Laco, a German brand running back to 1925 and based in Pforzheim, made B-Uhr type pilot’s watches during the Second World War, and so this year the company is celebrating its 90th anniversary. As part of the celebrations, it has presented the Original Laco Aviator watch, reference 861929. It is described as a “Replika” watch and the dial is exactly the same as the original Model A observation watch, with the classic triangular motif flanked by two dots at 12 o’clock, the unbranded black dial, and its large size, 55 mm in diameter. It’s certainly a watch that won’t go unnoticed. The strap is in brown calf, riveted to form a closed loop as in the original. The watch is supplied in a presentation box reproducing the original Laco 1940s shipping boxes, each with the watch’s serial number printed on the end.
Case and caseback
The case has the original impressive size of 55 mm, with thickness 21 mm, in satin-finish stainless steel with laser-engraved ordnance number FL23883 on the caseband. The caseback is solid, engraved outside with the watch’s serial number.
Dial and hands
The hour and minute hands are in thermally blued steel, and minute and seconds hand have a curved tip so that they are closer to the chapter ring and can be read more accurately. Hour and minute hands, and the hour indicators on the dial, are coated in SuperLuminova.
Movement
The movement is the Laco 97, based on the ETA 6497.1. It is hand-wound and has the stop-second feature, and it includes anti-magnetic protection. Water-resistant to 50 m depth.
Price and availability
The Laco Pilot Watch Type A, reference 861929, is an unlimited edition. The watch costs €2,998 inclusive of VAT. The watch will be ready for delivery in June 2015. Available for order at https://shop.laco.de
