Laco presents the new edition of its pilot’s watch “Würzburg” in two versions
At the end of March 2024, Laco launched a reissue of its well-known pilot’s watch “Würzburg”. The history of the German watch brand Laco dates back to 1925, when it was founded in Pforzheim, Baden-Württemberg. Pforzheim, also known as the city of gold, has been home to the manufactory from its beginnings to the present day. As early as the 1940s, the traditional company gained particular fame through the production of its legendary observation watches.
At that time, Laco was one of only five licensed companies producing these unique pilot’s watches with a diameter of 55 millimetres. Observation watches are timepieces that are subject to very high standards of quality and accuracy and are worn by navigators in particular during their missions with a double-riveted fastening strap over the pilot’s uniform. Incidentally, the classic observation watches did not have a manufacturer’s name on the dial.
Watches from Laco impress with the highest quality, outstanding design and functional usability.
In the 1960s, Laco was one of the largest German manufacturers of wristwatches with over 1,200 employees. Then as now, the company and its experienced team of specialists focus on craftsmanship, true to the motto: quality not quantity. The range includes pilot’s and navy watches, sporty mission watches and elegant chronographs. However, all models have three characteristics in common: top quality, outstanding design and functional usability.
The design
The design of the new timepiece is based on the type B model of a classic observation watch, known as a B watch for short. With its black dial, the “Würzburg” has a functional instrument look, with the outer minute track cleverly framing the inner hour circle. The small second is positioned at six o’clock as an effective detail. For maximum contrast, the luminous hands in the Losangé shape typical of pilot’s watches as well as the numerals and indexes stand out clearly against the dark background. The brown strap is made of high-quality leather.
Pilot’s watch “Würzburg” from Laco in two sizes
The case
The stainless steel case of the “Würzburg” is available with a diameter of 42.5 millimetres as well as in a new, more compact midsize version with a reduced diameter of 39 millimetres. The timepiece owes its sporty, elegant look in part to the striking combination of matt and polished surfaces. The hand-wound movement also makes it possible to use a particularly flat case. The larger model has a height of less than 11 millimetres, while the smaller version is slightly slimmer at 9.7 millimetres. Thanks to a pressure resistance of ten bar, i.e. a water resistance of 100 meters, the pilot’s watch is not only suitable for adventures in the cockpit, but of course also for all everyday challenges. Any reflections that could make it difficult to read the time are reduced by the sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating on the inside.
Classic observation watch design
The movement
In the classic 42.5 millimeter version, the hands of the “Würzburg” are driven by the tried-and-tested UNITAS ETA 6498.2, a legendary watchmaking caliber. Once frequently used in pocket watches, this special hand-wound movement is rarely found today. The slightly smaller midsize version is powered by the compact Swiss Sellita SW261 caliber. Both movements are presented through the large sapphire crystal case back and feature traditional finishes such as decorative cuts and thermally blued screws.
Pilot’s watch with manual winding
Short and sweet
- Pilot watch: Laco Würzburg 42.5 / Laco Würzburg 39
- Case: Stainless steel, ⌀ 42.5 millimetres / 39 millimetres, sapphire crystal, water-resistant to 10 bar
- Movement: Hand-wound, Laco 98 (UNITAS ETA 6498.2) / Laco 261 (Sellita SW261), 46-hour / 38-hour power reserve
- Functions: Hours, minutes, small seconds
- Strap: Leather
- Price: 1,690 Euro / 1,290 Euro
- Year: 2024
More information at laco.de
