The Best German Made Automatic Pilot Watch Around $400? - Laco 39mm Aachen Blue Watch Review
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- Опубліковано 5 жов 2024
- It's not every day you get to review a watch at this price range from a brand that has made some of the most legendary pilots watches of all time.
Released at Baselworld 2018, the new Laco Aachen (type B) not only features a stunning new blue dial to die for, but at 39mm, is also embracing the current trend of more practical sizes.
Join me as I review this modern descendent of the iconic World War 2 Fliegers to find out the positives and negatives. Could this German made automatic be the new best pilot watch under $500? Let’s find out!
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Please be sure to check their blog for some outstanding articles on watches.
Best regards,
TGV
Hey TGV! I visited my aunt this weekend in pforzheim where I was born and found out that she used to work in a watch factory... turns out she worked at Laco and made the balancing wheel for the mechanical watches there, she also remembered the building shown in your video. she even showed me some of her old equipment and I tried myself in putting a hairspring into the balancing wheel with the old spare parts she kept over time. what a great coincidence and experience - I had no idea she did this in her life! I felt the need to share this little story with you! Best regards :))
You should have visited us ;-)
I am from Pforzheim! Imagine how surprised I was to see my home town mentioned in one of your videos! Kudos for mentioning it being Germany's Goldstadt. Even most Germans don't know that. Great video.
Awesome intro TGV :)
0:30 Introduction
1:02 Wristwatch Check
1:26 Background on Laco
6:37 Review
11:55 On the wrist followed by more reviewing
Unfortunatly no drumroll nor unboxing this time around :(
Why is it that when I see a Laco in photos I think "nice watch" but when I see the equivalent Stowa I think "I want that!". All down to the quality of the photos? Has anyone else had that reaction between two near identical watches?
Another great review TGV
Models vary, but Lacos generally are sandblasted, which is authentic but makes the case dark and dull. Stowas have what I think they call a "Matte" finish, which is brighter and more up-scale looking, imo.
Also (again, models vary) Lacos have a flat sapphire crystal, while many Stowas are domed.
Finally, the Stowas are generally thinner by a couple of millimeters.
To me, while the specs are pretty similar , Stowas just look better.
This has probably been the most fascinating episode of TGV. I had no idea so many features of the "pilots' watch" we know of we're attributed because of devices like these. Keep winding that passion.
Finally Laco has a decent crown. That last go round stuck out like a sore thumb. This piece looks classic and robust for sure. Nice review and a great History lesson.
Your the GOAT TGV
Thank you Alan, extremely kind of you to say.
Best regards,
TGV
TGV. Outstanding review! The backround info and historical perspective are much appreciated, and your honest assessment is, as always, quite refreshing. Thinking of putting the Laco Flieger on my wish list. Thanks again
Thank you sir for the kind words, always a pleasure.
Enjoy hunting for the flieger, I am sure you will love it.
Best regards,
TGV
Absolutely killing me. I have so many black and grey dials I've been lusting for a blue dial. Thanks for the review!
A pleasure as always, you always need a bit of blue in a collection.
Thank you,
Best regards,
TGV
Seems like Stowa has everything you are looking for granted at twice the price! But that blue is beautiful. Nicely done review - all the research and editing always top tier
Thank you so much sir, a true gentleman as always with you comment.
Best regards,
TGV
Laco make some of the best flieger watches out there, period. And i admire them for offering nice flieger watches at very affordable prices for those not bothered about quartz or Miyota movements. Their basic series with Miyota movements are brilliant value, a very nice flieger replica with a mechanical movement for a great price, well done them! And there is nothing wrong with Miyota movements, solid and robust movements. I have one of the ETA hand wond models from the next series above, even that one is very well priced for such a nicely finished watch with a hand wound ETA, and these fliegers just make most other pilots watches look a bit ordinary in my opinion. Great watches from a very under rated brand.
I have a watch collection of a about 24 watches mostly very inexpensive combination of quartz and mechanical even a Laco watch is slightly out of my price range but I love military and watches like these but I totally love watching your videos because they are cool and interesting and it's like watching something on the History Channel!
A very nice blue dial. I also took a look at the watches at the Baselworld at the Laco booth. Was a very pleasant contact with Laco.
Glad to see another Laco. I sent you my Friedrichshafen, was such a wonderful review too.
Jim!!!!
Of course, thank you again for that.
How is you old Friday holding up? I hope you are well.
