Laco Watch Photos
6 real owner photos on the wrist
“One of only five brands approved by the German Luftwaffe to supply pilot watches in World War II — Laco's B-Uhr (observer's watch) design remains the defining reference for aviation watches.”
Laco was founded in 1925 in Pforzheim, Germany — the center of German watchmaking at the time. The brand became one of the five official suppliers of the German Luftwaffe B-Uhr (Beobachtungsuhr, or observer's watch) during World War II. These large-format (55mm) aviation watches with inner rotating bezels and onion-crown winding systems set the template for the modern pilot watch. Every significant pilot watch today — IWC Pilot, Longines HydroConquest, Bell & Ross BR01 — references the B-Uhr design specification that Laco helped establish. Today Laco produces direct re-editions of the original Luftwaffe specifications alongside modern interpretations in their Sport and Edition lines. The brand manufactures in-house in Pforzheim, using Swiss ETA movements in traditional German cases. At $500–1,500, Laco represents exceptional value for buyers seeking genuine aviation watch heritage without paying IWC or Breitling prices. For pilot watch enthusiasts, owning a Laco is owning a piece of the original reference.
Founded 1925 · Germany
Laco models
Recent Laco photos
Laco — common questions
What is a B-Uhr and why does it matter?
B-Uhr stands for Beobachtungsuhr (observer's watch) — the specification the German Luftwaffe required for navigation watches in WWII. Requirements included: 55mm diameter (readable in cockpit gloves), oversized onion crown for gloved winding, subsidiary seconds dial, and exceptional legibility. Laco was one of five approved suppliers (alongside IWC, Lange, Stowa, and Wempe). The B-Uhr's design logic — uncluttered dial, oversized numerals, practical case — became the template for every aviation watch made since.
How does Laco compare to IWC or Breitling for pilot watches?
Laco, IWC, and Breitling all produce pilot watches, but at very different price points and prestige levels. IWC Pilot watches are $4,000–20,000+, carrying brand prestige and modern manufacture. Breitling Navitimer is $5,000–8,000 with aerospace chronograph history. Laco pilots are $500–1,500 with deeper historical authenticity (actual WWII Luftwaffe supplier) at a fraction of the price. If you want pilot watch history at an honest price, Laco. If you want brand prestige, IWC or Breitling.
Are Laco watches German-made?
Yes — Laco watches are designed and cased at their facility in Pforzheim, Germany. Movements are Swiss ETA calibers (industry standard). Case manufacturing, dial production, and final assembly all occur in Pforzheim. The brand is genuinely German in manufacture and heritage, unlike some brands that claim European heritage while outsourcing production. Pforzheim has a centuries-long jewelry and watchmaking tradition.
Should I buy a Laco or a modern pilot watch from a bigger brand?
If authentic pilot watch heritage is your priority — Laco is the answer. You're buying one of the five original Luftwaffe-approved watch families. If brand prestige and contemporary complications matter more, IWC or Breitling. Laco's value proposition is unbeatable for the history: $800 for a direct descendant of the original B-Uhr specification, made in Pforzheim. No other brand can offer that combination at that price.
Where can I buy Laco?
Laco watches are sold through authorized retailers in Europe and North America, and directly from the Laco website (laco.de). Availability is generally good. Laco offers a two-year warranty and service through authorized centers and directly from Pforzheim. Pre-owned watches are available through watch forums at 65–75% of retail.