Stowa TO2 Flieger

Simple. Clean. Refined.

That is the Stowa TO2 Flieger in a nutshell. Oh, did I forget beautiful? Yes, it is downright beautiful as well. For those that did not watch the video yet or maybe are unfamiliar with Stowa, let me just say, do not let the adjective simple mislead you. This is not one of those Alibaba “minimalist” Chinese $5 watches that new “brands” pop up with all the time and try and sell as affordable luxury watches. Nope, this is the real deal. This is a real watch, by a real watch company that makes outstanding watches. At first glance, this TO2 may look like just another pilot style watch but it is so much more. Well, okay, maybe not so much more as it doesn’t do anything other than display the time and date, but when you look at the dial, the crown, and the steel itself, there is a definite level of refinement going on. This is Stowa’s Modern Flieger as they dub it, and it is a fantastic watch in my opinion.

Stowa TO2 Flieger Specifications:

Case Diameter: 43mm

Height: 12.8mm (incl. sapphire crystal)

Strap width: 24mm

Lug-to-Lug size: 51mm

Water Resistance: up to 20ATM

Weight: 115 grams with leather strap

Case: Stainless steel, fine matt, ground by hand

Superluminova BWG9 (white)

Movement: ETA 2824-2, top version with blued screws

Price: $1336 USD (*Wait for pop up on Stowa website which offers a 10€ voucher for new customers*)

https://www.stowa.de/en/Flieger+TO2.htm?utm_source=watchreport.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=Review_Flieger_TO2_watchreport.com_2018_02

When taking a look at the Stowa TO2 Flieger, at first glance, you can say, what makes this modern? That is part of the beauty of this model. The basic style is the same, but the execution is different. The lines are of the case are sharper, the dial is as uncluttered as you can possibly get unless they went with a sterile dial, the indices are not the same as your standard Flieger and the crown is different as well. It is Stowa’s interpretation or rather the evolution of the Flieger wristwatch. If the date is too much for you, you are in luck. The matte black dial is also offered without a date and for those that are wishing for a touch of color, the TO2 is available with color second hands, at no extra charge, just check their website for the options. Originally, I did ask for a green second hand, but I think there was some miscommunication on my part, and in the end, I am glad that the white was sent. It just has that no nonsense look about it and I like the the contrast of the stark white everything against the black dial.

Like you would expect from Stowa, the case finishing is fantastic. A superb brush finish all around the entire case and case back; no high polish anywhere. As referred to on their website, the Stowa TO2 Flieger is robust, it is solid, it is as well made as any watch in this price point, in my opinion. While the crown does not screw down, the TO2 is still water resistant to 200 meters. I doubt many are going to be taking this watch in the pool or ocean, but you absolutely could if you feel the need to.

Movement discussions, or more specifically arguments, will probably never end. Watchreport and myself, as well as other blogs and websites contribute to it as well. When it comes to ETA movements such as the 2824 Top Grade, there is not much to argue about. It is one step below chronometer grade and while some would prefer the 2892 at this price point, I have nothing bad to say about this movement choice at all. It is beautiful to look at through the case back and it has been accurate at -4 seconds a day, in a week of testing.

Unfortunately, I do have one issue with the TO2. The rubber strap that I was sent with this example, is a pretty generic rubber strap. The website states a leather strap is standard, but I was sent this rubber, and it is all I can go on. Whether or not it comes with a TO2 Flieger, it is still a Stowa strap and while it is natural rubber, it is just a catalog rubber strap that Stowa has branded for them, and it is also a strap that has to be cut, something I think many here know I absolutely despise. From taking a look online, most of the pictures I see do show it on this rubber strap. A few show it on a black padded leather, I am assuming that is the leather they allude to on the website. *It is confirmed that a leather strap is standard for the TO2 model and not the rubber.* I did not wear it on the rubber strap, I wore it on a leather of my own, but you can see below what it would look like on my 7 1/2 inch wrist.

The lume, as expected, is fantastic. I have not personally seen a Stowa with bad lume and just looking at the hands and indices when it first arrived, I had a feeling it was going to glow well. I was not disappointed. The BGW9 lume produces that ice blue color that looks great on this black dial in the dark.

I think it would be fair to say that I love the Stowa TO2, or at least, greatly admire it. Yes, I do dog on the strap, as it is a part of the package and at $1300, I expect better. When I say I expect better, it is just because it is generic. As far as comfort and feel, there are no issues. Most would probably feel it is a great strap, but I know better and while this watch offers everything else I think you can want at its price point, the strap was just a let down to me. The design and build quality are there when it comes to the case, dial and movement, and those are really what most will be concentrating on. This interpretation of the Flieger is my favorite that I have seen in person so far, and is another great model from Stowa. Flieger or Pilot watches have never been my go to or first choice, but I can definitely see myself wearing this version on a daily basis and having no qualms about it…just on a different strap is all.