Incredible dial finishing, for just under $1000 - Stowa Marine Classic 36 Handwound - B&B

Stowa is among the few brands that were originally chosen to manufacture pilots (fliegers) watches during WWII, but their watchmaking was in no way limited to pilots watches. They have a rich history in marine observation watches (deck watches) too, dating back to as early as 1939. I've become somewhat obsessed with small seconds watches, and I've been trying to get my hands on this watch for months now. Stowa was kind enough to loan me this watch, for which I am very grateful. At around $975, this watch isn't cheap, but I believe this watch is worth every single one of those dollars, and I think by the end of this video you'll be a believer too. This is some of the best dial finishing I've seen on a watch in this price category and higher. Let's check it out!
Disclaimer: This watch was sent to me on loan to review, and I was not incentivized in any way to write this. This is in no way sponsored by Stowa or any other entity. All opinions here are my own.
Don't forget to check out the full review here - www.beansandbe...
www.stowa.de/e...
And you can find more photographs of this watch and others on the Beans & Bezels Instagram page: / beans_and_bezels
Strap #1: Hadley Genuine Microfiber in Green - www.wearhadley...
Keywords:
stowa, stowa marine, stowa marine classic 36, stowa marine 36, handwound, hand, winding, deck watch, marine observation, chronometer, navy, watch, watches, review, beans, and, bezels, beansandbezels, beans and bezels, german, germany, uhr, uhren, hadley, straps
#Stowa #Marine #Classic #Watch #Review #BeansAndBezels
Thanks for watching!

[@johnnybgood7812]

Excellent review and camerawork. Thanks! On my “to buy” list this one.

[@morgan97475]

While this watch doesn't do it for me, your commentary & overall presentation style are first class. I look forward to more of your reviews.

[@BeansAndBezels]

Thank you very much for the kind words!

[@flemmingsorensen5470]

Absolutely classic elegance👍 I have owned such a watch for about a year now, and it still blows me away with its design and quality.

[@mono1no1aware]

Another great video with good clarity and commentary, thanks B&B! The Stowa stuff really is lovely and they are some of the nicest folks.

[@BeansAndBezels]

Thank you for watching, and for the kind words! I'm really impressed with the quality of this watch and the prices they are able to sell them for. A severely underrated brand, in my opinion.

[@eyeshowyou]

Most beautiful watch i have seen

[@fantomas9240]

The best review the web. Thank you for the video. I've just ordered one :)

[@BeansAndBezels]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks for watching.

[@Konsaliki]

This ticks each and every box for me. I think (dare I say?) I actually prefer this to the Nomos Ludwig. And that says a lot. Thanks for the review!

[@BeansAndBezels]

I think I agree with you, and I'd take this watch over the Ludwig too. I recently reviewed a Tangomat, which I'll try publish sometime this month. It was nice, but I think the Stowa has more "soul". Thanks for watching!

[@skyraider1776]

Thank you for an excellent review and great close up shots. Much appreciated. I purchased my first Stowa last year, a 43mm Marine Chronograph on a 24mm Alligator strap, and have been extremely pleased with the overall construction and detailed finishing. They represent an excellent value.

[@BeansAndBezels]

Thanks for watching!

[@nedhill3246]

Great close-up / macro shots. Thank you for reviewing this watch.

[@BeansAndBezels]

Thank you very much for watching, and for the kind words!

[@WalterDavidRiffmon]

I have one in the FedEx system on its way to my house direct from Stowa! Your review helped me decide. Thanks. Outstanding review and videography.

[@BeansAndBezels]

Glad I could help! Congratulations on the incoming watch.

[@nirvana613]

What a gorgeous and timeless design !

[@BeansAndBezels]

Thank you for watching. I 100% agree. This is a beautiful design.

[@themyers3741]

Fantastic review! Really appreciate the time you've put into this and it's been both useful and enjoyable! :)

[@BeansAndBezels]

Thank you very much for the kind words!

[@gianlucabassi8853]

Oh..what a beauty!

[@TheLumeRoom]

Excellent vid! Loving this release from Stowa 👏🏻

[@Chrissepisje]

Thanks man. Appreciate you doing this.

[@BeansAndBezels]

Any time!

[@jubjub6330]

The best video of this stunning watch

[@jlg395]

If only Stowa had stuck with their classic logo. What a shame to slap that modern-font monstrosity onto this beauty of a watch.

[@BeansAndBezels]

The old logo would've looked great here for sure!