Thank you,
Best regards,
TGV
I love the movement they picked for the basic fliegers, I am very happy they didn't go with Seiko, its a lot of fun hearing the rotor spinning, it fits the no bs tool watch character so well imo.
(Mine 5 years later has hacking)
Always appreciate your passion for history and spot on narration. I think we as a society do not pay enough attention to our past. Thank you for doing your part in keeping it alive. Great intro and sharing of historical photographs. Good review TGV. Thank you Sir.
This video is why I stay subscribed. Fun intro, terrific review, and and a watch I didn't know I wanted until now.
I think this is the most informative watch channel around, I love the attention to details and history.
Having a little wrist, i bought a Laco Osaka a year ago (36 mm) i knew the history of the huge 55 originals flieger but I really wanted something much smaller. I still love it!
A very wise choice, love that watch! If I was to buy a Laco, I would go for that one too!!!
Thank you Matty, so glad to hear you are still loving it.
Best regards,
TGV
Just bought this in the 42 size , from the Laco website , two day turnaround from Germany , can't get more authentic than that . I paid , with postage £322 . Plus if you order it directly from them they they deliver it by the Luftwaffe and it gets parachuted in . I have been looking at extending my watch collection for the past 4 months . I have been looking at Omega Seamaster to Breiling heritage 11 and I have settled on this for now . Plus I can hunt for more watches with the money I have saved ha ha . I saw this and thought "I have to have it now." There is a story to tell with it and I just love that ... Plus with the 42 the lug width is 20 not 18 :)
Beautiful and a very well done review. Im so happy Laco brought back the 39mm! It will look fantastic on my smaller wrist! I see an order to Mark comming soon!
lovely! But disagree about the date, best to keep it pure . Cheers from Cambridgeshire 👍👍
I have the Aachen 42 (B) and the Miyota movement is very accurate and reliable. I may adjust it by a minute or less every 2 weeks or so. Non hacking isn’t ideal but it doesn’t bother me at all either as I just set it a few seconds fast so I’m never late. ;) Hardly anyone in the modern world, certainly not civilians, need the second hand precision to be 100% accurate.
Laco make the most historically accurate Fliegers of all the companies today; such as the Dortmund handaufzug, Paderborn, etc, etc. Regardless of size, they get the case and lugs historically correct. As to the markings, which were originally on the inside of the case back, having these on the outside today is an acceptable and nice touch/change.
These lower cost models are very nice and worth every penny in my experience. I’m thinking of getting another variation of it. I’ll get the Dortmund (handaufzug) and Friedrichshafen (Auto) some time when I can spare that much for the both of them but for the time being I love this $400 or so line.
Also, the lume on these models outlasts Seiko. It’s excellent.
I enjoy your passion for watches, you have inspired me to one day to get: vintage Omega Seamaster DeVile, Calibre 11 Monaco, Fortis Stratoliner and now this Laco.
Thank you for taking the time to make these videos.
‘My dear little Fliegy.’
The lume is green-ish because of the Superluminova C3. It's the brightest variants, but there's always some trade offs.
I was loving the watch until you mentioned the movement. I think it’s a bit odd for a watch that was originally so dependent on accuracy to not even hack. You mentioned the nh35a as a substitute, and I completely agree. I mean the Invicta pro diver has the nh35a, and it’s not even 100$. Anyway, great video nevertheless, I love the history of Fliegers.
Thank you Will. So glad you agree.
Excellent point about the Invite pro!
Best regards,
TGV
I prefer hand winding over hackin becouse I rotate watches and it's easy to keep it working. The accuracy it's not an big issue at this price range.
We also offer a very similar watch with ETA handwind movement - it's called the "Leipzig Blaue Stunde" www.laco-watches.com/en/watches/pilot-watch-original/pilot-watch-leipzig-blaue-stunde-42mm-handwinding
Laco offers more accurate movements, an ETA 2824/2 in top and elabore for around 1100€. This is quite affordable and accurate. The "Traktor" as we call the miyota in German has been tuned to a L21 from laco as it IS hackable right now. It IS loud as hell nur only 10s per day too fast. For a Traktor? Not too bad...
Mine hacks
A cracking piece there. Modern classic. Great review TGV.
I've ordered the Laco Type B Bronze 45mm from my local AD. Can't wait!
The History Channel could hire you to narrate a show. Fantastic review !
I've been waiting for this ! Excellent ! This will be my next addition, of course my son will convince me he should have it, like the others.....
Haha, so glad to hear, and also glad you have inspired such good taste in watches to your son!
