From passion to legend

There are aviator watches. And there is the original aviator watch from Laco. As one of a few exclusive companies, the Pforzheim-based manufacturer can look back on a long tradition. An indispensable instrument in the cockpit, especially in the 1940s, a Laco is now an expression of freedom. With a Laco aviator watch, you are not only wearing a precise and robust watch on your wrist, but also a piece of contemporary history.



With a Laco aviator watch, you are not only wearing a precise and robust watch on your wrist, but also a piece of contemporary history.

In 2025, Laco will celebrate its 100th birthday – a milestone that underlines the brand's special position in the world of mechanical watches. Anyone who deals with aviator watches inevitably comes across the legendary observation watches of the 1940s. Only five manufacturers were officially licensed to manufacture these instruments at the time – Laco was one of them. Pilots and navigators trusted their precision, and it is precisely this claim that has shaped the brand to this day.



Founded in 1925, Laco has become a specialist in timepieces with strong character. The "Fliegeruhren Original" are directly linked to the historical models: clear and functional on the outside according to model A or B, equipped with modern Swiss automatic or manual winding movements. Today's models are tailored to contemporary sizes and range from everyday classics to limited collector's editions.

But the portfolio has long since gone beyond that. Sports and mission watches now have a permanent place. Whether robust diving watches like the "Atacama" or resistant tool watches with DLC coating - every model is developed with a view to practicality and is constantly being rethought.

The high degree of individualization is particularly striking. Customers can choose engravings on the case back or rotor, upgrade their movement, order an additional anti-reflective coating, or have a desired band mounted. With the PRO series, Laco has even created a collection that is consistently based on configuration - from the classic aviator look to the elegant version with a blue dial and metal band.



Founded in 1925, Laco has developed into a specialist for timepieces with a strong character over the past hundred years. The "Fliegeruhren Original" are directly linked to the historical models: clear and functional on the outside, equipped with modern Swiss automatic or manual winding movements on the inside. Today's models are tailored to contemporary sizes and range from everyday classics to limited collector's editions.

Laco is based in Pforzheim, in southwestern Germany. The city on the edge of the Black Forest has been known as a center for jewelry and watchmaking since the 18th century and still shapes the identity of the brand today. From here, Laco delivers his watches worldwide - and finds a special resonance in aviator communities and watch forums, where a loyal fan base of collectors and enthusiasts around the globe exchanges ideas.

Behind every watch is not a corporation, but a small, highly specialized team. About 20 dedicated people, half of them watchmakers, combine craftsmanship with modern ideas. The result is timepieces that are more than pure technology: Laco customers wear character, history and individuality on their wrists.

100 years of Laco therefore not only mean looking back, but above all a departure. The brand remains true to its roots, but at the same time courageously ventures new paths – and proves that real mechanics have a future, especially today.

LACO pilot watches - different models, always a separate character

If you look at its eventful history, the pilot's watch was developed and built specifically for the needs on board. The pilot's watch was characterized by its robustness, functionality and easy readability: it was resistant to shocks, vibrations and pressure and was easy and safe to use day and night. Properties that are still of great use in everyday life today. Anyone who buys a Laco in a classic pilot's watch design can therefore rely on a high level of ease of use and easy readability.

Most Laco pilot's watch models are made by hand in Pforzheim in three different types. At first glance, the differences between pilot's watch types A, B and C come into play primarily in the division of the dial.

Pilot's watch Model A

The Model A was intended for pilots in the 40's and is characterized by a simple design with numbers of hours. The dial with a large hour circle has the numbers 1 to 11. For reasons of better readability, model A has a triangle with two points instead of the Arabic „12“.The triangle ensured that the wearer of the watch could see the position of the hands to the „12“ even in poor visibility and flight conditions or in stressful situations with just a cursory glance. The two points made it easier to set the time precisely, even in difficult visibility conditions.



Example of Model A: the FLIEGER STUTTGART PRO

Many options regarding size, crown position, dial, movement, case, bracelet and custom engraving.

Pilot's watch Model B

Model B pilot watches used to make life easier for navigators. The large numbers of minutes in increments of 5 on the edge are characteristic of the pilot's watch type B. The classic hour division from 1 to 12 can be seen in Arabic numbers and in an additional inner ring. Military aviation watches generally did not have a logo of the manufacturing company. Quite simply so as not to limit the readability and functionality of the watch with this additional „useless“ element. In addition to the two classic models A and B, you will find another type of watch at LACO that takes up proven elements and combines them with additional practical components: the pilot's watch type C.



Example of Model B: the FLIEGER KARLSRUHE PRO

Many options regarding size, crown position, dial, movement, case, bracelet and custom engraving.

Pilot's watch Model C

The Type C pilot's watch combines the characteristic features of Type A and special properties of a chronograph. The dial with a large hour circle has the Arabic numerals 1 to 11 and the typical triangle instead of „12“. In addition, the Type C provides the additional features of a chronograph, for example stop second, separate, decentralized second hand, or day and date display. Regardless of type or type, the pilot's watch has established itself as a popular type of watch. However, it is often not worn for reasons of functionality, but as a statement. As a statement on the original Made in Germany.



Example of Model B: the CHRONOGRAPH KIEL SPORT

Many options regarding size, crown position, dial, movement, case, bracelet and custom engraving.



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Story: AEROMARKT, Hersteller
Fotos ©: AM-Archiv, Hersteller