Replika 55
55 Millimeters
of History.
Not reimagined.
Reissued.
SOME WATCHES TELL STORIES.
THIS ONE IS PART OF HISTORY.
Its size isn't about making a statement.
It doesn't follow trends.
It follows the original.
NOT JUST INSPIRED. BORN FROM A PURPOSE.
Laco was one of only a handful of manufacturers of the original observation watches. With this reissue, the brand revisits an important chapter of its own history.
The 55 mm case, high-contrast dial and distinctive onion crown were never mere design elements. Every detail served a clear purpose: ensuring instant, clear legibility, even under demanding conditions.
Onion crown
Thanks to its generous size and distinctive shape, the prominent onion crown with its connecting bar can be operated securely even when wearing gloves – just as required in the cockpits of the past.
Case
The proportions and design of the imposing stainless steel case faithfully reproduce the historical original down to the smallest detail. Its dark sandblasted finish creates a matte surface, originally intended to minimise distracting reflections in the cockpit.
Dial
The deep black dial deliberately features no logo, focusing entirely on the essentials. It is available in the two classic layouts, Type A and Type B.
Closed pilot's strap
The traditional brown leather pilot’s strap is riveted to the fixed bars and slipped over the hand. This historical construction provides additional security when putting on or removing the watch.
Thermally blued hands
The traditional process of thermal bluing gives the steel hands their distinctive colour, provides protection against corrosion and adds a refined visual touch.
Individual serial number
The individually engraved serial number on the case back and movement gives each watch its own identity. The inside of the case back also features the characteristic markings based on the historical observation watches.
FROM SMALL SECONDS TO CENTRAL SECONDS
At the heart of the Replika 55 is the Laco 97 hand-wound movement, based on the proven ETA 6497.1. As the original movement was designed with an off-centre small seconds display, it is meticulously modified at the Laco workshop in Pforzheim to feature the centrally mounted seconds hand of the historical observation watch.
Each movement is then individually regulated and tested. An Incabloc shock protection system safeguards the balance against impacts, while the swan-neck fine adjustment allows particularly precise regulation of the movement's rate.
LUMINOSITY WITH A HISTORY
In the dark cockpit, the time had to remain clearly legible at all times. The historical originals achieved this with radium-based luminous material, which is no longer used due to its health risks.
In the Replika 55, non-radioactive Superluminova takes over this function, absorbing light and glowing in the dark. This allows the modern recreation to preserve one of the original watch's essential features - without the risks of the past.
TWO CHARACTERS. ONE ORIGIN.
TWO WAYS TO EXPERIENCE HISTORY.
The Replika 55 stays true to the original, while the Erbstück edition offers a distinctive alternative, individually aged by hand for an even more authentic vintage appearance.
Replika 55
PURE. UNALTERED. TRUE TO THE ORIGINAL.
The reissue in pristine condition – with a clear focus on form, function and heritage.
Replika 55 Erbstück
AS IF IT HAD A HISTORY OF ITS OWN.
Individually hand-applied signs of ageing give each watch its own distinctive character.