Laco 1925 Navy Casablanca / Valencia Automatic Watch Review

[@edteach3r]

Remember that every Laco is handmade, which impacts on affordability. The quality of construction is noteworthy. The Miyota 821A is a basic movement, but pretty much indestructible (similar to the Seiko 7S26). I have this movement in a number of my watches (including Laco) and have never had any issues with them. In fact, their accuracy is remarkable. I love your Casablanca and it is definitely on my bucket list. P.S. Hacking is overrated, in my opinion. I change watches at least once a week and don’t care too much for setting them to the second ... as long as they are accurate.

[@62chevrolet]

Eddie de Beer I dropped my Laco Aachen once and only once and a little piece on the balance popped off and it quit working. Miyota 821a movement :(

[@edteach3r]

Alpine Services : Oh dear... could the Citizen Parashock system not be as tough as claimed? It has been around for ages and reportedly withstood shocks from being dropped out of a chopper 30m above the ground... repeatedly. I am really not sure. I am only going by what I have read casually (i.e. not dedicated research on the matter). Either that, or your watch had a defect to begin with. I really baby my watches, so have never had any issues... touch wood!

[@62chevrolet]

Eddie de Beer I am so very careful with it too! I had just washed my hands and somehow lost grip of the strap. It landed flat on its back on a steel deck of a ships galley. No marks or cracks, just the smallest little piece ajar. I’m sure I can fix it if I could only get it open :)

[@oscarosullivan4513]

Quite an excllent point your not in the millitary

[@edteach3r]

@@oscarosullivan4513 True, but I used to be in the 70s (infantry). Clearly then, hacking was crucial and we were supplied with standardized issue .

[@JustaSecond]

Full lume dials are so much fun. I just adore them. I don't yet own a Laco, but the brand is on the list of wants. I'd really expect a 9000 series movement Miyota at that price point. Though lume is often one of the first things minimized to lessen the cost of a piece and it seems that they went opposite and upped the lume and in turn lowered the movement. Could be a fair tradeoff if you really love playing with lume. I do think the watch would look a lot cleaner without a date and would serve to highlight the full lume better. It's hard to say through video, but that leather does look like it will distress well. Another good look at a interesting piece Dave, thank you.

[@JusttheWatch]

A 9000 series movement in this watch would be awesome.

[@LanningKann]

Absolutely I would buy this. The 821a is near bulletproof. In fact I’d take the 821a over a 2824 movement which is 3-4x the price. I bought the Bulova Oceanographer at near retail and that has an 821. It’s a movement you don’t have to worry about. The value isn’t just in the movement.

[@paulwilliams4984]

As a follow-up I just sifted through all the online sales in the UK for the best price I can find for the Valencia (Stainless version) and got £250 so about $325ish - have now added it to my wants list! I will say that I also own the Laco Aachen & Augsburg 'fliegers' and they are great, superbly accurate and the cases are stunningly finished and here I paid £265 & £249 for them from a bricks and mortar retailer. Looked and a couple of cheaper Chinese versions and they either come with mineral front crystal and the cases look, well quite poor.

[@toxicdad3896]

Regardless of the movement I’m really thinking of pulling the trigger on one of these….. great video!

[@furzkram]

For 250 Euros I would have considered it - the design is awesome. I don't mind the date at the 6, it keeps the symmetry of the dial better than at the 3. But 400 Euros is way too much. I always convert the Euro amount back to our former currency, the DM (Deutsche Mark) - 250 Euros would be 500 DM, which would already have been WAY out of the "affordable" price range. So 400 Euros would be about 800 DM - which is insane.

[@JusttheWatch]

Yeah it's "affordable" relative to their high end watches which cost around double that.

[@EverydayWatchGuy]

If they only went with the miyota 9093 movement, I'd be in love!

[@DmitriyKretov]

No problems. Made in Germany timepiece worths it. It’s not cheap to produce cases in Germany.

[@ianrobinson2689]

Using that movement? A 9015 in it would make a great difference

[@DarthJabba504]

Great review, thanks. You don't think 42mm is a bit too big and would prefer the 39mm version?

[@kyle_vr]

Is the Hamilton Khaki Automatic a good alternative to this?

[@otobotrecords]

If you're into fliegers, and you happen to live in the US, I'd suggest to take a look at Fortis watches via Watchbuys or sometimes amazing deals at Jomashop. They have formidable pilot's/flieger watches that are leagues above what Laco has to offer.... OK, now I have looked at watchbuys and joma again, and I see that Fortis seems to have revamped its lineup and also increased the prices. The last generation of the Aviatis line was fantastic IMO. I got myself a Flieger Professional for like a little more than your Laco (including the import tax of 19% on top of watch + shipping to Germany).

[@basarGAL96]

What is the actual accuracy of the watch rather than the one given in the specs?

[@steven3379]

I think it's a good price point, I have 19 watches, apparently I'm drawn to black, I only have 5 stainless steel cases!! 3 Bronze cases, the rest are black... Thanks for the video you hit on some good points!

[@75thteaster54]

Best review on this particular watch great job!!

[@zillsburyy1]

best full lumed dial? damasko also make a good one. its better than the glycine airman base 22. my lorus lumibrite beats my glycine.

