Thanks to their dedication to high-quality mechanisms and materials, Laco is one of the most respected names in the current horological world. The Laco portfolio includes a wide variety of resilient watches, most of which follow an authentic pilot’s watch design. While the German brand places a strong focus on the design of its watches, their functionality is just as, if not more, important. As emphasised by the precise craftsmanship that goes into each watch, Laco’s commitment to both quality and reliability is unmatched. Over the past couple of years, Laco has seen a rise in popularity; more and more people are wanting to purchase a watch from the brand. As a result, we have put together this list of 5 things you should know before buying a Laco. So keep reading if you want to discover what these are!
5 Things You Should Know Before Buying a Laco
1. Laco has a long and rich history
Originally called Lacher & Co, the Laco brand began all the way back in 1925. Together, alongside Durowe, the business was able to emerge at the forefront of Pforzheim’s watch factories. Laco has proved its resiliency time and time again, which they reflect in every timepiece that they create; they were able to continue business throughout the Second World War. At the start of the new millennium, Laco pilot watches were relaunched onto the market. They developed a unique character through artistic, mechanical watch mechanisms; proving to be better than what came before.
Laco Valencia 42 Automatic (42mm) Superluminova C3 Dial / Brown Calf Leather Strap 861651.2
Simple, practical and with a retro-chic aesthetic, this Laco plays tribute to the maritime pocket watches of the past. To ensure optimal readability, even in darkness, the dial is completely covered with Superluminova C3. In addition, the dial features black Arabic numerals, matching black hands and a date aperture at 6 o’clock. While a sapphire crystal protects the dial, a matte-finished stainless steel case frames it. Measuring 42mm in diameter, it is a size suitable for many different wrists; depending on if you want a smaller or more oversized fit, of course. Overleaf, the case back features a sapphire crystal window and through this, the wearer can observe the Laco 21 automatic movement that powers the watch. A brown calf leather strap, with a stainless steel buckle, concludes the design of the Laco Valencia. Thanks to its 50-metre water resistance rating, this piece of history is perfect for everyday wear.
2. Laco watches rely on precise craftsmanship
Nearly 100 years since its discovery, Laco remains true to the ambition and values of the brand’s founders; to produce watches that stand out with their quality and reliability. The German brand relies on precise craftsmanship, rather than on industry, for all its flagship pilot watch collections. From Original look models to elegant Classics, thanks to this continued use of exceptional craftsmanship, each Laco timepiece is a guarantee of quality.
Laco Atlantik Automatic (42mm) Black & Blue Dial / Stainless Steel Bracelet 862108.MB
Like a scorpion, this Laco is robust, versatile, and luminous in the dark. Its matte black dial features white Arabic numerals, white hour and second hands, and a date aperture at 3 o’clock. For a pop of colour, the minute hand, the first quarter of the unidirectional bezel, and the hour markers at 12 and 6 o’clock all feature a blue Superluminova paint; the long-lasting afterglow ensures optimal readability in low lighting conditions. Measuring 42mm in diameter, an exceptionally tough and strong stainless steel case frames the dial. As well as this, an anti-reflective, scratch-resistant and double-domed sapphire crystal. Overleaf, the screwed case back features a relief design in the form of a scorpion; reinforcing the versatility of the watch and its similarities to the arachnid. The watch is also water-resistant up to 300 metres, so it is perfect for daily use in many environments. Its Laco 200 automatic movement and durable stainless steel bracelet highlight this further.
3. Laco is known for its pilot watches
The brand’s pilot watch is the most iconic design in Laco’s portfolio. This range of models is an expression of Laco’s great success story. Many of the pilot’s watches take inspiration from their vintage predecessors with some even being deliberately aged to have the appearance of a genuine classic Laco model. In the creation of this collection of pilot’s watches, Laco has stayed true to its original designs and aspirations. Hence the appeal it has amongst watch collectors and enthusiasts alike.
