The Laco Pilot Watches Original are authentic reconstructions of the observation watches from the 1940s. They are also called B-Uhr, from the German word Beobachtungsuhren. At that time, only a handful of companies received permission to build these pilot watches according to the detailed requirements of the Reichsluftfahrtministerium (RLM) (former German ministry for aviation). With a stately diameter of 55 mm back then, the watches were used as well as navigation instruments. The five manufacturers (IWC, Laco, Lange & Söhne, Stowa and Wempe) thus created a horological classic that has become the inspiration for many wristwatches. With its Pilot Watches Original, Laco presents the most authentic reconstructions of these type of watches on the market.
In addition to the Replica 55 with the original diameter, contemporary case sizes of 39, 42 and 45 mm are also offered. All components are proportionally adapted to the respective size - always based on the historical construction plans.
Other characteristics that the current models share with the historical models:
• Iconic dial without logo, which would have been only a distracting element at that time
• Dials in the style of type A (also Called “Baumuster A” with 11 Arabic numerals, triangle with two dots instead of 12) or type B (“Baumuster B” with inner hour circle, outer minute track)
• Case shape with straight lugs and grey, matt surface to avoid reflections in the cockpit
• Optimal readability both by day and by night. In the past a radioactive material was used, today, only the harmless luminous material Superluminova is used
• Distinctive and easy to grip crown, to make it possible to use the watch even with gloves
• "FL 23883" engraving on the side of the case which represents a former classification number and not a serial number, as well as a bottom marking with unit number, manufacturer and movement designation. At the historical models this engraving can be found inside the caseback, nowadays this engraving is shown externally
• Rivets on the leather strap, which used to secure the strap to the fixed bars in the past. Thanks to the usage of spring bars, they only have a decorative purpose today
With the Pilot Watches Original, Laco has managed to bring the look and feel of the historically famous pilot and observation watches to the wrist. The current models vary in diameter, type of movement and dial type. To get an overview of the different models, we recommend to take a look at our Model matrix.
Movement: |
hand winding movement Laco 04, Refined movement with blued screws and engraved, black colored Logo Laco 1925
basic movement ETA 2804.2
|
Case: |
Stainless steel, sandblasted dark finish adjusted to the original B-Uhr, anti fingerprint coating, sidewise marking FL 23883, double curved sapphire crystal, case-back with sapphire crystal, crown execution according original B-Uhr |
Dial: |
Black mat with Superluminova indexes C3, execution according B-Uhr Baumuster A |
Hands: |
Hour and minute thermally blued, second black mat, all hands with Superluminova C3 |
Strap: |
Leather strap: High quality calfskin genuine aviator strap black |
Box: |
gift box like the original packaging |
Certificate: |
Made in Germany |
diameter: |
45,0 mm |
height: |
13,0 mm |
lug width: |
22,0 mm |
lug to lug: |
53,5 mm |
waterproof: |
up to 5 ATM |
weight: |
108,4 g (incl. strap) |
Arm circumference: |
16,5 - 23 cm |