Onwards and upwards my friend.
Thank you,
Best regards,
TGV
That made me laugh because it sounds so familiar. My son 'borrows' my watches too !!!
DCPorter71 it's the best thing, I'm a bit concerned however, I have four grandsons in line to get in on the mix... either I increase my income substantially or alter my taste in watches.
Great watch company with a great history, doesn't get better than this!
Indeed!
Thank you sir,
Best regards,
TGV
Saw you posted this video, proceeded to the Laco website... was just saying "wow, wow, wow.."
Thanks for a fantastic review and in particular for the history excursion, love it!
I was recently on a cruise and have wandered into the luxury watch shop curiously and instantly fell in love with watches. I am looking forward to buying my first watch within the next few days, a silver Tissot with a blue face
Just got my Stowa Flieger. Absolutely love it
Just purchased a Laco Aachen 42 B Dial for (wait for it..) £155 from Amazon. Albeit it does not have hacking unlike the updated version of the same watch but I'm OK with that especially considering what I paid for it. Can't wait to get my hands on it! Tanks for a great video TGV!
Urban Gentry I noticed your channel when I started getting into buying a watch. I must say that you got me hooked. Not only in watches but in horology as well. It’s super Interesting stuff to see where we came from with time and weird how we (myself at least) go back to mechanical and automatic watches even though better time devices have been made. I bought an invicta pro diver based off your review because it has a seiko in it. Super good so far.
Update. Just bought me a new band for it. It’s going to look pretty slick. Orange canvas band
Loved the intro! I think I'd prefer the big 47mm with the classic case, black dial and leather strap. I think it's too small, especially the lug with. My '71 Omega Geneve has 18mm lug width! Cheers!
Very nice watch, beautiful blue dial! And once again amazing review TGV!
I like the "Erbstück-Line" of Laco... i'd love to see a review of these very special watches!
No one is going to mention the RoboCop theme in the intro??? Another classic.
A video from the Governor. A Perfect way of ending a Late study session!
Thank you sir, I am honored and flattered.
Best regards,
TGV
RoboCop theme? Pure class!
Thanks for helping me find a new watch! Im gonna save up and buy this watch it'll be my first automatic watch also I love the history of WWII.
Finally a flieger vid. Was looking at Laco’s affordable flieger range but opted for SNK809 instead for its B dial design despite lacking in historical value as one of d 5 original flieger makers.
I love watches that were actually worn in historical events. This looks like a nice affordable alternative to Sinn! Another great pilot watch. Thanks for the introduction.
An absolute pleasure as always, and I could not agree more about watches worn in Historical events.
Thank you Jeremy,
Best regards,
TGV
I discovered this channel the other day. This guy is great! His knowledge and enthusiasm had me hooked instantly. My only problem is how am I supposed to save up enough money to buy that Max Bill when you keep showing me all these other great affordable watches!! Lol.
I'm convinced that if I ever buy a flieger, it has to be from one of the originals even when there are objectively better Pilot's watches from companies such as Hamilton. I'm glad Laco keep it affordable but I'm with others on the lack of hacking being a let down. I know it's probably sacrilegious but a thinner case would make it more versatile as well. Thanks for the review.
Great review as always TGV. My girlfriend gave me a Laco Tokio as a birthday gift two years ago. It's been great, can't fault it.
Your GF sounds like a gem, she has great taste. You jammy thing ;-)
Enjoy and wear to with pride my friend.
Thank you,
Best regards,
TGV
Been a viewer since the beginning. Loved the favorites in Manhatten. If anyone captured the essence of sprezzatura, you're the man. Steve
Hi mate, thanks for your ongoing content. Wanted to get some advice - was thinking bout the 42mm Augsburg from Laco and they offer free 1st engraving. Do you think it would be naff to put the FL23883 engraving on the side of a miyota watch? And if not, what should I go for for most accuracy? As above? Space between FL and 23883? And lower or uppercase L? Thanks for your time.
The episode I've been waiting for! I've always been a fan of this watch style.
Just the review i was looking for and at the right time as well! I am 'lusting' 😉 for a Laco for quite some time now. Bought an aeromatic 40mm 'flieger' to try out the size and type for this kind of watches. It did not disappoint me! I am Defenitely ready for a Laco now. Thanks @The Urban Gentry for another great review! Keep up the good work! Greetings from Holland.
