Laco Watches

Laco Watches

Laco isn’t just a brand — it’s a pilot watch institution.

One of the original five companies tapped to build B-Uhr watches for the German Luftwaffe in the 1940s, Laco has spent the past 80 years crafting military-spec timepieces with

legit historical DNA. No fluff, no fake patina, just real-deal aviation design with German discipline.

A Little History

Founded in 1925 in Pforzheim, Germany, Laco (short for “Lacher & Co.”) became one of the few firms authorized to produce Beobachtungsuhren (B-Uhren) — oversized

hand-wound navigation watches worn over flight jackets and regulated to chronometer standards.

These watches were huge (55mm), simple (Type A and Type B dials), and built for legibility and precision under pressure. Movements were made in-house or sourced from

top-grade Swiss and German suppliers — and often equipped with hacking seconds and antimagnetic shields.

Post-WWII, Laco continued to produce tool watches and eventually moved into more commercial lines. In recent years, they’ve leaned hard into their historical roots

offering some of the most faithful pilot watch reissues on the market today.

What Collectors Love

Laco pilot watches are appreciated for their:

  • Dial accuracy — Type A (simple hour markers) and Type B (inner hour / outer minute ring) layouts just like the originals

  • Case finishing and proportion control — modern sizing options in 39mm, 42mm, 45mm, and full-size 55mm

  • Tool-watch vibe — sterile dials, heat-blued hands, matte finishes, and zero fluff

  • Hand-wound or automatic movements — from ETA, Sellita, or Laco’s own modified calibers

Popular collections include:

  • Laco Original Series — full-spec B-Uhr reproductions, including 55mm monsters with hand-wound calibers and riveted leather straps

  • Flieger Pro — customizable modern fliegers with options for date, dial type, movement, and lume color

  • Aachen / Augsburg — entry-level automatics in the 39–42mm range, often under $500

  • Special Editions — bronze cases, California dials, and limited runs for collectors who want something off the standard path

Why Laco Deserves a Spot

Because it’s one of the only brands that actually built pilot watches during WWII, and it still makes them right today.

No fake vintage branding. No overdesigned fluff. Just clean, authentic, wearable fliegers — from the kind of company that can back it up with history and execution.

And because whether you’re spending $400 or $4,000, the value is always there. You’re getting sapphire, decorated movements, solid lume, and finishing that

punches above the price point.

What’s Out There Now

Laco offers watches at multiple tiers:

Entry-Level

  • Augsburg and Aachen — 39mm or 42mm automatics, minimalist dials, excellent quality under $500

Mid-Tier

  • Flieger Pro and Classic Series — upgraded movements, better finishing, and full custom options

High-End / Heritage

  • Laco Originals — 45mm or 55mm hand-wound reissues with chronometer specs and period-correct details

Movements range from Miyota (in quartz or entry automatics) to ETA/Sellita and Laco’s hand-wound calibers for heritage models. Pre-owned? Great value

especially for limited editions or early Flieger Pros.

Fed’s Take

Laco is one of the few brands that gets the pilot watch right — not just in looks, but in soul.

The 42mm Type B I wore for a while? It was one of the easiest-reading, most satisfying field watches I’ve ever had. Clean dial. No branding. Blued hands. No excuses.

If you’re into fliegers, Laco is a must-have reference point — and one of the few you can own at any budget.

Check Out Our Laco Inventory

Delray Watch is always on the lookout for unique Laco watches — especially Type A and B fliegers, Laco Original series, and limited editions.

If you have a Laco watch you’re ready to sell or trade – reach out. We’re always buying.

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