Long before pilot watches became a popular style category, they were essential navigation instruments.
Designed for military aviators, built for precision and engineered for maximum legibility, the original Flieger watches were not fashion statements. They were professional tools created for use in the cockpit during one of the most important periods in aviation history.
At the centre of that story stands Laco.
Founded in Germany in 1925, Laco is one of only five watch manufacturers entrusted with producing the original Beobachtungsuhren, better known today as B-Uhren or Flieger watches. While countless brands now produce aviation-inspired timepieces, few possess the genuine heritage, historical legitimacy and technical credibility of Laco.
Today, nearly a century after its founding, Laco remains one of the most respected names in pilot watchmaking, producing authentic aviation watches that honour the past while embracing modern engineering and contemporary wearability.
The History Of Laco Watches
Laco's story begins in Pforzheim, Germany, often referred to as the heart of German watchmaking.
Founded in 1925, the company quickly established itself as a respected watch manufacturer before becoming part of aviation history during the 1940s.
During World War II, the German Air Ministry commissioned a select group of manufacturers to produce navigation watches for military pilots. Only five companies were chosen:
- Laco
- A. Lange & Söhne
- IWC
- Stowa
- Wempe
These watches became known as Beobachtungsuhren, or observation watches, and were developed to exact military specifications.
Today, this places Laco in an exceptionally exclusive group of watchmakers whose influence continues to shape modern pilot watch design.
What Makes A True Flieger Watch?
Many watches are described as pilot watches.
Very few are genuine Flieger watches.
The original B-Uhren were designed around functionality and readability above all else. Pilots required a watch that could be read instantly in all conditions while wearing gloves and operating aircraft instruments.
This led to several defining characteristics:
- Oversized crown
- Highly legible dial
- Strong luminous material
- Large case diameter
- Black dial with white markings
- Anti-reflective crystal
- Navigation-focused layout
These design principles remain at the core of Laco's pilot watch collections today.
Why Laco Is Different From Other Pilot Watch Brands
Many modern aviation watches borrow styling from historic pilot watches.
Laco doesn't borrow.
Laco created them.
This distinction matters to collectors.
Rather than interpreting history, Laco continues to build watches directly descended from the original B-Uhren produced during the 1940s. Every dial layout, handset design and case proportion reflects genuine historical foundations.
For enthusiasts seeking authenticity, there are few stronger options.
Type A And Type B Pilot Dials Explained
One of the most iconic aspects of Laco watches is the availability of both Type A and Type B Flieger dials.
Type A Pilot Watches
The Type A dial is the earliest and most recognisable Flieger configuration.
Features include:
- Large hour numerals
- Clean symmetrical layout
- Exceptional readability
- Classic pilot watch appearance
For many collectors, the Type A represents the purest pilot watch design ever created.
Type B Pilot Watches
Introduced later, the Type B dial prioritised navigation functionality.
Characteristics include:
- Minutes displayed prominently around the outer dial
- Hours displayed on an inner ring
- Enhanced navigational usability
- Distinct military aesthetic
Today, both dial layouts remain central to the Laco collection.
Laco Augsburg: The Classic Flieger
The Augsburg collection has become one of Laco's most popular watches.
Named after one of the original B-Uhren production centres, Augsburg models feature the classic Type A pilot dial and offer an authentic introduction to German aviation watchmaking.
The collection combines:
- Automatic movements
- Sapphire crystal
- Historic dial design
- Exceptional value
For many enthusiasts, the Augsburg is the ideal first Laco.
Laco Aachen: Affordable German Watchmaking
The Aachen collection offers another highly accessible route into the world of authentic Flieger watches.
Combining traditional pilot watch aesthetics with dependable automatic movements, Aachen models deliver outstanding value while maintaining strong connections to the brand's heritage.
The collection has become a favourite among first-time mechanical watch buyers and aviation enthusiasts alike.
Laco Original Pilot Watches
For collectors seeking the closest possible connection to history, the Original Pilot collection sits at the top of the Laco hierarchy.
These watches feature:
- Historically accurate specifications
- Premium finishing
- Hand-built construction
- Traditional case sizes
- Authentic Flieger details
The collection represents the closest modern interpretation of the original military navigation watches.
Laco Pro And Expert Collections
Modern lifestyles demand modern performance.
Laco's Pro and Expert ranges combine historic aviation design with upgraded specifications, contemporary materials and enhanced durability.
These collections demonstrate that a pilot watch can remain faithful to its heritage while meeting the demands of modern ownership.
Laco Navy Watches
Although best known for aviation, Laco's expertise extends beyond the skies.
The Navy collection takes inspiration from marine chronometers and traditional nautical instruments, creating elegant and highly legible watches that showcase another side of German tool-watch design.
Laco Squad Watches
The Squad collection introduces a tactical edge to the Laco catalogue.
Developed for professionals, outdoor enthusiasts and those requiring maximum durability, Squad watches offer:
- Robust construction
- Enhanced water resistance
- High visibility
- Practical functionality
The collection proves that Laco's expertise extends well beyond heritage recreations.
Why Collectors Love Laco Watches
Laco occupies a unique position within watchmaking.
Collectors appreciate the brand because it delivers something increasingly rare: authenticity.
Key reasons enthusiasts choose Laco include:
- Genuine Flieger heritage
- German manufacturing
- Historical legitimacy
- Strong value proposition
- Reliable mechanical movements
- Exceptional readability
- Authentic aviation design
Few brands can offer such a direct connection to one of the most influential chapters in watchmaking history.
Are Laco Watches Good?
Absolutely.
Laco watches combine heritage, engineering and value in a way that few competitors can match.
Whether purchasing an Augsburg, Aachen, Original Pilot or Squad model, buyers benefit from:
- Genuine German watchmaking
- Proven movements
- High-quality construction
- Historical authenticity
- Outstanding everyday wearability
For anyone seeking a true pilot watch rather than simply a pilot-inspired design, Laco remains one of the strongest options available.
Why Laco Still Matters Today
The modern watch market is full of brands claiming heritage.
Laco doesn't need to claim it.
The company helped define the pilot watch category itself.
Nearly 100 years after its founding, Laco continues to build watches that remain faithful to their origins while delivering the quality, reliability and performance expected by modern collectors.
For enthusiasts of aviation history, German watchmaking and authentic tool watches, Laco represents far more than another watch brand.
It represents the origin of the Flieger watch itself.