Now I know many of you may be sitting there reading and thinking, ok dots and numerals, is that all? Well no, that isn’t all. Whenever, a classic is redesigned or revamped keeping standard white and black dials are essential to maintain the interest of watch purists. So while the white and black dials are still certainly more whimsical and contemporary, STOWA has also created the Antea Back to Bauhaus with other very exuberant dials colors brown, green, blue and pink. With so many dial color options, there should now be a color for anyone that wants to show off a bit more of their inner personality and soul as well. So go ahead and let the wild side out! The Antea b2b dial color options can be seen here: STOWA Antea b2b Contempory.
STOWA didn’t just stop with the modernization of the dial font and color options. The original Bauhaus timepieces contained manual movements. The Antea Back to Bauhaus 365 and 390 models contain top grade ETA 2824-2 automatic movements slightly customized. Looking through the nearly 26mm sapphire display crystal, you will be able to see the great perlage finish on the movement which is standard on top grade movements. The one curious aspect of the movement that should be quickly noticeable is the rotor. Instead of the standard ETA 2824 rotor, STOWA has installed a customized finely brush rotor, which is engraved with “Back to Bauhaus”. So STOWA added a little bit of flair to the movement as well, which is an extremely nice touch. Of course, if that manual movement is an important aspect keeping with the traditional Bauhaus timepieces, then check out Antea 355 model, which sports an ETA manual movement. On top of the movement is a high polished case back, which is screwed down to the upper case using 6 flat head screws. The case back contains the usual specification information found engraved or etched around the perimeter.
Every classic timepiece should also include a high quality leather strap, and STOWA doesn’t disappoint in this area. The Antea Back to Bauhaus models come with the choice of light brown, black, mocha, stone or light gray leather straps. I thought I read somewhere that the straps were calfskin but may be mistaken in that regard. Regardless, the strap shown in the photos is the stone option and is extremely soft and supple much like any calfskin strap I have ever owned. The strap has a very nice distressed type texture and adds some additional character to the overall appearance of the Antea 365 b2b. The nearly 3mm thick strap measures 18mm at the lugs and tapers to 16mm at the tail and buckle. The strap is finished off with a standard signed high polished tang buckle, which is a perfect compliment to the case. I would suggest purchasing a dual deploy clasp to save on wear and tear of the strap.
STOWA most certainly isn’t the only watch company producing Bauhaus style timepieces, but the excellent quality and craftsmanship provided by the company makes their Bauhaus option much more palatable than other Bauhaus options at around $903 USD. Aesthetically, the model is still Bauhaus maintaining the overall simple design concept of the original timepieces while incorporating a touch of modern flair making it slightly more unique. The cumulative great overall classic design, lively and whimsical dial updates, and beautiful slightly altered ETA 2824-2 movement with the custom rotor will provide something for watch purists, as well as, for those who want to show off a little more personality, passion and soul. I would like to thank STOWA for working with WatchReport.com on this review. I would also like to thank each of you for reading and as always I look forward to your thoughts and comments. Also, please take a moment to view the brief YouTube video presentation on this model.
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