STOWA 90th Anniversary Celebration

On July 16^th STOWA celebrated its 90^th anniversary with a customer appreciation day the Black Forest town of Engelsbrand. Even though the brand has not been in a continuous ownership, Jörg Schauer acquired the company in 1996 from Werner Storz, the successor and son of founder Walter Storz. As a trained watchmaker and designer, Jörg re-designed the historical STOWA watches in co-operation with Hartmut Esslinger, and moved the design element forward with the times. STOWA’s philosophy is that form follows emotion.

STOWA 90th Anniversary Flieger

After all destruction of the factory in 1945, today STOWA as a company with a modern factory, unique museum, and staff of 9 watchmakers (23 total employees). What makes STOWA unique is their direct-to-sales sales and marketing. The direct sales channel has low prices, competitive prices, and saved them from the dilemma faced by many brands with traditional retail channels in the cutthroat online marketplace.

Stowa factory and museum — STOWA Factory and Museum

Mike Stuffler, Watchuseek moderator and my watch-mentor, and I decided to visit STOWA and expect the customer appreciation day. Our visit before the event. I have visited the museum a few times in the past five years, but it never seems to amaze me when I discover hidden gems. This year I was fascinated by miniature alarm clock.

Mike and I had the opportunity to meet other collectors at the event who are avid collectors of vintage and modern STOWA watches.

STOWA 90th Anniversary Flieger collection

Marine Automatic Limited to commemorate the 250th anniversary of Pforzheim city

After the tour, we viewed the entire 90 ^th anniversary collection. The vintage “old radium” luminescence has really enhanced the appeal of these limited edition flieger watches. My personal favorite was the Marine blue with DUROWE movement to commemorate the 250 ^th anniversary of Pforzheim, a city known for watch and jewelry manufacturing.

Delightful ride in the Golden Bus to the hiking point — Delightful ride in the Golden Bus

Jörg Schauer giving instructions to the early morning hiking group

Hiking in the North Black Forest — 14 km hike in the North Black Forest

Celebratory picture after the completion of the 14 km hike

On the morning of July 16 ^th 130 customers and friends of STOWA, divided into four groups, began a hike at different skill levels, in the surrounding Black Forest. Mike and I selected the leisurely hike group which was more of a two-hour stroll through the forest. The Pforzheim Golden Bus, made of 24k gold plated pieces, was hired for the day to transport the guests to the starting and finishing points.

We crossed a small village on the way to the forest

Jens Gerlach from Ebner Publishing, Mario Gaspar from iGANE Slovakia, and Mike Stuffler from Watchuseek

We found an old wrecked helicopter on the way to the forest — Mike found an old wrecked helicopter on the way to the forest

We had to take some of the helicopter to take some wristshots

We could see city of Pforzheim from the watchtower — We could see the city of Pforzheim from the watchtower

Rest of the group was waving to us from below

We did not miss any wristshot opportunity

Upon return from the hike, we were greeted with sparkling wine. Mike Stuffler stylishly wearing the new Watchuseek tshirt

We returned from the hike to the place of event – a special “Schwarzwald house”, a typical Black Forest home with modern design elements from Jörg Schauer. It had a large outdoor seating area, a sundeck, room with all the watches on display, another room with a master chocolatier, and finally a cellar with special wines from a local vineyard.

STOWA event team preparing Black Forest delicacies

Black Forrest speciality - Ravioli - Maultaschen — Black Forrest speciality – Ravioli – Maultaschen

Out of this world deserts made by Kevin Kugel, Chocolatier

The owners of Merkle Wein Ochsenbach presented wine tasting from regional vineyard

Regine Schauer tasting Merkle sparkling wine

Jörg Schauer discussing next project with a guest

Serious discussion between two Watchuseek members on vintage Stowa

Perfect example of vintage Stowa from a collector

While enjoying the authentic Black Forest specialties, we had an engaging discussion with collectors about German watches and vintage and modern STOWA watches.

An entire room was dedicated to STOWA and Schauer collection

Limited Edition Fliegers with special engraving

The Antea collection was also popular with guests with appreciation for Bauhaus style

There were also several options for ladies watches

Sandra Rodriguez patiently answering any questions related to the collection

Like a true WIS, I placed an order for the 1938 chronograph - for the 2nd time — Like a true WIS, I placed an order for the 1938 chronograph – for the 2nd time

STOWA forum is one of the most popular forum on Watchuseek. Jörg participates often in discussions including posting about new developments and seeking feedback. We wish Jörg Schauer and the STOWA family all the best and look forward to the 100^th anniversary.

Greetings from Jörg Schauer

You can view and purchase the 90 ^th anniversary collection directly from the STOWA website .

Editorial and Photo Credit: Mike Stuffler and Bhanu Chopra

This content is republished from Watchuseek.com