Male watches Laco Friedrichshafen

German watches Laco Friedrichshafen at first glance attract attention with a typical pilot design, characterised by cleanliness and excellent legibility, thanks to which they are very popular not only among watch fans.

Models from the Laco Pilot Original line are a modern rework of pilot and observation watches from the 1940s. They are also called B-Uhr, from the German word Beobachtungsuhren. The watches of that time stood out with a large case with a diameter of 55 mm and also served as navigation instruments. Laco was among the five manufacturers (alongside IWC, Lange & Söhne, Stowa and Wempe) authorised to produce these military watches based on the requirements of the Reichsluftfahrtministerium (RLM) (former German Ministry of Aviation). It thus contributed to the creation of a watchmaking classic that became an inspiration for many other manufacturers. With its Pilot Watches Original, Laco presents models made according to the original template and specification.

Laco Friedrichshafen are made according to the original pilot watches used during World War II. The stainless steel sandblasted case of the Laco Flieger Original Friedrichshafen watch with straight lugs is complemented by a brown leather strap with contrast stitching and distinctive rivets. The side of the case bears the designation FL23883, which was the classification number and can also be found on the case back together with the unit number, the manufacturer and the aircraft designation. On historical models, this information was stated on the inside of the case back. The water resistance of these watches is 100 m (10 ATM), so they can handle swimming. The case diameter is 45 mm, the length (lug-to-lug) 53,5 mm, so the watch fits well on most men's wrists.

The classic identifying features of the pilot watch Laco Friedrichshafen include distinctive and easy-to-read hands and indices at the hour positions, and a large crown that is easy to operate even with gloves. The perfectly clear type B dial is protected by a domed sapphire crystal with internal anti-reflective coating and high scratch resistance. The B-Uhr type B dial is characterised by a minute scale printed around the edge of the dial, with an arrow at the 12 o'clock position, which served pilots for quick orientation, and an hour scale printed on the inner circle. The iconic dial is executed without a logo, as on the original. Better legibility in poor lighting conditions is ensured by Luminescence placed on the hands, numerals and indices. The watch hands are heat-blued.

Power is provided by a mechanical movement with automatic winding Laco 200 (based on the Sellita SW200 Elaboré - tested in 3 positions, accuracy +/- 14 s/day) with a power reserve of around 38 hours. The movement with a frequency of 28800 vibrations per hour offers the option of winding via the crown and a seconds stop function when setting the time (hacking).

You can also find the watch under the designation Laco 861753.

Customisation options for an additional charge:

• Movement Laco 210 Top (tested in 5 positions, +/- 8 s/day)
• Sapphire crystal with double-sided anti-reflective coating
• Crown positioned on the left
• Crown with neck