[@drewsleyy3836]

They’re bringing it back to this model! Thank goodness

[@SL-xy5pn]

@@drewsleyy3836where did you hear that? What’s your source??

[@hjander]

I wish Stowa would add a brushed-bezel option (think Flieger). If seafaring men (sailors) wore wristwatches, I doubt they'd be polished. That would really focus the eye on the dial.

[@BeansAndBezels]

I agree, and I think you can request brushed cases for these watches at no additional cost, so maybe they'd do a brushed bezel too. Marine Chronometers are seen less as utilitarian watches these days, and more as dress watches, so that might explain why the default is a polished case.

[@hjander]

@@BeansAndBezels I agree about the polished case. Since March, I've been working from home and expect to do so for some time. And I prefer wearing a less formal watch while wearing jeans. Stowa agreed to do a matt finish for $102.21, which I meant to say instead of brushed. I'm OK with that amount because they can do it (e.g., Marine Classic 40 white matt) as well as save me time from searching for someone else who may not do the same high-quality work. Thanks for your comment and for your suggestion. "Ask for what you want. Give other people the opportunity to say 'yes'. Stop saying 'no' for them." --Roger Ellerton

[@SchafeyWafey]

Smaller crown (like the 2002 & 2006 versions) and the 'Made in Germany' back on the dial and I would own this already!

[@BeansAndBezels]

Thanks for watching!

[@MsSonnenschein93]

I love this piece, so close to pulling the trigger. But for some reason, a part of me cant't get over it not beeing hackable :D

[@BeansAndBezels]

Thanks for watching!

[@iDrraaaK]

Check Dekla first.

[@BeansAndBezels]

@@iDrraaaK the Dekla is a good recommendation, but their deck watch uses a Unitas which doesn't hack either I believe.

[@iDrraaaK]

@@BeansAndBezels Indeed the ETA unitas 6498-1 (the same as the stowa marine original, priced at 1.4-1.5k) doesnt have hacking seconds. It doesnt bother me tho.

[@BeansAndBezels]

@@iDrraaaK yeah, I don't mind a non-hacking movement on a watch like this either! I will follow up with Dekla and try to get their Deck watch to review. But they appear to be swamped with orders right now.

[@knowyourhistory]

I waffle between this marine in 36 or one of their bauhaus ones. Hard decision!

[@BeansAndBezels]

That is a tough one, and I love Jorg Schauer's Bauhaus design expertise. But for me the choice would be this one for sure. The design and quality is unrivaled, in my opinion. With the Bauhaus design, I'd be looking at some Nomos options as well (although more expensive).

[@bruce000000070000000]

Very nice, I just bought one a couple days ago, I’m waiting for it to arrive and I’m very eager

[@BeansAndBezels]

Thanks for watching! Congrats on the purchase. Its a beautiful watch, and the unboxing experience is wonderful. I hope you enjoy it.

[@bruce000000070000000]

@@BeansAndBezels Yeah I know already I’m not gonna take it off for weeks. I wonder how long it will take, did you wait a lot?

[@BeansAndBezels]

@@bruce000000070000000 this unit was loaned to me for review so I'm not sure if they use the same courier method. But if it is, it should get to you within 3-4 days if you're in the US!

[@user-rh2hm2wj8l]

Goat

[@dhruviin]

41 would not look good to be honest 36 is perfect

[@stoneruler]

My only problem is that small seconds hand. Due to the smaller dial, they had to move it closer to the center, it looks a bit cluttered.

[@BeansAndBezels]

Thanks for watching!

[@SunsetSheen]

What does the strap taper down to at the clasp, 16mm? Stunning watch and a fantastic review 👍🏼

[@BeansAndBezels]

Thanks for watching, and for the kind words. I don't actually remember, and I returned the watch after my review. But I suspect around 15.5-15.75mm and a 16mm clasp?

[@brt6319]

Curious question… does the small seconds hand sweep across the subdial or is it more like a tick? From the video it appears to tick, except when the video is sped up… any info on this is greatly appreciated!

[@cedarcanoe]

What a beauty

[@BeansAndBezels]

Indeed it is. A timeless design I think.

[@WrongTimeWatch]

Good review. I want this watch.

[@BeansAndBezels]

Thanks for watching!

[@LambentLizard]

Thanks for the review, I think this is the first full review for this watch on KZbin. One question, does the movement hack?

[@BeansAndBezels]

Thank you for watching! The ETA7001 does not hack, if I remember correctly.

[@multipl3]

How often do you use the hacking feature may I ask?

