watches Laco Mülheim an der Ruhr

German Laco Mülheim an der Ruhr watches catch the eye at first glance with their typical pilot design, characterised by clarity and excellent legibility, which makes them very popular not only among watch fans.

Models from the Laco Pilot Original line are a modern reinterpretation of pilot and observer 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) (the 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 Mülheim an der Ruhr are made according to the original pilot watches used during World War II. The sandblasted steel case of the Laco Flieger Original Mülheim an der Ruhr watch with straight lugs is complemented by a brown leather strap with contrast stitching and prominent rivets. The side of the case bears the marking “FL 23883”, which was a 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, these details were 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 39 mm, the length (lug-to-lug) 46 mm, so the watch fits well on men’s and women’s wrists.

The classic identifying features of Laco Mülheim an der Ruhr pilot watches include bold and highly legible hands and indices at the hour positions, and a distinctive onion-shaped crown that is easy to operate even with gloves. The perfectly clear type A dial is protected by a domed sapphire crystal with internal anti-reflective coating and high scratch resistance. The iconic dial is executed without a logo, just like the original. Better legibility in poorer lighting conditions is ensured by luminescence placed on the hands, numerals and indices. The watch hands are thermally blued.

Power is provided by the hand-wound mechanical movement Laco 210 (based on the Sellita SW210 Elaboré - tested in 3 positions, accuracy +/- 14 s/day) with a power reserve of around 42 hours. The movement with a frequency of 28800 vibrations per hour offers a seconds stop function when setting the time (hacking).

You can also find the watch under the designation Laco 862092.

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