Here we have a late 60’s, early 70’s Stowa “Big Eyes” Divers Chronograph and what a rare beast it is!

It is wonderfully original too; with the untouched matt black face still showing the red “Regatta” markings on the chronograph minutes sub-dial and beautifully aged Tritium hour markers. The White oversized, or “Big Eyes”, sub-dials are starting to discolour. Yes, the face has foxing spots here and there, but we think this only enhances rather than detracts from the watch.

The hour and minute “Baton” style hands are similarly aged, with the lume having turned a gorgeous cream, and these are complemented by the faded “Fanta” Orange chronograph second’s hand.

Surrounding the face is a worn Stainless-Steel bi-directional diving bezel that has obviously seen a lot of use in its lifetime and in our opinion, but unusually, still retains its luminous pip. It is this that makes the watch!

We love the fact that the main wear on the bezel is between 12 and 4 o’clock, which shows it has been worn by a right-handed person; these being the points your fingers naturally fall, to adjust it.

The case itself is nice and sharp and does not appear to have been polished. It and the screw-down case back show light scratches and swirls. At 39mm x 45mm, the case was larger than usual “in-period”, but today is perfectly suited to modern tastes, and sits comfortably on the wrist.

This Stowa Chronograph was previously owned by our Watchmaker, so as you would expect, the Valjoux 7733 movement contained within, (which was launched in 1969), has been serviced properly and runs perfectly. One thing to note is, the chronograph pushers look younger than the crown, so have been replaced at some time.

So, there you have it, a fabulous Stowa “Big Eyes” chronograph ready for duty again!

Who is Stowa anyway?

STOWA is a German luxury watchmaker founded by Walter Storz in 1927 and is based in Engelsbrand, Germany. The name is a portmanteau of the founder’s name, Storz Walter. The company is probably most famous for making Flieger watches for the Luftwaffe!

Stowa has since produced quality timepieces in Germany’s south-west; around the Black Forest, Pforzheim and Rheinfelden.

We work hard to ensure you are pleased with your purchase, both before and after the sale. Contact us to request any additional information.

Dispatch: We aim to dispatch items within 1-2 days of receipt of payment.

The delivery method can vary depending on the value of the watch. All watches are sent fully insured usually using UPS.

All watches sold without an original box will still be dispatched with a ChronoDuo presentation box.

Warranty: All timepieces purchased from us come with a guarantee of authenticity and our 12-month time-keeping warranty. Please note that accidental damage or damage to the item resulting from third-party repairs, improper handling, or liquid damage will void our warranty. We do not guarantee any of our watches to be waterproof.