pplater
5432
At last!...
...a definitive review of a quiet classic.
Thanks for taking the time Daos, and for delivering not only an insightful perspective but, importantly, an honest one. There's a case to be made for this watch to be a fixture in most watchboxes, a la Speedy Pro. Your review fixes it firmly in its right place in the scheme of things and as Andrew observes the photos make the 'story'.
A small contribution with your permission (hopefully!...): another variant, the lacquer-dialled LE -
Thanks again - keep 'em coming.
Cheers,
pplater.
Life with the Marine Original
We don't often talk about Stowa here on the forum, but in my opinion their watches make wonderful everyday wear and serve as a solid gateway for those looking to ease into the world of mechanical watches without making a large monetary commitment. At leas...
Really nice...
Watch, my dear Daos, and impressive work done. Always is a pleasure read you. Best and congrats and thanks a lot Emilio
It's my pleasure, Emilio!
I'm so happy you had the opportunity to read the article. Your comments are so kind. I very much appreciate them. I hope your week is going well. Warm regards, Daos
A watch review done well because …
… I now know the strengths and weaknesses of the watch, what attracted you to it in the first place and, more importantly, what keeps it in your collection. Very good photography as well which illustrated each of your points. Few could do better, Daos. We...
All efforts on this project...
...were worthwhile if you and others have enjoyed it. I think it is hilarious how much I love my watches sometimes. This Stowa has been a faithful companion throughout so many adventures, so I feel fortunate to own it. Thanks for your kind note. Cheers, D...
Thanks for the review
I've always liked the look of the deck watch inspired wristwatches and the Stowa is the best of the lot in terms of value. - SJX
I agree that deck watch inspired timepieces...
...have a great, clean, timeless look. I love the genre. Stowa offers tremendous value across their entire range IMO. Buying the Marine Original was a good way for me to get into watches. Thanks for the nice note! Cheers, Daos
I hope...
...folks are enjoying the article. It was a lot of fun to put together! Of course, there's always room for improvement in the writing and photography departments (Accursed typos!)! Thanks for reading, and for the kind note! Cheers, Daos
At last!...
...a definitive review of a quiet classic. Thanks for taking the time Daos, and for delivering not only an insightful perspective but, importantly, an honest one. There's a case to be made for this watch to be a fixture in most watchboxes, a la Speedy Pro...
What a great watch you've got there!
I really love your limited edition MO, Pplater. The red "12" just bursts off the lacquer dial. Fantastic stuff! Thanks for your nice note, and for sharing a picture of your beautiful watch. I'd be proud to own one! Cheers, Daos
Stowa does a good job
Daos, glad you posted this. Very nice review and I think you've hit the nail on the head. The Stowa MO is a very nice watch, and in the value-for-money category (always among the most important for me) it is hard to exceed. I also love the marine deck wat...
a great review Daos and coincidentally a friend has one in mind
i have a friend who is a lurking member here, but is yet to post. a year ago he purchased his first ever mechanical watch, a 1944 Omega 30T2. bought by accident as he went into the shop to get a battery change and came out with a mint original classic Ome...
Nomos and Stowa are both brands I enjoy
Your friend has good taste! From Stowa's Antea line I like the 39mm cream dial best. The lugs are a bit delicate-looking, however. The non-date 40mm Nomos Club is a beauty! I love the dark dialed version of that watch. I was super impressed when I handled...
my friend has classic tastes...
my friend has classic tastes Daos. the Omega is a prime example and everything else he likes is similar. he really likes Grand Seiko's and the Aqua Terra, but has to be realistic about price. interestingly enough, the cream dial Antea which is only 269 eu...
I'll look forward to the day...
...when your friend might join us in the non-lurking light! All in good time, as they say! Cheers, Daos
I don't own one, but...
...I thought the cases were nice, and the PVD'd 1Tausend diver was attractive. I think the movements could be finished a little bit more on some of the Klassik/Pharo models, for my taste. There seems to be a lot of competition in, and around, the price po...
Thanks for your thoughts, Tom! Much appreciated!
The Antea KS is a very handsome watch. With its Bauhaus theme and perfectly petite proportions (by modern standards), I agree it makes for a compelling daily wearer. I hear good things about the mesh bracelet Stowa offers. It is supposed to be quite comfo...
The bracelets are nice...
Daos, I believe Stowa sources the bracelets from Staib, a high quality manufacturer in Pforzheim. Having handled one, I can confirm the comfort, smooth operation, and attractive looks. I found the mesh made the Antea KS look much more "feminine"; I tried ...
Good to hear
Your comments seem to echo many others' words regarding the comfort and finish of the mesh bracelet. Your watch looks very nice on it! Cheers, Daos
Antea KS
I can testify that the Antea KS is a beauty - it evokes a sensation that matches your mood. Sometimes it feels retro, other times strikingly modern. I guess that's the essence of timeless design. Here's a rough shot of mine. Enjoy....
Great photo...
...of a great watch. This is a fantastic dress watch for the office IMO. Perfect for any sort of shirtsleeve! I love the font used for the numerals! Thanks for sharing your watch with us! Cheers, Daos
Very cool review.......
and a great watch, especially at that price point. However, I must admit to being partial to Mr. Schauer as I own one of his Day-Date Zentral watches and I admire what he has done with Stowa. Thanks for that review!
