An Overview of Laco Pilot Watches

[@jblair814]

Thanks for the thorough review Mark. I'm an airline pilot fast approaching my 30th birthday and had recently purchased a replica (el-cheapo Ebay special) because I liked the style and the history to go with the B-Types. After viewing this, I just couldn't stand to not have the real one so I looked at both the Achen and Paderborn. This video made it clear to me that authenticity was the right choice with a fantastic heirloom watch I could pass down to my children someday. Excellent review! You're welcome in the cockpit to come see the watch at work any time you fly with me at Air Canada. Cheers!

[@islandwatch]

Thank you!!!!

[@schumifan78]

Jordan Blair Check out the Laco "Dortmund" also, 45mm case, handwound ETA 2801 movement, even closer to the original nazi pilots watches.

[@schumifan78]

Jordan Blair They also make a 55mm case replica which is the same size as the originals, might wear a little big on the wrist though!

[@colcot50]

I bought my Laco Paterborn from Mark 3 years ago and shipped to U.K. wear it every day and still love it. Just bought my first replacement strap. Thanks Mark

[@mbernardo123]

The best pilot watch video ever.

[@Wolf_K]

I have one from each line, both in Baumuster-B. The 42mm Aachen automatic and the 45mm Dortmund handwinding. Both are great but the high end ones are the best for me as I like historical accuracy in such things. Such beautiful timepieces.

[@pitotopuk]

I bought Dortmund right away. I didn't make the mistake of buying the cheap model first... 😁

[@johnbradshaw5900]

Great video! Laco are a very under rated brand and make some of the best flieger watches out there, period. The fact their basic watches are so affordable is terrific, why should owning a great flieger be limited to those able or willing to pay $1000+ on a watch? Especially the basic clockwork models, a replica flieger very nicely finished and an excellent spec for such an affordable price. The Miyota movement may be dismissed by some but it is a very solid and reliable movement. I have a Laco Leipzig B flieger with the hand wound ETA movement and replica case back and sterile dial and it is a wonderful watch which really does beg the question - why spend more? There are other companies also packaging third party movements in this style and charging $$$$$$$$s, those companies provide luxury packaging and a name but i honestly don't think the actual watches are any better (in fact in some cases i think quite the reverse). Well made watches with an authentic watches from a name with genuine flieger heritage at sensible prices, what's not to like?

[@edifyinglight]

This video was very well done. You answered nearly every conceivable question.

[@islandwatch]

Thanks for watching!

[@wvi1966]

Really appreciate your channel more and more because of the educational videos and the 'no nonsense' approach. Wish I could find a dealership like yours close to where I live in the Netherlands. Keep up the good work!

[@islandwatch]

Thank you!

[@FFOGHORN]

I own a Laco Paderborn. It is a lot of watch for the money and I love it!

[@islandwatch]

+FFOGHORN That's why its one of the best sellers :)

[@jaapbakker1892]

I love my Laco Augsburg 42 Blaue Stunde, the Miyota movement has been upgraded some time ago, it's a hacking movement too now. The blue sunburst dial is magic, and the crystal caseback is very nice. Despite having a Japanese engine, it's still a German watch. Your thorough review doesn't make the choice much easier for the customer looking to buy a flieger watch. I guess the best way to make a choice would be to include the haptics, but that would be harder to describe in a video.

[@erichami]

My dear late Nan (grandmother) dodged Luftwaffe bombs during WW2. Hope she wouldn't mind me buying a watch like this in the spirit of reconciliation. I love the look of them. Gorgeous watches.

[@briman2183]

Eric H. I'm sure after 70 years of peace with Germany, your Nan would be okay with it.

[@JerryTheMice]

Bravo232 The most popular one, Volkswagen was even established by Hitler himself if I’m not mistaken.

[@rickewilde]

I hope you don't wear Boss designer products or have ever owned a Ford car.lol

[@coffeeisgood102]

I would take the Myota. I like the display back.

