A Striking, Complex, Architectural Structure

The new Stowa "Lana" watch is truly captivating. Viewed from the front, it appears remarkably simple. However, the oval case, seemingly cut off at the sides, is a rare shape today, described as embodying "flowing time." The bezel is full of curves and possesses a substantial presence.

The dial, in contrast, eschews ornamentation, reflecting the Bauhaus style characteristic of German watches. Yet, the index dots gradually increase in size from 1 to 12 o'clock. This "DynaDot" design, which enhances legibility and serves as a visual accent, is achieved by laser-cutting the dots on the dial.

The side view of the watch reveals an even more surprising element: a complex "floating" structure where the oval case seen from the front is layered over a round case beneath it.

This architectural design is the work of the renowned product designer Hartmut Esslinger. He founded the design agency Frog Design and, as a key partner to Steve Jobs in the 1980s and '90s, was instrumental in shaping the design of numerous early Apple products. Inheriting the Bauhaus design philosophy of "form follows function," he has driven design innovation for many global corporations. Like Jörg Schauer, who manages Stowa, Esslinger hails from the Black Forest. Their shared resonance with Bauhaus design principles led to this partnership, culminating in the "Lana" watch.

The movement features a unique woodpecker regulator developed by Mühle-Glashütte for its precision adjustment mechanism. It boasts high accuracy, certified by the Glashütte Seal (a chronometer standard certified by the Glashütte Observatory in Germany).

This simple yet avant-garde timepiece embodies the soul of German craftsmanship.