Stowa AR coating?
Hey fellow crunchers-
I am looking at possibly adding the Stowa Flieger Classic 40 to the collection, but I have some questions about the AR coating they use (or don't use).
One of the things I love most about my Sinn 856 is the way they have basically made the crystal disappear with their use of AR. It's unbelievable, and really makes the dial so much more legible.
On the other hand, I have a Hamilton Khaki Field that I love the dial design of, but it is SO hard to read it in most light. It's super frustrating and to me, feels like the dial is being hidden.
So before I spend for a new Stowa, I'm hoping someone here can compare the Flieger to other watches with better or worse AR. Bonus points if you have photos of each of them in the same light! 😀
Thanks for your help!
Mechanical engineer who thinks watches are the absolute perfect marriage of technology and art.
Just giving this a bump and seeing if anyone can help with this question. Alternatively, if you've got a different Flieger that you think has great AR (under $2K, please), I'd love to know about it. Thanks!
#general #flieger #fliegers #laco
One of the things I love most about my Stowa Flieger is the legibility of the dial - I’d say the ability to see clearly in all light conditions is really excellent. The blued hands are an extra bonus and add a hint of colour. The picture was taken with bright strip ceiling lights.
You won’t regret getting one!
One of the things I love most about my Stowa Flieger is the legibility of the dial - I’d say the ability to see clearly in all light conditions is really excellent. The blued hands are an extra bonus and add a hint of colour. The picture was taken with bright strip ceiling lights.
You won’t regret getting one!
Thank you! This is helpful for sure. I'm waffling back and forth because some of the photos I see aren't very good, even the ones posted on Stowa's site!
For example, these two concern me:
There's a significant difference between how dark the shadow (near the 8) is relative to the reflection of the sky in each photo. It reminds me of my Hamilton, although the contrast between the dial and indices helps the Stowa quite a bit over my Khaki field. I guess I'm spoiled by watches like the SWC Bunker and Sinn 856, which have nearly "invisible" crystals.
In any event, I do think your photo helps swing me back toward getting one. I suppose I'd know within the first few minutes whether or not it meets my (admittedly stringent) desires. This is definitely a brand that I wish I could find at a local AD rather than only online. I guess I'm just being picky. 😕
Again, thank you! It's awesome to have another example photo.
Have you looked at the Stowa Friends section on the Stowa site? There’s a map with owners of their watches who are happy to show them to prospective buyers; there’s two in CO - including a 2016 Flieger - assume the AR coating will be the same as a newer one and could help you make the decision.
I’ll add some more pictures tomorrow taken in daylight. Sadly I don’t have a Sinn to compare - perhaps one day!
Funny you should mention the Hamilton - I am planning on getting one for one of my children so will have a good look at the reflection you mention.
This is the only shot I have that shows the difference (in preparation for an SOTC post I'm going to do), but you can clearly see that the Hamilton is the weakest link (followed closely by the GShock, although that's partially due to a pesky screen protector that I have since removed). Note that the two "dots" you can see reflected in the Hamilton dial are two lights on the ceiling. They are off since there was enough ambient sunlight for the photo. But that's literally the ONLY dial that shows them.
Don't get me wrong....I ADORE that Hamilton dial when I can see it. But I feel that the designers didn't do it any justice by hiding it behind that particular crystal.
Even the $40 Timex in the front there is doing a better job of blocking reflections. Maybe it's just mine? I don't know. It's relatively high up in their lineup (42mm titanium), but perhaps my crystal missed the AR coating step during construction? Whatever the cause, it's disappointing and has me concerned about other brands/models in the future. At least I know to look for it now.
This is the only shot I have that shows the difference (in preparation for an SOTC post I'm going to do), but you can clearly see that the Hamilton is the weakest link (followed closely by the GShock, although that's partially due to a pesky screen protector that I have since removed). Note that the two "dots" you can see reflected in the Hamilton dial are two lights on the ceiling. They are off since there was enough ambient sunlight for the photo. But that's literally the ONLY dial that shows them.
Don't get me wrong....I ADORE that Hamilton dial when I can see it. But I feel that the designers didn't do it any justice by hiding it behind that particular crystal.
Even the $40 Timex in the front there is doing a better job of blocking reflections. Maybe it's just mine? I don't know. It's relatively high up in their lineup (42mm titanium), but perhaps my crystal missed the AR coating step during construction? Whatever the cause, it's disappointing and has me concerned about other brands/models in the future. At least I know to look for it now.
Not sure if these pictures will be of any assistance - I've realised the Stowa face is an off-black (which I like) but not a good comparison if the other face is very black. The top two were taken next to a window with natural light - taken above and at an an angle to maximise reflection. Bottom pic taken in bright sunshine. All I can say is I’ve never felt readability is an issue..
My Flieger 40 is currently at Stowa getting serviced so I don't have a picture for you. What I can say with absolutely certainty is how much I love the piece. Simple, classic, legible, thin, light...I absolutely love it and will never sell it. You won't be disappointed!