[@WatchUnwind]

for the price its an excellent value

[@22043sam]

Great overview! I've been going back and forth between the Aachen and the Paderborn for a few months. I've got to get the Paderborn.

[@hadoul10]

Very great video! I'm completely in love with the 850 euro Paderborn Type B watch!!!! Thanks to you, I understand everything about that historical watch! Great job!

[@islandwatch]

Awesome watch!

[@markalexander774]

The company's name on the dial has always annoyed me. I like that the expensive one here does not have it. For the time being it is a bit out of my price range, but I'll definitely be remembering it.

[@WatchUnwind]

really wish they had their big 55mm replica watches for a lower price point too but they are like 4 grand

[@danibareto1370]

Thank you for explaining the differences in the laco pilot watches,,i am looking to purchase one and now are familiar with both.

[@islandwatch]

Thanks!

[@travistortorige1560]

Very informative and professional video. I learned a lot! Probably more information than I would gain visiting a Laco retailer. My sincerest thanks. If only more informational videos were this clearly communicated in such great detail.

[@islandwatch]

Thanks

[@lesstover649]

Great vid, learned a lot. Which do you think would retain its value better in the long run?

[@marcoTOcom]

Superbly and clearly narrated. Very detailed information. Well done video

[@darksidecarnival5385]

I love your presentation whenever you do these videos!

[@spuppy852]

I know this is an old video ;) But both are navigator dials. B-uhren = navigator watch. Type A was replaced by Type B in 1941 after just one year of use as a spec. Side note: IWC only ever made the Type A, as they only suppled them in 1940. As I understand it, the pilots would mainly use the clocks installed in their cockpits, usually with a chronograph wristwatch as backup (commonly Hanhart or Tutima)

[@racing7782]

The Augsbug is an awesome watch. Saphire, great polishing, strap is really good. Great deal for the price. Cant be happier.

[@dominionn09]

I like that they have 2 models that look the same. So, I can buy the higher end one and tell the wife that it's the lower end one when she looks it up.. Lol. I wish all watches worked like this😁

[@ronnietarnacke5153]

I like the way you think🤣🤣

[@ijasgabelas7242]

😅👍

[@harcotelindert]

Just bought a 42mm, hand winding Memmingen... Such a stunning watch

[@mackdaddy8739]

Marc My Aachen was delivered today and I love it! Well done

[@nathanadams78]

You didn’t talk about the non magnetic internals does it have that like the original?

[@patrickmooney4135]

This is a great video. I was just checking these watches out yesterday on the Laco website for consideration to my wish list. Thanks, Marc!

[@jameswong6590]

Don't you think the cheaper version has greener C3 superluminova?

[@MrBacchus18]

Very informative, I'm surprised that the b dial sells better

[@islandwatch]

Yes, so are we. You'd think the simpler does better. But it doesn't.

[@DestroyerX61]

It's because it has a more vintage and interesting look to it. It looks more historic and rich. It's more 1940s and war-like. It's more militaristic. The A dial is more domestic and tame which is fine but it won't sell as much.

[@jisa98]

Personally i think A dials leave too much dead space on the dial. B dials maximize use of the dial to present time.

[@mystic48209]

In another presentation, you must ask Laco to add hacking. Laco is in transition with Miyota movements: From non hacking to hacking. Great video. VERY informative. The newer flieger looks shiny and ROBUST. The historically accurate has seemingly flimsy lugs. With what is said and done, I will buy both Miyota versions first and the originals later when the money is there to get the ETA 2824s.

[@dwayneman9710]

Thanks for explaining all those terminologies I previously didn't understand! I learned a lot, thanks man! I am looking at these or an Archimedes Pilot watch. I have not decided yet!

[@joeydamelio8584]

As far as historical accuracy goes, of any manufacturer of fliegers Laco takes the cake. 1:1 case proportions.

[@mxaexm]

Great video. I understand the difference but still I have no idea which one to get...:( So many watches...so little time...

[@kreznreich]

Excellent video! Finally I understand why it is B-Uhr! (A dial vs B dial) Thx!

