Pilot Watch ORIGINAL Saarbrücken Erbstück 45 mm automatic
Pilot Watch ORIGINAL Westerland Erbstück 45 mm handwinding
Pilot Watch ORIGINAL Friedrichshafen Erbstück 45 mm automatic
Pilot Watch ORIGINAL Dortmund Erbstück 45 mm handwinding
Pilot Watch ORIGINAL Münster Erbstück 42 mm automatic
Pilot Watch ORIGINAL Memmingen Erbstück 42 mm handwinding
Pilot Watch ORIGINAL Paderborn Erbstück 42 mm automatic
Pilot Watch ORIGINAL Leipzig Erbstück 42 mm handwinding
Historic pilot's watches, faithful to the original design.
The models in the Original Pilot Watch collection are not only visually inspired by historic observation watches – their construction also follows the classical principles of these timepieces. Typical features include:
• large case diameters of 42 to 45 mm
• straight lugs without curvature
• a particularly distinctive, oversized crown
• a highly domed crystal for authentic proportions
• clear, functional dials without design compromises
This construction gives the watches their characteristic presence on the wrist. They are intentionally bold and instrumental in appearance – true to the spirit of the historic pilot watches that were originally developed as navigation instruments.
For Purists, Collectors, and Enthusiasts of Classic Pilot Watches
The Original Pilot Watch collection is designed for those who want to experience the fascination of historic pilot watches in its most authentic form. It stands for:
• maximum historical authenticity
• uncompromising instrument aesthetics
• traditional watchmaking craftsmanship
• a direct connection to the history of pilot watches
This makes the collection the historical core of the Laco brand—and, for many enthusiasts, the very origin of the entire world of pilot watches.
The Original pilot watch models from Laco combine historical authenticity with a moderate price range of €1,000 to €2,000.
The original pilot's watch – an indispensable companion on board.
The observation watches were not worn by the pilots, but by the navigators on board, who used the pilot’s watch and an octant to determine the aircraft’s exact position.
Precision had to be guaranteed at all times, even under the harshest conditions. Furthermore, the watch had to be easy to read and operate under any circumstances. In other words, a pilot’s watch used to be an indispensable companion on board.
As authentic reproductions of Laco’s historic pilot’s watches from the 1940s, the current models impress with their high precision combined with outstanding and historically accurate design. Key features of an original Laco pilot’s watch include the iconic dial, the distinctive onion-shaped crown, the closed leather strap, and the case finish
Laco’s “Original Heirlooms” are one-of-a-kind pilot’s watches from around the world, featuring distinctive marks that tell a story. The signs of wear on these pilot’s watches—created individually and on request—attest to their authenticity and a life full of adventure—making each “heirloom” a truly unique piece.
In other words:
A legend crafted by our watchmakers with love and dedication—and worn by our customers with passion.
Different models, each with its own unique character.
Given its eventful history, the original pilot’s watch was specifically designed and built to meet the needs of flight crews. The watch stood out for its durability, functionality, and excellent readability:
It was resistant to shocks, vibrations, and pressure, and was easy and safe to use both day and night.
Most of Laco's original pilot's watch models are handcrafted in Pforzheim in three different versions.
Pilot Watch Model A
Model A was created in the 1940s for aviators and is characterised by a simple design with numbered hours. The dial with a large hour circle indicates the numbers 1 to 11. For better readability the pilot watch model A has a triangle with two points in place of the Arabic numeral "12". The triangle made sure that the wearer of the watch could see the hands at “12” at a glance, even with poor visibility and difficult flight conditions or under stress. These two points also make it easier to precisely set the watch in difficult visibility conditions.
Pilot Watch Model B
Model B aviator watches made the work of early navigators easier. A characteristic of type B aviator watches is the large minute numbers in increments of 5 along the edge. The classic hour division of 1 to 12 is given in Arabic numerals, which are displayed in an additional inner ring. Military aviator watches generally had no manufacturing company logos. Quite simply, this was to prevent additional “useless” elements from affecting the readability and functionality of the watch. Besides the two classic A and B models, you can also acquire another watch type from us, which combines proven elements with additional practical components: the type C aviator watch.
Pilot Watch Type C
The type C pilot watch combines the characteristics of model A with the special features of a chronograph. The dial displays the Arabic numerals 1 to 11 in a large hour circle, and the usual triangle instead of "12". Type C also has the additional functions of a chronograph, for example, stop seconds, separate, decentralised second hand, or day and date display. Regardless of model or type, the aviator watch has established itself as a popular watch type. It is often worn as a statement, rather than for functionality. As statement of the original made in Germany.
MODEL MATRIX
| Type | Movement | grau/schwarz | Erbstück | Bronze | Blaue Stunde | Luminous dial |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A ∅ 39 mm | Hand | Mülheim an der Ruhr | Mülheim an der Ruhr Erbstück | - | - | Florenz 39 |
| Auto | Heidelberg | Heidelberg Erbstück | - | - | Venedig 39 | |
| B ∅ 39 mm | Hand | Kempten | Kempten Erbstück | - | - | Graz 39 |
| Auto | Speyer | Speyer Erbstück | - | - | Wien 39 | |
| A ∅ 42 mm | Hand | Memmingen |
|
Memmingen Bronze | Memmingen Blaue Stunde | Florenz 42 |
| Auto | Münster | Münster Erbstück | Münster Bronze | Münster Blaue Stunde | Venedig 42 | |
| B ∅ 42 mm | Hand | Leipzig |
|
Leipzig Bronze | Leipzig Blaue Stunde | Graz 42 |
| Auto | Paderborn |
|
Paderborn Bronze | Paderborn Blaue Stunde | Wien 42 | |
| A ∅ 45 mm | Hand | Westerland | Westerland Erbstück | - | - | - |
| Auto | Saarbrücken | Saarbrücken Erbstück | - | - | - | |
| B ∅ 45 mm | Hand | Dortmund | Dortmund Erbstück | - | - | - |
| Auto | Friedrichshafen | Friedrichshafen Erbstück | - | - | - | |
| A ∅ 55 mm | Hand | Replika 55 | Replika 55 Erbstück | - | - | - |
| Auto | - | - | - | - | - | |
| B ∅ 55 mm | Hand | Replika 55 | Replika 55 Erbstück | - | - | - |
| Auto | - | - | - | - | - |