[@BeansAndBezels]

@@multipl3 I only ever need it when setting the time and tracking performance of the watch. So hacking isn't a hard requirement for me, but it is a nice-to-have.

[@multipl3]

@@BeansAndBezels I find it laughable that people think cheap non-certified automatic movements are going to sync with another timing device. They will go out of sync within 30 seconds. You need to pay thousand for a watch that gives that kind of performance. Hacking is a nonsense

[@BeansAndBezels]

@@multipl3 Sure, any mechanical/automatic watch will go out of sync with an atomic clock, but understanding and observing the behavior of these movements is part of the fun in this hobby. I sync and log (almost) every watch that comes in for review, and knowing how well a movement has been regulated is worth mentioning. Hacking of a watch movement was a critical feature in many watch designs, like the fliegers in WWII for example.

[@jamo3976]

what's the power reserve of this watch did i miss it?

[@BeansAndBezels]

Its around 42-45 hours, thanks for watching!

[@kinslowrainer3982]

Nice photography! Did you end up buying one? I'm thinking of getting one as a dress watch, and I'm wondering what it would look like with a suit.

[@BeansAndBezels]

Not yet!

[@QuanNguyen-iv3rn]

perfect for you. what your size wrist (cm)??

[@BeansAndBezels]

6.25"

[@yusufbest4475]

stowa marine 36 roman vs nomos ludwig 33/35... which one?? Help me decide.. my wrist size is 6.25inch

[@BeansAndBezels]

I'd go with the Nomos Ludwig 35. Stowa ownership has now changed and I'm not sure what to think of their current leadership.

[@yusufbest4475]

@@BeansAndBezels Good info..Thanks!

[@amypeterson4615]

Since posting this, have you confirmed that the watch was/was not magnetized?

[@BeansAndBezels]

Thanks for watching. Unfortunately I had to return this watch after my review was completed, so I don't have any more details.

[@WalterDavidRiffmon]

I don't believe it was magnetized because it would've been running a lot faster than 10 seconds per day. I bought one of their Marine watches a few years ago and it was running 15 seconds fast. When I contacted Stowa, they told me they tend to allow their watches to run fast with the idea that they would slow down with use. 4 years later, my Marine is still running 10 seconds per day fast haha... better fast than slow I guess. But I love their take on Marine watches. This one in the review is the best I've seen and it is the closest model resembling the vintage 1939 Stowa pocket watch that I've seen.

[@AdamEhrentraut]

My wrist is just under 7 inch. Would the 36 or 41 be better?

[@BeansAndBezels]

I think the 41mm case might be better in that situation. The well decorated Unitas 6498 with the swan neck regulator is TOTALLY worth it.

[@hjander]

Outstanding review, congratulations. One suggestion: speak a little bit slower. One correction: per Stowa, the L2L is 44.60mm, not 50.00mm. Again, great job!

[@BeansAndBezels]

Thanks for watching and for the feedback! I didn't say it was 50mm, but 45mm, which is what I measured with my calipers. Cheers.

[@hjander]

@@BeansAndBezels Sorry, I was wrong. You did say 45.00mm. It caught my ear because, with small watches, every millimeter counts. Like you, I have a small wrist and 44.60 would be perfect (but admittedly 4mm more would not make that must difference). Keep up the good work!

[@BeansAndBezels]

@@hjander no apologies necessary! Me speaking fast doesn't help either ;)

[@hjander]

@@BeansAndBezels I'm just jealous, LOL.

[@Fm-qi1vl]

Hey, I was planning on purchasing one from the site. That said I wanted to ask would a 6.3 inch wrist be too small for the watch’s size ?

[@BeansAndBezels]

Hi, thanks for watching. Not at all, I think that would be ideal actually. My wrist (in the video) is 6.25" for reference.

[@Fm-qi1vl]

@@BeansAndBezels Thanks for the response. You’ve articulated and covered pretty much all the aspects regarding the watch’s specs; keep up the good work brother.

[@BeansAndBezels]

@@Fm-qi1vl thanks for the very kind words man!

[@frankvelez7667]

Hi, does this watch have a phantom date?

[@BeansAndBezels]

Hey! No, this one did not have one.

[@JimIBobIJones]

At around 1k it just seems a bit generic compared to similar designs - Hamilton's "Navy Pioneer" looks much more distinctive (and comes with a 2892, which is definitely a more expensive movement than the Peseux) and Seiko has real oven fired enamel dials at the same price point. By comparison, you can get something like a Steinhart for just under half the price with very comparable specs and design.