Your previous review of the Hamilton pilot day/date (the 42 mm Interstellar) helped influence me into purchasing one. It didn't hurt that I was able to get a gray market price of $575. This video reinforces my happiness with that purchase. I do like the gray Nato, I'll be putting one on my Hamilton to be sure.
happy to see another Laco-Review. One of their "authentic" B-Dial watches is number one on my list, can't decide on the size yet though...and if I choose one of the "vintage"-ones
As Always, you Hit the nail on the top. I own one: Aachen Blaue Stunde 42mm HACKABLE! I saw the Aachen at my local retailer face to face to my own Shop und Fell in Love with it, when i saw it online in blue. I ordered it with a very attractive discount double blind: one: i never had a Nato strap before, two: i had never Seen it live. I was so excited, when it arrived and they called me to Pick it Up. I LOVE IT! It is worth its price as being one from the original 5, the movement is okay and the lume is SO fantastic. It lasts from 11pm til 7am brightly readable. My Tudor GMT doesnt so that that well.
Thank you for your Video, you nailed it. I love them, you already saved a lot of my Money with them...
Will we see a review of the Timex Marlin? I love how they brought back their smaller diameter, mechanical wound model. First non-quartz in a very long time!
Thanks
Thank you John, you must of missed it but I reviewed it last year.
Enjoy.
Best regards,
TGV
Wow I'm late to the party, haha.
Will definitely check it out thanks!
When the crown is pulled if you slightly turn it clockwise and hold it the second hand will hold. Not sure if that's bad for it but its how I was able to set mine to an exact time. I was fortunate and got mine for 289 a few years ago.
Love flieger watches however in the Battle of Britain your Omega wins.
Superb video as airways
Steve Knight See what you did there!
Excellent intro! I find the many variations we’re seeing on the original Pflieger very interesting. Many watch companies have them now, some more faithful to the original, such as Stowa, Archimede, IWC, even inexpensive Asian-made such as Watchgecko and Tissell, and now these updated versions from Hamilton, Laco and others. A lot to choose from! I have my eye on the Archimedes B. Uhr in bronze which is a pretty faithful replica. Most people don’t know that some of the original Pflieger’s were made in bronze. This one is a beauty!
Yet another great into ,at Biggin hill HQ, my father flew Ju52 and Savoia Marchetti in the spanish airforce after the war and the gloves he had were sheep wool lined inside because of the could up there , I now understand why the had big winders on the watches. Nice watch ,although I love the old smooth finish rather than the granulated.
Beautiful watch. Great review. The lack of hacking seconds on the watch is a turn off for me. Wish they put a 9015 in it and a closed case back with military markings.
Haha, you summed it up in one sentence perfectly! LOL.
Thank you Ricardo.
Best regards,
TGV
Great opening. Great review as always. Beautiful watch. Pure class!
The blue works best with the A dial as I think the B dial is too serious/toolish for such a beautiful sunburst blue. Laco makes great watches from top to bottom.
Well, I didn’t intend buying a watch today but after watching this I visited the Laco website and I fell in love with the Kempton which is the hand wound more traditional version and I’m pulling the trigger. I don’t know wether to thank you or cry.
Beautiful! Totally agree on the hackable second hand. Great value however for an icon.
Love the Lacos, they are awesome watch.
They are indeed!
Thank you Che :D
Best regards,
TGV
I love the B-type watch. I have a Timex Expedition Chronograph inspired.
Our favorite local watch dealer just started carrying Laco. Will definitely give them a good look over. And yeah, I agree - the movement is a bit of a negative without hacking. Ciao, John
John great to hear from you sir.
Your local watch dealer sounds like the place to be!
Thank you,
Best regards,
TGV
Lovely historic part. I loved it. Laco definitely amazes me with that real flieger design. All original specifications make this watch a jump into the past that kidnaps your heart. Aviation and watches are really two parts of the same body, like right and left hand. They have been going necessary together like a charming history cake sprinkled with watch powdered sugar. Laco is intriguing. Thank you TGV for this amazing trip with The Urban Gentry time machine.
Your comment was the highly of my evening.
Thank you my friend.
Best regards,
TGV
Just got the Mudman in today! Gotta say, it’s pretty competitive for just $55
Congrats Frankie, great deal!
Enjoy it, thank you.
Best regards,
TGV
Great review, as always! You should check out the Biatec Corsair and give your opinions on it.
Great review and history lesson, thank you TGV.
Wow I was looking for a flieger and this one looks fantastic at the price range, too bad it doesn’t hack, but still lots of value for money!
Value for money indeed!
Thank you sir, lack of hacking aside, there still is not better alternative from the true big flieger 5.
