Laco has developed reissues of its classic pilot watches, the Ulm and Würzburg. We now have a more contemporary 39mm variant of both watches and the existing 42.5mm. Both models have been discontinued for some time, so seeing them reborn for a 2024 audience is always good.
Before we look at the four new watches, a bit of history is required to fully appreciate them.
Laco Ulm & Würzburg - Credit Laco
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The first genuine Laco pilot watch was the instantly recognisable FL 23883 from the 1930s, which is still made today, all be it modernised. During WW2, navigation for bombers was primarily a map and mechanical instrument skill, so the German Air Force created a requirement for observation watches (Beobachtungsuhr) under the FL military specification. It is important to note that these models were destined for navigators despite being quintessential pilot watches. To determine their exact position, the onboard navigator would use his large 55mm Laco wristwatch and the aircraft's octant (sextant) to determine a precise position. Given the rudimentary flying conditions in 1940s military aircraft, instant legibility and precision were paramount. Laco created both a Model A and Model B dial to guarantee this. Model A was a simple design with numbered hours, 1 to 11, with the 12 replaced by a triangle and two dots, ensuring high visibility, accurate zeroing, and easy watch orientation.
Laco Ulm - Credit Laco
The Model B dials displayed oversized minute numbers in increments of 5 in an outer track where you would traditionally expect to see the 1-12 markers. This unusual design was considered more relevant for navigation, so the hour track was relegated to a smaller inner sub-dial. Navigational orientation was achieved by using a bold arrow at the 12 mark.
The 2024 Laco Ulm and Würzburg
Laco Ulm - Credit Laco
- Regular price
- £68.00
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- £68.00
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- £68.00
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- £68.00
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- £68.00
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- £68.00
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With the introduction of small-second sub-dials and wide exhibition case backs, new calibres have been sourced for these watches. The Classic 42.5 mm models utilise the proven ETA 6498.2. Once used in pocket watches, this particular manual winding movement is now rarely found. In the more minor 39mm variants, the compact hand-wound Swiss Sellita SW261 is used. Both movements are presented with traditional finishes such as decorative cuts and thermally blued screws. The use of manual winding movements allows for an exceptionally slim case. Thus, the larger models are not even 11 mm thick, while the smaller variants are slimmer at 9.7 mm.
All four timepieces feature a black dial in the classic instrument style of historical Beobachtungsuhr watches. The Ulm has been designed to reflect the Type A with Arabic numerals and a pilot zeroing triangle at twelve o'clock. The Type B dial inspires the new Würzburg. The latest iteration of the watch represents the first time a small sub-dial has been fitted to B face, so the integration of this was done with considerable care.
Laco Würzburg - Credit Laco
The numerals and indices have been coated with Super Luminova C3 luminescence for maximum legibility and contrast. For optimal readability in all lighting conditions, the hands, in the typical lozenge shape for pilot watches with a thermally blued frame, are also coated with luminescent material. The internally anti-reflective sapphire crystal reduces any reflections that could hinder time reading. These pilot watches are completed with a high-quality brown strap made of smooth leather.
It's always a treat to see a new Laco Flieger watch and to see the brand listening to its followers (both new and old), which gives you much confidence in the product. The reduction of these Fliegers to 39mm is a well-placed move, and adding the sub-dial brings a new level of visual interest, all a new creation taking the classic slightly away from the WW2 original. Fear not; there are plenty of them left in Laco's immense portfolio. What can I say? More great watches from a brand that deserves so much more recognition.
Laco Würzburg - Credit Laco
Ulm 42.5 and 39mm Technical Specifications
- Case: Stainless steel, brushed and polished finish, two sizes:
- 42,5 mm, lug width 22 mm, height 11 mm,
- 39 mm, lug width 20 mm, height 10 mm,
- Water resistant 100m both models,
- Lenses: flat sapphire crystal with an anti-reflecting coat inside, screw back with sapphire crystal exhibition lens,
- Movements:
- 39mm hand winding movement Laco 261 (refined), movement Sellita 261 (Elaboré), 23 Jewels, small second at the 6 hour index,
- 42.5mm hand winding movement Laco 98 (refined), movement ETA 6498.2 (Top), 17 Jewels, small second at the 6 hour index,
- Dials: Black mat, Arabic figures and indexes with luminous material Super Luminova C3,
- Hands: All hands thermally blued and filled with luminous material Super Luminova C3,
- Straps: Brown leather strap, width 22mm (42.5mm), 20mm (39mm)
- Prices: 39mm models EURO 1290, 42.5mm models EURO 1690.