[@tomjones4318]

Thanks for the terminology, function, and history. Always wanted a simple dial, now know where they are.

[@shanedykes1719]

Mark is the best reviewer 👍

[@islandwatch]

Wow, thank you!

[@BikerJim74]

glad I found this, I was looking at those two on your website and trying to decide which one I wanted.

[@almeladze]

Long Island Watches, Mark hi, i am considering purchasing a Laco fleiger. I realize from your videos here on KZbin that you handle quite a bit of them. I am looking at Laco Venedig but can't make up my mind between the elabore and top grade movement. Which one would you recommend and why? Thank you in advance!

[@shawn1928]

Marc, any idea why the Miyota mvmt one has a more greenish/yellowish lume colour, even though the lume is the same for both mvmt versions (or so I think)?

[@halebopp5332]

THANK YOU! Wonderful video. Great info and to the point. You've just gained a new subscriber and very likely a new customer. I have been considering the 861690, but now I'm leaning towards the 861749.👍

[@the14thearlofgurney84]

I have just got the cheaper version for £155 and am hugely impressed. I can totally see how you can justify the more expensive version, it is a thing of beauty. However, the visible mechanism makes mine more desirable to me. The dial quality on the more expensive watch looks sublime in comparison but that is where the money goes I guess

[@nickburkhardt2268]

i have always been a huge fan of Breitling watches and i plan to get one but i also want a lower alternative like the citizen skyhawk but is their an avation watch that is an automatic chronograph thats under $1,000

[@downallyourstreets]

I like the one with the machine-gray finish with Fl. # and Luftwaffe designation; looks like an original to me!

[@vigidriver6281]

Thank you much. I'm looking at the Aachen and you have it in stock.

[@johnshifflett1722]

Another great video lesson. Interesting about the blue hands. Does that apply to other watches with blue hands? Particularly the Orient Bambino cream dial version

[@YouGetSoAlone]

John Shifflett - there are blue painted hands and also some that are “blued.” The later is much more expensive. I don’t know for sure about the Bambino, but based totally on the price, I’d guarantee they are painted.

[@Claus-L.Mueller]

Great video and explanations! It's a pity Laco don't give this choice on all of their series.

[@christopherlai3639]

whats the lug to lug measurement for the 42mm dial B type models with 20mm lug width?

[@bentleygt3716]

great review. i'm all for the historic design . i'll take the 45mm A and B dials thank you.

[@dlpm2104]

Great overview to spell out the differences…

[@75thteaster54]

I wld think the firmer strap wld be better quality than the softer ??

[@ericb7937]

How does this compare to the Stowa and Steinhart?

[@islandwatch]

Similar in most regards I'd say.

[@Nobody4rpresident]

The sweep of the second hand on both the Miyota and ETA movements are very smooth. I know the ETA 2824-2 has a frequency of 28,800. What is the beats per minute of the Miyota? Also, the Miyota is said to be noisier than the ETA. Is that true in the Laco watches also?

[@glennvalkeneers665]

I had an Aachen 42mm with miyota movement. Was too loud for my taste. So irritating that I returned the watch. Beautiful piece nevertheless

[@rmoraespinto]

Excellent review. Comparison let me understand the difference in price and value.! Thanks!

[@islandwatch]

Thanks!

[@soledadgarcialopez1787]

Ricardo Moraes-Pinto .. ū

[@mikes1172]

Lume is better on the less expensive version for sure. Although, I love everything else about the costly version. I have plenty of watches but what I'm finding with age is I cannot see the small things on the watches, so they have quickly become irrelevant as I really just need to know the time and I want to be able to see it versus finding a light button.

[@joshcharlat850]

I think your presentation was really very fine. Great job. Now I'm torn just a little. I should probably care more about the movement, but I love all of the other things...especially the sterile dial. Does getting a hand-winding model bring the price down any more? Thanks for your videos.

[@MrVitamincpp]

I own a Dorthmund hand winding at 45mm and it is a magnificent watch.