Best regards,
TGV
Most miyota movements can be hacked by slowly turning the minute hand backwards. It works great once in a while if you want to get the second hand bang on.
That blue is beautiful for sure. I am tempted to purchase a Flieger at some point with a simple dial. One point i remember Marc saying in one of his videos about pilots watches wash that due to the Chrystal extending further toward the case edge, a smaller diameter watch can actually appear to wear a bit larger on the wrist. I never knew that and it has stuck with me. Hmmm, so many watches, so little funds 😁
Great review! Love that intro, nicely done.
Question my friend, are automatic watch winders a must or is it safe to hand wind them every other day?
Do I risk damaging my watches if not wound?
Your expertise is much appreciated.
Another great video! I'm a big fan of Laco. I have their DC-3 commemorative watch. Very cool! Actually, I originally found your channel due to your coverage of German brands. It's surprising how few in the community give them their just due. Cheers!
The term "blaue Stunde" refers to the time after sunset before it gets completely dark, when the sky has this very special darkish blue colour. And that's the color they were going for with the dial.
Why do there have to be so many beautiful watches out there? Want them all!!
TGV
I'd love to see you put that Laco up against the Orient Flight blue dial version and hear your opinions.
Great video...cheers
Governor, there is beauty in simplicity!
Truer words have never been spoken.
Hear hear!
Thank you Jay.
Best regards,
TGV
Laco's HQ (like Fortis) has a charming industrial architectural style. Always enjoy your historical and scholarly approach. In the mood now to wear my Fortis which has been out of rotation. Best Regards, JP
Choice of movement is daft in my opinion. Totally agree with you, the NH35 would have made much more sense and for only a few more $.
Even though not purely original as a Flieger type B, I still prefer the look of the Seiko SNK800 series but maybe that’s because your channel, more than any other, has turned me into a Seikoholic during these past 12 months! If Seiko were to produce the 800 series in 39mm, with a 4R36 movement and with a similar gorgeous sunburst coloured dial that would be amazing!
Pricing...Love it ( great value from an Authentic Manufacturer)
Sand blasted case...Hate it ( should be matt and hand ground with some grain to it)
Gorgeous Blue Dial... Love it
Green indices (Super luminous C3) ...Hate it (should be BWG9 White!!!)
Exhibition back... Love it
auto movement...Hate it ( should be Hacking Handwound Unitas 6498!!!)
No Date ... Love it
Sub 42 mm ... Hate it
Sub 20 mm lug width... Hate it ( limits your options)
Even though double the cost-Gonna still go for that new STOWA Verus 40 ...when are you going to review that one???
Man i love Basil Poledouris, this is his best work imho.
I absoulutely love your content! Greetings from Germany:)
Spot on video. Does anyone know why the Luftwaffe needed the huge dial fliegers when the RAF pilots at the same were rocking natty omegas,?
Beautiful watch! I actually live in Aachen :)
I was reading that Timex bought Laco in the late 50’s to get a heads up on electric watch technology phase. There are some interesting Laco balance wheel electric movements with the Timex brand on them. The second hand beats once per second with a balance wheel. Timex ended up selling them in 65.
Bought a Type A Laco blue dial yesterday !!!
Awesome intro again my friend!Love it!❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
What do you think about the upgraded movement ? You can get it with the Miyota 8315 for an extra 60$ from the factory. Can also add anti reflective coating on inside & outside.
Nice Review. Pretty much agree with you, except for adding the date. I have a big gripe with the movement choice, and totally agree that especially for this style of watch, since it is known for hackable movements, should have had one installed. Otherwise for this price it is a very well made piece. I would definitely think about buying one if it weren't for the movement choice. Great job as always sir.
I have purchased this exact watch in 42mm from long island watch.
Amazing blue on the dial. I would like to see a more rounded crown and like TGV mencioned some polished surfaces. The watch looks great even though the blue on the dial makes in look "less authentic" or "less true" to it's tool/pilot's watch heritage. I'd love the see the packaging too. Great video. 👏
Should do an overview of Fliegers options in the market. Laco, Stowa, Archimedes, WatchGecko ....
Absolutely superb explanation regarding the history of these Luftwaffe watches. Very very tempting cost wise compared to the RAF examples from other manufactures.
Really amazing watch and video! I know this is out of the context of the video but would you consider putting your artwork packs back online on google drive so it is there for everybody to reach? I know i would appreciate it. Thank you for your amazing content!
The silver nato is perfect for this