German pilot watch - Steinhart or Stowa?
Discussion
...Or have I missed something?
I'd like to get a nice pilot's watch, a simple dial, preferably German built (only as I don't have one) - I can't afford the dizzying heights of IWC yet before anyone suggests them.
I don't quite understand movement types yet, nor which brands are generally "better" - so, which to go for from these two:
Steinhart Nav B Uhr:
Stowa Flieger:
Price tag, circa £500 I guess - is there anything else I should be looking at, or if not, which of these two would be a better buy?
I'd like to get a nice pilot's watch, a simple dial, preferably German built (only as I don't have one) - I can't afford the dizzying heights of IWC yet before anyone suggests them.
I don't quite understand movement types yet, nor which brands are generally "better" - so, which to go for from these two:
Steinhart Nav B Uhr:
Stowa Flieger:
Price tag, circa £500 I guess - is there anything else I should be looking at, or if not, which of these two would be a better buy?
Just to add this to the mix, I own a CW C3 which I've had for about 3.5 years now.
It's still going strong and keeping perfect time (mind you it is a quartz) and apart from hairline scratching on the case it is mark free, so I can personally recommend CW.
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...
It's still going strong and keeping perfect time (mind you it is a quartz) and apart from hairline scratching on the case it is mark free, so I can personally recommend CW.
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...
Rich n Em said:
Phil - what model is that C8? I can't see a black faced C8 with the brown rivetted strap on their website.
Actually, it is there but says pre-order early November?
It's a C8 MkII. Give them a call - their customer service is really good - they'll let you know when one can be sent.Actually, it is there but says pre-order early November?
Maybe I'm having a dumb moment but I can't see that exact model on Steinhart's site??
Personally I'd go for either the Steinhart or the Stowa. I much prefer the sterile faces of these models (no branding etc), they're much more in keeping with original Flieger watches, of which Stowa (or, at least, the Stowa brand) have been making since the '40s and their originals would have seen proper air time. Stowa have a version with a date should that be important to you, and it's a bit more subtle white on black as opposed to the black on white date wheel of the CW. I prefer the case design of the two Germans, especially the Steinhart which appears to have a brushed case and polished bezel, and the Steinhart's fully ribbed crown would get the nod from me, the design being as it is to aid the WWII pilot's cold gloved hand to adjust/wind the watch with greater ease.
Check the case sizes of the three, the Stowa looks to be 40mm with the other two being somewhat larger at around 43-44mm.
The Steinhart and Stowa use the same ETA movement (looking at the other Steinhart Fliegers) with the CW using a Sellita movement - after a spot of googling it looks like they're exactly the same in design, Sellita have simply copied the ETA movement and I'd guess that CW use them as ETA generally supply movements to brands within the same parent group, Swatch. From what I've heard all three brands regulate their watches well, I know this through personal experience with Steinhart.
As for customer service, again all three appear to score well. They can be contacted via email and response times and general helpfulness appears to be of a high standard all round, I was in contact with Stowa some time back asking about their Marine range and they came across as being very customer orientated and professional.
Lengthy reply, my apologies
, sometimes I enjoy digging about a bit as I like to learn myself!
Edit to add - ref the movement, neither Stowa or Steinhart are part of Swatch either so what I've posted is inaccurate, what I was trying to say is I've read that ETA could/might be slowing the supply of their movements to 'outsiders' so CW have probably preempted this by using Sellita for this model.
Personally I'd go for either the Steinhart or the Stowa. I much prefer the sterile faces of these models (no branding etc), they're much more in keeping with original Flieger watches, of which Stowa (or, at least, the Stowa brand) have been making since the '40s and their originals would have seen proper air time. Stowa have a version with a date should that be important to you, and it's a bit more subtle white on black as opposed to the black on white date wheel of the CW. I prefer the case design of the two Germans, especially the Steinhart which appears to have a brushed case and polished bezel, and the Steinhart's fully ribbed crown would get the nod from me, the design being as it is to aid the WWII pilot's cold gloved hand to adjust/wind the watch with greater ease.
Check the case sizes of the three, the Stowa looks to be 40mm with the other two being somewhat larger at around 43-44mm.
The Steinhart and Stowa use the same ETA movement (looking at the other Steinhart Fliegers) with the CW using a Sellita movement - after a spot of googling it looks like they're exactly the same in design, Sellita have simply copied the ETA movement and I'd guess that CW use them as ETA generally supply movements to brands within the same parent group, Swatch. From what I've heard all three brands regulate their watches well, I know this through personal experience with Steinhart.
As for customer service, again all three appear to score well. They can be contacted via email and response times and general helpfulness appears to be of a high standard all round, I was in contact with Stowa some time back asking about their Marine range and they came across as being very customer orientated and professional.
Lengthy reply, my apologies
, sometimes I enjoy digging about a bit as I like to learn myself!Edit to add - ref the movement, neither Stowa or Steinhart are part of Swatch either so what I've posted is inaccurate, what I was trying to say is I've read that ETA could/might be slowing the supply of their movements to 'outsiders' so CW have probably preempted this by using Sellita for this model.
Edited by CardShark on Wednesday 2nd November 12:20
I would say Stowa as well, although the heritage isn't quite a straight line, Jörg has always struck me as being a very down to earth and honest chap, taking an interest in both the watches and the customers, he's made some excellent watches at a very reasonable price point - his watches are mostly based on past designs - the Flieger, Seatime, Antea and the MOs, but are the better for it I think, all classical, all well made and at an honest price and you have lots of options within each set too.
I have owned both Steinhart and Stowa, and would say that whilst there is not a lot in it, Stowa would edge it on quality for me.
However, I think that the flieger style really must be handwound, automatic simply won't do. Additionally it ought to have a sterile dial. Which creates a bit of a problem ... the Stowa has a sterile dial but is automatic, the Steinhart is handwound but does not have a sterile dial ...
I did ask Steinhart if they could do a sterile dial version but they said no.
Personally I wouldn't have either because of this, but would try to find a Stowa Flieger LE which was handwound with sterile dial, but I think they only made 50 or thereabouts.
However, I think that the flieger style really must be handwound, automatic simply won't do. Additionally it ought to have a sterile dial. Which creates a bit of a problem ... the Stowa has a sterile dial but is automatic, the Steinhart is handwound but does not have a sterile dial ...
I did ask Steinhart if they could do a sterile dial version but they said no.
Personally I wouldn't have either because of this, but would try to find a Stowa Flieger LE which was handwound with sterile dial, but I think they only made 50 or thereabouts.
Laco have as much heritage as Stowa. They use ETA movements, but they also do a cheaper version with a Miyota (Citizen) automatic movement.
https://shop.laco.de/index.php?page=categorie&...
https://shop.laco.de/index.php?page=categorie&...
Nice to see there are a few Stowa fans on here 
One thing that hasn't been mentioned and the OP may want to consider is Stowa delivery times can be lengthy - prob struggle to get one this side on xmas.
But worth the wait! I love my Fleiger. For me the Stowa's hands are so much more elegant than the Steinhart ones and when I was looking that was what swung it for me. Not knocking Steinhart though, next watch purchase will be a Steinhart (but not a Fleiger).
One thing that hasn't been mentioned and the OP may want to consider is Stowa delivery times can be lengthy - prob struggle to get one this side on xmas.
But worth the wait! I love my Fleiger. For me the Stowa's hands are so much more elegant than the Steinhart ones and when I was looking that was what swung it for me. Not knocking Steinhart though, next watch purchase will be a Steinhart (but not a Fleiger).
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