Laco Kempten Handwinding (39mm) Black Dial / Brown Calf Leather Strap 862093
With this model, Laco has managed to bring the look and feel of historically famous pilot watches to the wrist. The black dial follows a typical Type B design, with large white Arabic numerals in 5-minute increments around the edge. The classic hour division of 1-12 is given in white Arabic numerals, which are displayed in an additional inner ring. As well as this, the dial features blued steel hands; filled with Superluminova C3 for optimal readability. A dark sandblasted stainless steel case, with an original ‘FL2883’ engraving, frames the dial. Measuring 39mm in diameter, it also features a domed and anti-reflective sapphire crystal for great clarity. As a tribute to past variants, a hand-wound Laco 210 Sellita SW 210-1 movement powers this model. Moreover, thanks to the easy-to-grip crown, the watch is water-resistant up to 100 metres (10 bar). A brown calf leather strap, with decorative rivets, concludes the design of this Laco original pilot watch.
4. Laco creates watches for various budgets and styles
Blending the old with the new, to produce a distinctive design, Laco offers quality watches at a wide range of prices. And like the price, their style also varies. From high-end and authentic pilot watches to more cost-friendly options and even sports watches, there truly is a Laco for every budget and style. What’s more, they all feature the same levels of craftsmanship and meticulous attention to detail. So no matter what model you end up choosing, an authentic, passionate and precise timepiece is certain.
Laco Neapel Automatic (39mm) Black Dial / Black Calf Leather Strap 862129
Although on the more affordable side, this Laco impresses with its eye-catching design and array of practical features. Adding a modern, and more elegant, touch to the traditional pilot watch design, the black dial features Superluminova orange Arabic numerals, baton indices and hands. For optimal clarity, an anti-reflective sapphire crystal protects the dial; it also provides good levels of durability. Measuring 39mm in diameter, a matte stainless steel case frames the dial. Within this case lies an automatic Laco 21 Miyota 821 A movement with a hacking second. For an added touch, it can be observed and enjoyed through the exhibition case back. Complementing the dial design, the watch fastens with a vintage black calf leather strap with rivets and orange stitching. Furthermore, the watch is water-resistant up to 50 metres; making it both a practical and suitable choice for day-to-day wear.
5. Laco only use high-quality materials and movements in their watches
Whether quartz, automatic, or hand-wound, Laco’s first-rate German engineering ensures that high-quality and precise movements power all of its watches. As well as this, Laco ensures that only the finest and most durable materials are used in the construction of each of its watches. This way, they are still remaining true to the ambitions and values set by the brand’s founders nearly 100 years ago. Laco’s Din 8330 collection represents the best of both worlds; the watches have the timeless aesthetics of pilot watches but with state-of-the-art technology and certified precision.
Laco Hamburg GMT DIN 8330 (43.5mm) Black Dial / Black Water-Resistant Nytech Strap 862165
Excellently tested and uniquely certified, this Laco is the best quality – without a doubt. The matte black dial of this watch, with a second time zone display, features C1 Superluminova Arabic numerals and baton indices. Both the Arabic numerals on the internal 24-hour scale and the arrowhead of the GMT hand are in Superluminova Dark Orange. The two logos and the date at the 4 o’clock position are grey; this is to avoid any distractions during a flight. A flat curved sapphire crystal, with anti-reflective coating on both sides, protects the dial; offering great clarity as it does so. The dial is surrounded by a bidirectional rotating bezel with a ceramic inlay and C1 Super-LumiNova detailing. As well as this, a 43.5mm dark sandblasted stainless steel case frames the dial. The screwed stainless steel case back, decorated with an aircraft relief, ensures water resistance up to 200 metres. A Sellita SW330 automatic movement, also of TOP quality, ensures absolute functional reliability. Alongside this, it provides a stop-second function and a 50-hour power reserve. A black water-resistant Nytech strap concludes the design of this truly professional timepiece.
If these 5 things you should know before buying a Laco have provided you with more understanding of the German brand, and you are now confident that you want to buy one of their watches, click here to view the selection on our website.
What are your thoughts on our 5 things you should know before buying a Laco? Did any of the reasons take you by surprise? Let us know in the comments!
