Finally...a Stowa Flieger

[pegasi]

I have long read about how the quality of Stowa watches is more superior than its direct German competitors making and selling pilot watches in the same price segment.

I have always want one but refuse to order anything online from some company across the continent.

So I tried my luck on the WTB section since this brand is uncommon here, and this time I was not as lucky as before. I was more than lucky, as what came to me is not just any Stowa pilot watch - it is one of the 100 pcs Flieger 2801 LE that was sold out online within 51 minutes on Oct 29, 2008!

To share my joy with you, here are some photos taken this morning:

Front view (nice onion crown isn't it)


The standard "backside" view of a 2801 LE


Special engraving, which also appears on some current Laco models


The leather strap/buckle


Finally the wrist shot (and this is for you, Mark)


Having owned two Laco before, I can attest that the overall built of the Stowa pilot is indeed more solid and give the feel of a more expensive watch. I wish the case is 2mm larger, but at 40mm it is still very wearable for my small wrist. I guess the size is the reason why the Stowa pilot watches aren't more popular, apart from the fact that they are not retailed here. I hope it stays that way, so I have a watch I don't see on the street every now and then

Hope you enjoy this post as much as I enjoy the watch

[Alexlow]

Congrats! Indeed you have got for yourself more than what you bargain for. I was looking for one of these a while back but gave up as not many of them are for sale.

[pegasi]

Yup, there are only few pieces of this LE in SG. I was very lucky that this piece found me

[Oceanklassik]

Congratz bro! Nice catch I must say

Hope this stays long with you

[pegasi]

Congratz bro! Nice catch I must say

Hope this stays long with you

Thanks bro. This is definitely a keeper...until the next pilot come in at least

[Oceanklassik]

U talk like never talk like that ..

[Alexlow]

Envy.. I'm still pestering a guy to sell me his FO. Wish me luck!

Yup, there are only few pieces of this LE in SG. I was very lucky that this piece found me

[Alexlow]

I mean the 80th anniversary FO LE80

Envy.. I'm still pestering a guy to sell me his FO. Wish me luck!

[pegasi]

I mean the 80th anniversary FO LE80

Throw him the money!!!

[Watcha]

Can I take queue first before your next pilot come.

Look nicer than mark xvi to me.

[Alexlow]

He waited almost 3years from order to delivery. Don't think he is giving it up easily. Lol..

Throw him the money!!!

[toffeesthings]

Nice catch bro! Although the Laco has a more faithful look to the original, the Stowa is more versatile for work and weekend wear.
Really giving IWC a run for their money, hehe!

[pegasi]

Nice catch bro! Although the Laco has a more faithful look to the original, the Stowa is more versatile for work and weekend wear.
Really giving IWC a run for their money, hehe!

Thanks bro...nice to hear some comments from our seasoned pilot collector. Yup, there is a reason why the other 4 pilot watch makers are not using the original case design today - sometimes the original design may not be the nicest/most well-received design.

And why are you not having a Stowa in your impressive pilot collection? A case of catch-and-release?

[pegasi]

Can I take queue first before your next pilot come.

Look nicer than mark xvi to me.

Noted.

But aren't you eyeing for the IWC pilot chrono...hehe

[pegasi]

Did I mention that Stowa flieger actual use flamed blue hands as opposed to the painted blue hands used by Laco?

Before I get flamed myself by the Laco owners (I know there are quite a few die-hard Laco fans here)...I am not putting down Laco because I no longer own a Laco but Stowa. I am just sharing my experience by making comparison. Admit that I haven't own enough of both brands so my opinion is just based on what I have owned and not referring to the two brands in general.