German brand Stowa has quietly released a new version of their popular Marine Classic in a 36mm handwound variant. Stowa had previously introduced a virtually identical watch with an automatic caliber, but this is the first time they?ve offered this signature design with a manually wound movement in a smaller size. This classic design, based on so-called ?deck watches? used by the Royal Navy, has an almost inherently seafaring aesthetic, and is both highly legible and classic enough in appearance to be worn casually or as a dressier piece. At this size, the watch really takes on a different personality, and will perhaps be more versatile on a wider variety of wrist sizes.

Stowa Marine Classic 36 Hand Wound

Case Material: Stainless steel 
Dial: White   Dimensions: 36 x 10.5 x 44.6mm
Crystal: Sapphire 
Water Resistance: 5 ATM  
Crown: Push/pull   
Movement: ETA 7001
Strap/bracelet: Leather strap  
Price: $908 
Reference Number: n/a
Expected Release: Available now

This style of watch has its roots in one of the oldest types of mechanical timekeepers: the marine chronometer. Used by ship captains for navigation in combination with a sextant, marine chronometers were typically housed in large boxes attached to the deck of the ship itself, designed to keep the chronometer isolated from the movement of the vessel at sea. The mid eighteenth century saw enormous developments in precision timekeeping standards, and eventually these watches moved from ship decks, t...