[@schumifan78]

I am considering purchasing a Dortmund also, would you recommend?

[@MrVitamincpp]

absolutely, the watch is so well made, and it is very close to the original, which at 55mm is too big to wear on any wrist

[@schumifan78]

Excellent, thanks for the reply mate, thats the main reason I really like the Dortmund, it's so close to the original and Laco being one of the contracted manufacturers in WW2 really gives it genuine history. Glad you are still enjoying yours, I'll be ordering mine soon! : )

[@omng3435]

Good video and thanks for sharing. Just one suggestion to LACO. That watch use Miyota engine is very competitive n I lucky to have ONE. But this watch is always stop due to insufficient winding bcos the counter weight rotor is to light. Perhaps LACO should change to a full solid rotor for netter winding.

[@robertorizzo3159]

amazing video.. great detail and exactly what I was looking for, I do like the replica better but the back case on the Miyota looks great

[@Chris-de2qc]

what is the lug to lug size? i have a 6 in wrist so seeing if these would be too big

[@islandwatch]

About 50mm.

[@stevenholmes4339]

Very very Good Review....The Best review I have seen....that's it I am subscribing

[@islandwatch]

thank you!

[@auxmike718]

I have the blue dial type A Munster. The higher priced Swiss versions are very much wot the extra cost.

[@ELFYHO]

may i know what video camera were you use to capture this video?

[@islandwatch]

Canon Vixia HF R50

[@oddjob428]

What is the average lifespan of the more expensive movement?

[@boxwoodgreen]

I'm confused by the "Left Handed Version" option on the Laco website. I'm left handed, most comfortable wearing my watches on my left wrist. So, the crown faces my fingers. What does the left/right option mean ?

[@dorsetdumpling5387]

boxwoodgreen i think it means that the crown is moved to the other side to allow you to wear it on the right wrist and still wind and set it in the same way.

[@JohnJohnson-nc8tq]

Mark, Thank you for your video. I have a limited edition (#22 of 50 eith black and brown straps) Laco B-uhr replica that Laco did in 2005-2006 that is manual wind. I haven't been able anything on it. Was discussed on watchuseek by a former colleague who is also a hurologist but cannot find any longer. Have you heard of this one? Curious of value.

[@runningwithshemp]

Marc how does Stowa compare to Laco? I know you don't carry Stowa but I'm curious if you have any thoughts, experience with them from trade show or talking to reps. BTW my brother love's his X-mas gift Aristo fliegers I got from you.

[@ALPHONSE2501]

Can the rotor in Miyota 821A spins when you hand winding?

[@islandwatch]

A rotor spinning when winding is a sign that something isn't quite right in the movement.

[@alanlilja1850]

Is it possible to find a B type with screw in back and screw in adjuster pin. So its water prof to 100-200 m?

[@islandwatch]

Try the Orient ER2A001B

[@manfre6167]

Beautiful and professional review.

[@jamesrothwell8693]

Great video, very helpful. Pretty much made up my mind that a Laco Dortmund is the way to go.

[@islandwatch]

Thanks!

[@PpaStrmpf]

At the moment in Germany Laco Paderborn costs 980 with elabore ETA or 130 extra for top grade ETA. Can be customized like extra AR coating. Damn' been walking and driving a lot near their factory but still those watches are so far away from me. I mean no harm but 1000€ for a Flieger watch is for me to much. It can't be all day beater and still can't be a dress watch. I guess it's foe people that work in an office and can carey this beauty without fear to damage them. PS: prices are direct from Laco web shop. Nice video btw.

[@123JSeg]

Are you going to review the new 39mm variants as well?

[@alpinistbear]

Great explanation. Thank you very much.

[@ratdad48]

Sir..I have an original. Has canvas band with grommets. Cannot find any info on the value. Your thoughts would be appreciated.

[@ratdad48]

Well thank ya🫡

[@alfajuj]

Hacking function is an essential feature of a pilot's watch, as is magnetic shielding. So those Miyota equipped models with the display back, while certainly a good value for the money, aren't really faithful to the original concept.

