The amount of praises I read about Stowa has all this while been quite astounding. It tickles the pessimist in me, asking "How can it reaaaalllly be that good?". For what its worth, I do appreciate what rich history Stowa has and its current modern design lines. And to have been on the receiving end of their customer service, I really do appreciate the amount of one-to-one and honest feedback I get from Luisa in a couple of situation. Now, all that, I can judge from reading. But what's lacking is the physical factor; touch, smell, sound and sight (no tongue tasting in this though); normally associated in buying a timepiece.
So it has come to this, where I have in my hand (or wrist) a unique piece; the MARINE CHRONOGRAPH. Although a little of an underdog to its more beloved elder brother; the 1938 Chronograph; the Marine Chrono holds its own quite well. It works as a blend of Marine Original (blued hands and white dial) and 1938's bi-compax layout, offering some variation in the font design, numbering layout (missing the 2, 4, 8, 10) and most evidently contrasting needle hands (blue and silver). No doubt the 1938 "sword" hand are awesome, however I quite like the Marine Chronograph hands more in its curves. And they read better too when in a glance, with the blued hands standing out and silver needles sitting in the background. I am impartial to the choice of font though (1938 has better font).
The thing about these blued steel hands is that they have to be seen to understand why they're beautiful to look, especially under sun light. Some pictures do it justice, however most do not. And the circular detail in those bi-compax dials are mesmerising to look at. While its silver dial looks opaque white in photographs, but taking a closer view it is in reality more of a shimmering-egg-shell-white.
Its got a domed sapphire crystal (with flat crystal on the underside) and a polished case, securing within it a reliable Valjoux 7753 movement. As this is my first chronograph, I can't tell if the start/stop buttons should feel this stiff or is this a 7753 trait. Rebound tactile doesn't feel nicely sprung. And its got zero to very little water resistance (only 50M). Initially I found the case height a little tall, at 14.70mm its culprit is the Valjoux
movement. Signed crown with Stowa logo engraved, completes the side profile lug shot.
Come round the back and you're greeted with blued screws, geneva stripes and golden Stowa engraving. This makes up the very nicely decorated see thru back case. Engraved on the outer ring are STOWA SINCE 1927 / MADE IN GERMANY / CHRONO AUTOMATIC / STAINLESS STEEL / SAPPHIRE / WATERPROOF 5 ATM. All of which you would know by the time you bought this.
The croco leather strap comes with white edge stitching, polished Stowa engraved buckle, underside leather with wordings (STOWA / SINCE 1927) and tapering from 22mm to 18mm. It needs a snug fit to hold onto its high bulkhead from coming loose. And the leather wears really nice as well. For some variation, I'd recommend the blue croco leather.
Overall I am quite impressed with what's been said about this brand and their watches. It doesn't disappoint much and I feel they carry themselves well for the value price it is asking for, about USD2,400 before tax, for a Valjoux 7753.
