Stowa Durowe, Cal. D450-2

Stowa Durowe D450-2— First Impression 

This Stowa Durowe from 1969 embodies late-mid-century dress-watch design: a polished 35 mm stainless-steel case, domed crystal, and a pared-back silver dial that favors precision timekeeping over ornament. The manually wound Durowe D450-2 powers central seconds and a neatly framed date at 3 o’clock, while long, faceted hands and black baton markers create crisp legibility. On the wrist, the thin bezel and straight lugs give the watch a larger visual footprint than the dimensions suggest—an elegant, collectible timepiece from vintage German watchmaking.

Silver Sunburst Dial with Framed Date Dial

The dial presents a fine silver sunburst finish that catches light evenly across the gently domed surface. Hour indexes are a mix of slim printed batons and broader rectangular black blocks at the cardinal points, delivering strong orientation without clutter. A date aperture at 3 o’clock is framed in metallic silver; the white date wheel with black numerals preserves the dial’s monochrome balance.

Branding appears beneath 12 (“Stowa”) with the marque emblem, while “17 Rubis Antichoc” sits above 6 o’clock—both sharply printed and period-correct. There is no lume, keeping the presentation clean and dress-oriented, ideal for collectors who value restrained vintage aesthetics.

Baton Hands

The handset is classic mid-century: long, polished baton hour and minute hands with fine facets for light play, paired with a slender central seconds hand that reaches toward the minute divisions. The proportions are carefully balanced so the minute hand meets the outer markers, enhancing precise setting and readability without overpowering the minimalist dial.

The all-steel finish of the hands complements the case and bezel, reinforcing the watch’s cohesive, tool-grade elegance typical of precision German dress watches of the era.

Slim Bezel Stainless-Steel Case

Crafted in stainless steel, the 35.0 mm round case features a thin, polished bezel that opens the dial visually. Straight, lightly tapered lugs ensure a secure stance on the wrist, while the mid-case shows crisp transitions between polished planes. The domed acrylic crystal contributes warmth and vintage distortion at the dial edge. Around back, a snap-on caseback with multiple pry notches is period-correct and closes flush, preserving the watch’s slim profile and dress-watch comfort.

Crown

The crown at 3 o’clock is unsigned, coin-edged, and appropriately sized for manual winding. Its finish, shape, and fit are consistent with Stowa’s production of the period, aligning with the “Antichoc” shock-protection claim on the dial and maintaining the watch’s authentic presentation.

Strap

The watch is fitted with a black leather strap with subtle grain and tone-on-tone stitching. It is a modern replacement chosen to echo the original dress intent, offering immediate wearability and a neutral backdrop for the silver dial and polished case.

Manual-Wind Caliber D450-2

Inside is the Durowe D450-2, a hand-wound mechanical movement produced in Germany (Deutsche Uhren-Rohwerke, Pforzheim). It features central seconds, a quick-reading date, and shock protection (“Antichoc”). The caliber uses 17 jewels to minimize friction and is constructed for straightforward servicing—attributes that underpin reliable daily accuracy when properly maintained.

Operating at a traditional mid-century beat rate of 18,000 vph (≈2.5 Hz), the D450-2 delivers smooth hand motion and a practical power reserve suited to a dress wristwatch. Collectors appreciate this caliber for its robust architecture, parts availability, and its role in the heritage of German mechanical watchmaking.

Heritage of the Stowa Durowe in Late-1960s Design

By the late 1960s, Stowa had established a reputation for precise, well-finished wristwatches with restrained aesthetics. The Durowe-powered models connected Stowa to the core of German horology, pairing clean dials and practical complications with movements engineered for longevity. This example captures the period’s preference for slim cases, domed crystals, and high-contrast markers—hallmarks that have become increasingly collectible among enthusiasts of vintage European watchmaking.

Condition, Originality, Warranty & Worldwide Shipping

This piece is fully serviced, fully operational, and retains all original watch components (dial, hands, case, crown, and movement). Light, honest aging is visible under magnification, consistent with careful wear and preservation. The watch is offered with a 12-month warranty and worldwide shipping, making it an excellent addition for collectors seeking a refined historic wristwatch with authentic German heritage. Browse our men’s vintage watches manual wind 35 mm for related timepieces.