[@robertspence5071]

catching up on some of your older videos Marc. As usual you've done an excellent job in the communication department. Many of the differences between the Miyota and the ETA watches (apart from the movements themselves) are subjective. I do agree that the ETA watch is more attractive and more "authentic" looking. But again that's just me (and maybe you too). Things like sterile dial, stamped v. blued hands (a more expensive process certainly), etc, shouldn't add measurably to the cost of the watch. I'm wondering therefore why there is a 550 Euro price difference between the two. Surely that can't be just because of the ETA movement alone. In any event, in recent years, more and more watch manufacturers are going with Miyota because that is recognized as an excellent movement, producing good results with more or less identical functionality to the ETA. I'm wondering if the Swatch watch group which now owns ETA (I think) has jacked up their prices to reflect the Swiss-made movement monopoly they have. If so, they may wind up killing the goose that laid the golden egg. Just some thoughts. Again, thanks for the excellent tutorial.

[@AllanWong]

great video thanks for sharing. one of the significant differences is the onion crown.

[@islandwatch]

Thanks for checking it out.

[@slicktires2011]

"the swiss are considered to have the best movements". The best movements, by objective criteria, like precision, are those of Grand Seiko. The swiss might have more decorated movements, but that's subjective.

[@apowers7783]

Seriously mate? Are you questioning the swiss watch making capabilities?

[@slicktires2011]

Alfie Powell No, I'm not. Where did I say that? I say the Japanese movements are better by any OBJECTIVE criteria. Grand Seiko actually finished first in the mechanical watch category of the Swiss Chronometer competition. And that's considering GS submitted regular production models, while Rolex, Omega, etc would make special movements for the competition. Because of that, the following year the Swiss committee refused any foreign participants, and the competition became only a certification, without ranking by performance. GS subsequently developed their own internal standards for testing watches which are more rigorous than the current COSC criteria. So, yeah, they're better than any Swiss movements.

[@apowers7783]

+Slick Tires So tell me why I, someone with a phone in my pocket and a radio synched clock on the wall, would need anything more than Rolex accuracy. If Rolex truly thought a super exact movement would be worth the investment and extra cost they would smash Seiko in a heart beat. I'm not saying that Seiko is doing anything wrong, it's their strategy, but at the end of the day the managers and accountants are running a business and they will produce what the customer wants. Greetings, Alfie. Btw, I own a GS and numerous diver Seikos.

[@slicktires2011]

I guess you don't need that kind of accuracy, few if any people do. And if they need, they would get a cheap quartz. I never said they needed. However, you also don't need a deep sea diver with helium relief valve, or a gold plated watch (or even solid gold), or diamond incrustations, etc. Nothing about mechanical/luxury watches is about "need". That was not my point. As for Rolex being able to build a comparable movement, well, in the 60s, before quartz watches, the precision of mechanical watches was highly relevant, and also had good marketing value, which is why the top manufactures entered the competitions i mentioned, and even made special movements solely for the competition. So clearly Rolex, and others, took it very seriously, but they still couldn't beat the Hi-Beat (pardon the pun) submitted by GS which was off the shelf and not a special model. You have a point about marketing, though. Rolex is mostly about the brand itself, which is why they don't bother with a very good finish (for the price!). If you don't believe me go to Rolex forums and you'll see Rolex owners freely admit GS is better in all TECHNICAL aspects. You'll even see pictures of Rolex with misaligned dials and so on. GS has poor marketing, they make money on the cheaper Seikos, and use GS as an expression of engineering excellence. But I wasn't talking about "need", "value", or "marketing", my original point is that the best movements are made by the Japanese, not by the Swiss, which is why I objected to the video saying that the Swiss movements are considered the best.

[@apowers7783]

+Slick Tires Thats the point. I, as the customer, don't want to pay for things that I don't value i.e: accuracy.

[@undermoonlightglow]

A very nice video about watches. Thank you.

