this flieger as well. ..Seems
like perfection is what might be a main theme with this watch Mark. From
that dial, to the finish, AND shape of the case. You really HAVE to appreciate
all of the hard work put into making a new watch become so classic.
..That hand winding movement is yet another example of this, and how
Stowa wasn't content to be like others out there. It's the details like that,
as well as ones like the dial, case, and even incredible crown, and strap that
add to the perfection that is this spectacular Stowa Mark ! Congratulations
once again, and keep enjoying !

Spectacular watch, along with pics of it !

Thanks guys!

Tom - You are the man!! The heart of the forum!!

andrema wrote:

Thanks guys!

Tom - You are the man!! The heart of the forum!!

Beautiful watch Mark !

By the way, thank you very much ! I'm just happy to be here, and be a part of XMT
with everyone.

Fabo Mark! I am very envious. Terrific watch and great size. Congratulations!

Hey Mark, Another awesome timepiece for your collection. Stowa makes a great watch. Congrats and enjoy. Steve

You know I like that style of watch. Love the movement and everything else about it. Nice piece, congrats Mark.

sweet watch Mark!! It is a winner!

Stellar piece Mark!!! I love fliegers and that one is the real deal! Killer lume, love the onion crown!

great watch, strap and cool hand wind movement!