[@BeansAndBezels]

Thanks for watching! If you ignore quality of dial finishing, I can agree with your price comparison. But no Hamilton, Seiko or Steinhart that I've ever owned has come close to the level of finishing I saw on this dial and the hands. I do agree that the design is a bit generic now, but this is a particularly traditional design. Most marine chronometers / deck watches look alike to be fair.

[@JimIBobIJones]

@@BeansAndBezels I haven't seen the Stowa Marine in person but have seen/handled both the Hamilton and Seiko in shops and they are definitely finished very nicely. With the Seiko Presage, I don't think the Stowa can really compete in terms of finishing - an oven baked enamel dial is a thing of beauty to behold. The heat blued hands against the enamel is nothing short of exquisite. Once you move past the Seiko Presage the next most affordable ones are Ball at 2-3K and after that you are looking at Ulysse Nardin, Grand Seiko and Breguet prices. The Hamilton has really nice heat treated hands and dial has some really nice attention to detail. Its more of a subtle matt silver, a bit like the Nomos watches, and the texturing on the sub-dial adds quite a bit of class. The finishing on the case is quite exceptional as well, all the different parts of the case are variably polished and it really "pops" on the wrist. IMHO Hamilton's higher end lines (around the 1-2k mark) are at least on par with Stowa - but that's a bit subjective and I have only seen Stowa Fliegers in real life. I agree the Steinhart may be a few steps down, they are definitely using chemically blued hands rather than heat blued (and again haven't seen their marine "out in the wild" so can't comment on the dial finish) but movement and case wise I don't think they are any worse than Stowa - very generic steel cases with a simple "same all over" polish and completely unmodified, factory decorated ebauche movements.

[@BeansAndBezels]

@@JimIBobIJones Thanks for your observations and thoughts, I'm tempted to try and acquire the Hamilton for review now. My only experiences with Hamilton have been one dress watch and a few of their field watches and sportier watches from the Khaki line. None of which ever came close to finishing like this. I have actually checked out the enamel Presage watches, as well as the Urushi dial ones. I was very interested in picking one of the two up a while ago. They are very well finished, and light years beyond the

[@JimIBobIJones]

@@BeansAndBezels Hamilton has started to consolidate their nicer models (like the Pan Europ and the Railroad) into a "American classic" line, which is closer to, but not quite up there with, Longines in price and quality than their more "entry level" stuff. The navy pioneer predates it so is still "khaki" but is fit and finish is definitely closer to the American Classic models than the rest of the Khaki lineup (as it should be at almost x2 the price). The special dial Seikos are amazing but the movement lets them down. I have a seiko with a 6RXX movement and whilst its definitely on par with the 2824 (like the 2824) it has a modular self-winding mechanism that sits on top of the bridge rather than a more sophisticated and modern one that's integrated into the bridge like the 2892 or even the Miyota 9015. That's fine for divers and sports watches but I would want something thinner to go with a lacquer or enamel dial. Its annoying that Seiko just recycled the 6RXX movements for their "higher mid range" watches instead of making a new movement or "downgrading" the 8L movements in the marinemasters.

[@hjander]

The Stowa Edition 10's dial is more distinctive, too. However, over time that design may no longer be so appealing. Traditional (or generic) dials ensure that yours will not fall out of fashion anytime soon. Good comment.

[@iDrraaaK]

What's your opinion on Dekla Deckwatch compared to Stowa ? So far i think they offer exceptional value, probably a way better quality/price ratio than Stowa as they offer the grained silver dial and the same hand wounding ETA untias mouvement as the stowa marine original 40mm but for less than half of the price while they make themselves everything inhouse except the mouvement.

[@BeansAndBezels]

Thanks for watching! Unfortunately I haven't been able to get my hands on a Dekla, but I have talked to a few owners of the Deck watch and the Turbulenz. They all seem to love their watches and appreciate the current pricing. I'd rather not comment on quality without having spent the same amount of time with a Dekla watch, but for anyone on a slightly tighter budget, it's hard to not look at Dekla. I have considered their Ruthenium dial myself!

[@iDrraaaK]

​@@BeansAndBezels I have talked with dekla manufacturers a bit myself and the options they are about to release seem incredible. Engraved markers, and right after probably hand applied ones, hand brushed finishes and quite a few more. If the pricing, which i believe will be basing myself on what they are right now, are decent this seriously sounds like affordable versions of D. Dornblüth & Sohn.