[@AntPDC]

Top notch review. Thank you.

[@islandwatch]

Thank you.

[@mang4554]

Is Laco the same factory/group with Stowa?

[@islandwatch]

No, different companies.

[@washingtonfootballfanwgil8392]

Does Laco make any other watches?

[@islandwatch]

Yes, lots!!!! www.longislandwatch.com/Laco_Legendary_German_Pilot_Watches_s/1826.htm

[@stephenwolf8806]

Nice compare/contrast video!

[@Swordfish185]

Why is it that the pictures on the website dont say made in Germany at 6 o'clock ?

[@islandwatch]

The watches do, but we had some a while back where the dial didn't, so we just removed it from the photos. It has always had the German made mark on the caseback.

[@soledadgarcialopez1787]

Long Island Watch .. ..

[@kabysummit5801]

I have come across a Laco Zurich. Can anyone explain what difference is it to Aachen, if any?

[@dennisweggeman3751]

The Zurich is a quartz, instead of automatic, which doesn't have hacking. Otherwise quartz is just fine, just a new battery every few years. And size, the Zurich is 40 mm, the Aachen is 39 or 42.

[@AnSe902]

Just bought a 39 mm Laco Speyer. :-) Btw the Paderborn costs now 980€. Talk about inflation. :-o

[@01cthompson]

Thanks. I love B dials.

[@Mr74261000027]

I've heard some people say that these watches simply stop and need a new movement in less than a year, is that true? I'm thinking about getting one, but that worries me

[@islandwatch]

Never heard that myself.

[@daws817]

Spot on breakdown!

[@VasillisRaptis]

Very nice video!Witch type,a ore b the luftwaffe pilots used most?Thank you.

[@thetman0068]

I believe A was the original, which was later supplanted by B watches.

[@flushot6513]

I like how you said most people will never know what watch your wearing on any watch brand most people heard of Rolex and Timex

[@WatchUnwind]

100% that is why its important to wear what you like and to only buy watches for yourself because in real life no one else cares. its easy to get a distorted sense of reality when your watching watch videos all the time and deep into the hobby like most of us are

[@Dave062YT]

A Flieger that doesn't hack ?A quartz movement would be more use and no more wrong than a Japanese automatic that you cant synchronize tbh .

[@Claimjumper55]

Yep, a pilot's watch that doesn't hack is a deal breaker for me. I think I'll go for the Islander ISL-15 if it ever comes back in stock.

[@Wolf_K]

True2022 They now hack. Same movement upgraded.

[@7s29]

Great review, I'm buying the Paderborn.

[@islandwatch]

Lovely choice.

[@1701spacecadet]

The legibility is better on the cheaper one.

[@thetman0068]

The difference in lume is intentional, so pilots can more easily tell at a glance if it's, say, 9:45 or 9:50.

[@kamiliwankiewicz1800]

Thank you a lot, this video is very helpful for me.

[@allenjanes5976]

What is the difference between Lumibrite and Superluminova?

[@islandwatch]

In practice and its use, nothing. Lumibrite is a Seiko proprietary compound, and SuperLuminova is just another commercial name for glow in the dark compound that is sold worldwide.

[@allenjanes5976]

Thank you Sir

[@philipjanes]

Very good and thorough review. *want*

[@marktrett1652]

Great video 👍

[@bobol4917]

Well done. Thanks Mark!

[@antonc108]

Whats the difference between Laco by Lacher and Laco?

[@islandwatch]

Laco is a contraction of Lacher and Company; ie; Laco Same thing. The company during WWII days was known, I believe, as Lacher

[@antonc108]

my brother has Laco by Lacher, bought around 10 years ago, I have the Laco Miyota, bought 2 years ago. His seems to be of a higher grade.

[@user-gr3rk6ur2p]

Laco or Damasko which is better?

[@Wolf_K]

e It depends on what you are after. Neither are bad choices. Also, look into Archimedes and Stowa.

[@ianccc3725]

Now I see it, I can't unsee it...