The Flieger Verus 40 Baumuster B, the Modern B-Uhr by Stowa

Founded in 1927 and headquartered in Pforzheim, Germany, Stowa is mainly known for producing accessible and robust military- and pilot-inspired watches. Its Flieger line, based on a classic B-Uhr concept, is both its cornerstone collection and its most relevant range, as Stowa was one of only five watch manufacturers commissioned to build these military watches in the past. While you can still get the historical look from the brand with its Classic Flieger, Stowa has decided to modernize its pilot watch with the Flieger Verus editions, which is now available in a new format, combining a 40mm case with the Baumuster B-styled dial. 

Following our recent introduction of the Flieger Verus 36, a more compact take on the original concept (remember that the historical B-Uhr measured 55mm in diameter), it is now time for another model to adopt the modern Verus treatment. As a reminder, B-Urh watches have been made using two different dial layouts. The very first models, the so-called Baumuster A, relied on a sleek dial with a classic layout of the hour markers and minutes track, including the triangle with two dots at 12 o’clock. This is the style most often associated with a Flieger watch. In 1942, a second design was developed, the Type B. Equally important, it’s a bit less common but does have a highly distinctive look, with a large outer minutes track and a smaller inner hour circle, with an arrow pointing at 12 o’clock, helping with orientation at night.

The new Flieger Verus 40 Baumuster B relies on this 1942 design and adds touches of modernity to an otherwise highly traditional model. No faux-patina or aged case finishing here. This Stowa Flieger Verus 40 is a modern, utilitarian and no-nonsense take on the Flieger watch, housed in a well-proportioned 40mm case and finished in matte glass bead-blasted stainless steel. At 10.2mm in height, it’s sure to be comfortable on the wrist, with a certain length to the case, something that’s necessary for such a pilot’s watch. Water-resistant to 50m, it features a sapphire crystal on top and a screwed back with see-through crystal too.

Compared to other models of the collection using the Type A layout, the dial of this Verus 40 Baumuster B has more complexity. It features the classic Type B combination of a central hour circle and peripheral minutes track with large numerals. Large white hands run over the dial, largely coated with blue-emitting SLN BGW9 (known for its long-lasting duration), for great contrast day and night. An optional date function is available if you want to bring more modernity and practicality to your wrist… or keep it clean without the date.

Mechanically, Stowa provides three different options. You can choose between two automatic calibres or a hand-wound movement. First is the Sellita SW200 automatic, available in basic or top grade (the latter being decorated and more precisely adjusted). Second is the Sellita SW210 hand-wound, available in top grade with pleasant decoration. Both options run at a 4Hz frequency and deliver, respectively, a 38h or a 42h power reserve.

Finally, you can choose your Flieger Verus 40 on a black leather strap without rivets (those are reserved for the Classic models) or a matte steel Milanaise bracelet.

Now available from the brand, the new Stowa Flieger Verus 40 Baumuster B retails for EUR 950 in automatic-basic, EUR 1,080 in automatic-top or EUR 1,100 in hand-wound. For more details, please visit stowa.de.