[@BeansAndBezels]

@@iDrraaaK Absolutely! I think Dekla is on the path to quickly become a well known watchmaker. I just hope they don't increase their prices given all this positive feedback & attention.

[@iDrraaaK]

@@BeansAndBezels I wouldnt mind them staying a bit confidential for some times as it allows them to experience and push themselves further and further. If their popularity explodes they might get overwhelmed with orders and not be able to do so. What they offer right now with that deckwatch is already pretty amazing, maybe the smallest case on the market for this mouvement while the caseback is screwed, among all the other things. I haven't been able to find any other manufacturer offering a grained silver dial with heated blued hands and screws + decorated mouvement at this price so far so i'm amazed. If they release the engraved markers option soon enough i'll order one for chrismas for sure !

[@mandarinwine]

Great review as usual. Have you seen the SC-03 by Perpetual Watches? Curious about your thoughts compared with this piece.

[@BeansAndBezels]

Hey Manav, thanks for watching! I haven't had the chance to check it out, but I've looked at their stuff a few times online. I'll try and get one to review!

[@mandarinwine]

@@BeansAndBezels is there a way to get in touch privately?

[@BeansAndBezels]

@@mandarinwine send me an e-mail, you can find it in the "About" tab here.

[@achillesdanieladam9486]

I am in between this and the ETA 2804-2. Which would be the better choice? Which one is more robust and durable? I have to confess the one you present here is more beautiful to my eyes.

[@BeansAndBezels]

Thanks for watching! The 2804-2 is their regular Marine watch with the seconds hand in the center, right? I'm not too familiar with that movement, but from what I've read, it looks like they're both identical in terms of robustness/quality. The 2804-2 does beat at a faster rate, but given the small seconds hand on the 7001, I don't think you'll notice that unless you really look for it. Personally I love small seconds watches, so I would go with the 7001!

[@achillesdanieladam9486]

@@BeansAndBezels Thank you for your answer! I have one Hamilton khaki fiel mechanical officer with the modified ETA 2804-2. They call it H-50. It also has lower beat rate so it can perform 80 hours. But this is not my problem. I prefer older mechanisms and hand wind them every day! The one with 2804-2 is just a little bit less expensive than the 7001. So I guess I must go for the 7001 as you did to have something different. It really looks more beautiful! Does it need service every 5-6 years?

[@Mr-Merchant.]

ETA 2804 would be more robust as it is a thicker movement and they tend to be (more metal). The 7001 is thinner and I do believe ETA classes it above.

[@achillesdanieladam9486]

@@Mr-Merchant. Very difficult to decide. I am confused now. Robustnes vs versatility. On the long run ETA 2824 will be better?

[@Mr-Merchant.]

@@achillesdanieladam9486 Yea the 2804 is a more common movement so I would say in the long run it would be the safer bet. Personally I do think the 7001 is the more refined movement and it would be my pick, you should have no problem with it in the long run as well. Do you want small seconds vs center, thinner vs thicker watch, 36mm vs 36mm or 40mm option, Arabic's vs Romans.

[@chrisrussell63]

Generic 7001 movement, seconds hand too close to the center pivot. Imho.

[@BeansAndBezels]

Thanks for watching!

[@KingMinosxxvi]

its not 8.5mm

[@tobacco118]

Not enough wrist shot

[@BeansAndBezels]

I'll do better, sorry.

[@tobacco118]

@@BeansAndBezels No, you did great. Nothing to be sorry abt.

[@theredbar-cross8515]

Would have been perfect in a 38mm

[@BeansAndBezels]

For my wrist size (6.25"), I completely agree with you. 38mm diameter with a 47mm lug-to-lug width would be perfect!

[@Sameer-dn3mi]

He is a cat owner...

[@BeansAndBezels]

Haha yes! Did the scars give it away? 😂

[@Sameer-dn3mi]

@@BeansAndBezels I bear the same ones... Lacerations of love lol. I enjoyed your excellent review. But alas my heart is set on the Nomos Orion 36...

[@hjander]

Same here - 4 mini tigers.

[@PlaceboPictures]

Slow down, sir. You talk too fast and the video feels rushed.

[@BeansAndBezels]

Thank you for your feedback. This was one year ago. I'm now one year older, and one year slower 🙏🏽

[@PlaceboPictures]

@@BeansAndBezels Haha, glad to hear it. Don’t get me wrong, the videos are great. In fact, they’re so great that I just want to be able to catch everything you say.