Latest Review
I’m a huge fan of pilot watches. While many look all too similar, there are also those pieces that, within the constraints of the very traditional pilot watch aesthetic, stick out from the crowd. A perfect example is the upcoming release from Stowa, the Flieger Chrono. Tradition, simplicity and mechanical complication meet perfectly in this seriously lust worthy watch.
Case: Stainless steel, fine matt, grinded by hand
Movement: Valjoux 7753 automatic
Function: hour, minutes, 30 minute recorder (stop function)
Dial: Black matte
Lens: Front sapphire crystal domed and sapphire display case back
Strap: Leather strap or metal bracelet
Water Res.: up to 5 ATM
Diameter: 41 mm (50.20 mm lug-to-lug)
Thickness: 14.7 mm
Lug Width: 22 mm
Warranty: 2 years
At first glance, the Flieger Chrono seems like so many other very well produced pilot watches. It features traditional and elegant design and is powered by a decorated Valjoux 7753 automatic movement. Upon further inspection however, your realize that Stowa has taken simplicity to a whole new level with the Flieger Chrono. The face is clean, with no markings nonessential to the function of time telling – no logos, no indication of where the watch was made. Further, for the sake of simplicity, Stowa has even eliminated a permanent second hand all together. The chrono has been paired down to just a large chrono second hand and one oversized 30 minute sub-dial. That’s it.
To put a point on it, here’s what Stowa has to say about active second dials on chrono’s in general, “As for chronographs, the permanent second dial really only indicates whether or not the watch is running; otherwise it often interferes with visual appearance or needs to be integrated in the design with some minor flaws. Only very few watchmakers manage to include the dial of the permanent second nicely or to even highlight its position on the major dial.” A pretty bold statement, but in the case of the Flieger Chrono, 100% true. This choice to remove the permanent second makes complete sense on this watch, removing any distraction from a beautifully designed and perfectly implemented pilot watch.
The Flieger Chrono can be yours for around $1,900.