Schauer watches are cool too
My favorite is the Einzeiger. I often like watches with unusual displays, so Schauer's single-handed watch is very attractive to me. Thanks for your nice note. I appreciate you taking the time to read my post. Cheers, Daos
Thanks, Ginger!
I had a blast putting this article together! I wish I had an editor to read my pieces before posting though. There was a spelling mistake and other similar small errors within my piece. Ah, well. Your kind words mean a lot. Hopefully, folks on the board f...
It's for us to thank you, Daos, for preparing this review . . .
. . . of what I like to refer to as an honest watch: true to form, unpretentious, and purposeful. I'm not at all surprised that it won your affection ;-) . . . warmest regards, Art
Hi, Art!
There's just something about German watches! LOL! In all seriousness, I'm very happy with the Stowa. It works well, and looks good IMO. This watch certainly jump-started my interest in learning more about the various models offered by German manufacturers...
Great review Daos!
I really enjoyed your review and the close up photos of the Stowa. I've always liked pilot watches and like how you describe them as "modern vintage". I think that's perfect even if it does sound a little contradictive. They have a wonderful balance of cl...
I'm glad...
...you enjoyed the review! Knowing that you and others on the site have enjoyed my post means a lot to me. Thanks for reading my article and for your kind note! Cheers, Daos
Thanks for the review Daos
What I like about your Stowa is the movement finishing. It looks great for the price and the geneva stripes seem to sparkle more than others in the same price category from your pictures as well as in person. Cheers, Anthony
Thanks, Anthony!
I like the finishing on the movement as well. It's simple, but generally well-executed for a watch in its price range. Cheers, Daos
Great Review and great pictures!
A great review with excellent macro-photographs of the watch. Thank you Daos for introducing me to Stowa.
Happy to make the introduction, Patrick!
I appreciate your nice note, and would love to hear your impression of Stowa once you've had the opportunity to see their watches in the metal. Cheers, Daos
Fantastic Review Daos :-)...
I never knew much about Stowa, thank you for the educational post, I love the white dial and blued hands on your piece, beautiful S
Thanks!
I really appreciate all your nice comments! The Stowa Marine Original is a great timepiece IMO! I very much enjoy wearing it. Cheers, Daos
Very nice review, Daos, and thanks.
I have had the pleasure of owning one of Stowa's pilot chronometers, and it was a fine watch indeed. Cheers, Jeff
Hi, Jeff!
Thanks for the note! Stowa is very competitive in its price category IMO. I like several models from their current lineup very much, including the ProDiver and Seatime. The Airman Original is no longer being offered, but that was another winner from Stowa...
Hi Daos!
I enjoyed the review. As you know, I am a fan of the watch as well, and you wear it well. Nice pics too! Best, Jed
Thanks, Jed!
I'm really happy with the watch. I am working hard on my photographs, but still have a ways to go. My lighting situation is still not QUITE there. Slowly, but surely, my mini photo studio is taking shape! Cheers, Daos
An excellent review, Daos.
Thanks for taking the time to share with us your insights and for the wonderful pics. It's an honest review of an honest watch. I would pick this watch over any entry level Panerai. Warm regards, iAn This message has been edited by ianny on 2009-08-18 20:...
"Honest" is definitely a word...
...I'd use to describe the Marine Original, and frankly the entire Stowa catalog currently. They are unpretentious watches with workhorse ETA movements, but seem to be made with care within the bounds of their price category. In general, Stowa has done a ...
Thanks for the candid review !
Just order mine 2 mths back, ETA Oct 2009 (Largely due to the summer holidays). I especially liked the high magnification photos of the dial, even though it did reveal "flaws" Can't wait to get my hands on it.
I hope you enjoy yours...
...as much as I do mine. I wore the watch to work today, in fact! It keeps fantastic time and just feels nice on the wrist. It is a simple, honest watch. It gathers very little attention from people when worn, but I love it. I hope you'll share pictures o...
In Anticipation
..........ordered mine in a Brushed case, with White dial and Arabic numerals. And I also opted for a depolyant. Tried on a friend's (both the LE and normal production piece) and knew immdiately I had to get one for myself. Feels very comfortable on the w...
Sounds great!
I can't wait to see it! You'll have to let me know how the deployant turns out. I bet it will look nice. I, too, am a big Dornblueth fan. I think their watches are superb, and perfectly understated. Cheers, Daos
Of course!
It was my pleasure! I had a good time pulling all the elements together. I'm still unhappy with some of my photos, but practice, practice, practice will hopefully help that situation -- along with better lighting. My homemade light box is not turning out ...
I made it that far, Daos!
... and so fully enjoyed your favorable description of your Stowa Marine Original. Jörg Schauer will be very pleased to be given that much credit in a forum which otherwise discusses the pros and cons of platinum watches from VC versus those from PP . You...
Great wrist shot!
Thanks for the kind note! It's nice to see some other Stowa fans around these parts. Your Antea looks very handsome on you. I hope my post has encouraged some folks who may not have been familiar with the brand to give it a second look, just to see what's...