The term Flieger is often used to describe a specific style of pilot’s watch that traces its heritage to the German military watches of the mid-20th century. Stowa’s Flieger Classic is based on their original design from 1940, helping to cement the Flieger style as the German equivalent of the Dirty Dozen, when legibility and precision were king. While those military watches were traditionally black and white to ensure good visual contrast in all conditions, such requirements are less necessary for their civilian descendants, meaning brands have more leeway to experiment with colour and design. Case in point the new Stowa Flieger Classic Sunray Blue and Green.
As the name suggests, these are blue and green dial interpretations of the heritage Flieger design. They retain a clean, legible display in one of two variants. The first, known as type A, has white Arabic numerals and bar index minute scale in Super-LumiNova, while the second, B, features an inner hour scale surrounded by an Arabic numeral 60-minute scale. The blue is a very royal tone like a sapphire, while the green is a touch darker, inspired by the foliage of the Black Forest that sits directly to the south of Pforzheim, one of Germany’s traditional watchmaking hubs.
Further to that, the dials have a very slight degrade gradient, meaning they get darker towards the edge of the dial. It’s not as intense as the more recognisable fumé gradient as it lacks the smokiness of that style. Which is actually a positive because it ensures the dial remains as clear and easy to read as possible in the spirit of a Flieger.
The type A versions of the watch are available in a choice of 36mm or 40mm in stainless steel while type B is only at 40mm. You can also choose between either the Sellita SW200 automatic movement or Sellita SW210 manual, depending on if you prefer the convenience of automatic or the authenticity and added ritual of manual.
As for pricing, it depends on your choice of movement and strap or bracelet option. They range between €1,084 (approx. £940) for automatic on leather strap up to €1,206 (approx. £1,045) for manual on steel bracelet, excluding VAT and shipping. For a versatile, daily wear pilot’s watch with heritage inspiration and a vibrant dial, that’s solid value.
Price and Specs:
40mm diameter x 10.2mm thickness, stainless steel
More details at Stowa.