[@paulwilliams4984]

Get the Stainless Valencia version and save 50€, plus if outside of the EU this goes down to a total of 311€ or 353€ for the Casablanca with the VAT removed.

[@OFD]

Love the brand. Unfortunate movement choice on this piece. Excellent review as always Dave!!

[@mikewysko2268]

Informative watch review. Well done Sir.

[@TheMartialist]

The serifs used in that font are really great. I realize you're crying about it, but in all honesty people trip about date windows when there are far greater issues at hand for most watches.

[@jodyclaborn]

I like the design, but I agree that the movement at that price is a little disappointing. The strap comes across cheap over the video. Great videos! I have been really enjoying them.

[@oes2546]

I agree. If it had a 9-series movement at the same price then it would be a much better deal

[@nicsamazingpinballchannel7688]

Not quite a home run for me, but it does a good job of hitting its intended niche. I think the Cuxhaven is worth saving for instead.

[@mikkoolavijarvinen3653]

It's however no-date and only available as whopping 42,5mm.

[@craig2100]

About to travel over seas, what would you recommend for an affordable gmt?

[@SkysaxonDragonslayer]

If they had gone for a Seiko NH35 or a Miyota 9015 it wouldn’t be more then 20,-$ to add to the price tag...

[@jfilm7466]

I was thinking the same thing.

[@SuperACU1]

For 50€ you can get it with Miyota 8315 instead Miyota 821A.

[@Firenmage433]

They are charging an arm and leg for miyato 8315..

[@vicentelopez3526]

Great! Perfect review. I have a orient mako xl with same kind dial but the hands have also lume ,so i cant read the hour at all (at night) :(. When a video about your cat? Thanks

[@AltonJRuffRev]

It is a really nice looking watch and if I could get it for closer to the 300 dollar mark it would be a for sure buy. But that movement is a sticking point for me. And maybe I am alone in this but I like the simple date cutout. I'd have no problem if they changed it either but it doesn't bother me. Great review. 👍

[@kingston4313]

I want this for Christmas

[@sasropakis]

Very good looking watch but unfortunately the movement and the date ruin it for me. The watch could be more appealing if they would put a Miyota 9015 in it and maybe charge $50 extra. And the strap looks like it's 1mm too narrow for the lugs and rather underwhelming. But thanks for the well made review!

[@wakawaka1976]

This is why I didn’t buy a Laco type b.... How is it worth $300 more than an Orient type B? Just because some German women assembled the case?

[@DC-uf6ve]

Although it's really easy to see where they've cut corners, it's still difficult to see where the money has actually been spent. Lovely hands and dial aside it's all pretty generic parts bin fayre. I suspect you're just paying a huge premium for the name, which few people care about anymore. Junghans is the only German brand for me, their Bauhaus inspired designs are far more interesting to my eye. Thanks for the review Dave.

[@sog6841]

I just bought a Type B full lume dial with a nh35a for $69.

[@vamheredur413]

Name?

[@sog6841]

꧁Vam Heredur꧂ Aeromatic 1912 on Amazon. It comes on a dive watch rubber strap but I put it on a black leather NATO strap with black hardware.

[@sog6841]

꧁Vam Heredur꧂ I was really pleased with the quality of the finish on a $69 watch and the nh35a is running at +6 seconds a day.

[@sog6841]

꧁Vam Heredur꧂ and the lume lasts all night.

[@Eduardo1133]

Thanks for letting us know. Just picked one up myself!

[@Starlightmare1]

Everyone says that it's a non-hacking movement. Yet Laco advertises "hacking seconds" on their site. What's going on ?

[@JusttheWatch]

That's due to a recent change by Miyota. The movement used to be non hacking but Miyota updated it make it hack. So the older versions of this watch don't hack, but if you buy a new one it will. Be careful buying used or on the gray market though as you could wind up with one of the older non hacking ones.

[@AvgJoeWatchReviews]

That lume is sick. But thumbs down 👎 on the movement at this price point.

[@paulsteele6120]

At the end of the day it's a cheap watch from a good manufacturer, Buy instead the Naval observation watch from Stowa is does cost 1500Eu but you get a great watch with a hook spring escapement for very fine adjustment. You'll like it better !!

[@peixotp]

Great review. Subscribed!

[@JusttheWatch]

Thanks!

[@VersedNJ]

Don't have a Laco, but without a doubt I'f get one. My three Fligers I own are Stowa, But they are expensive, you have to deal direct with Stowa and generally take 3 weeks to a month to get. Positive side if you take care of them, and keep all the stuff box, papers you can basically or come close to getting the money spent on them. I know next week Long Island Watch is going to have then on a black Friday sale. As far as dates I would prefer not to have it on a Flieger. If it's on sale like Marc said, might get the blue type A, Depending on price. If you don't care about hacking or winding, the Miyota is OK, or if they charged a few bucks more and put in an NH35 Seiko so much the better,

[@JusttheWatch]

I'd really like to see them throw a Miyota 9000 series movement in there. I think a smoother sweep would look great with the long second hands.

[@VersedNJ]

@@JusttheWatch That or as I mentioned earlier an NH35.

[@Anirossa]

My Laco Aachen oliv has the movement too, in a way I find it fitting for the watch, its simple and reliable, mine also tend to stay with very few seconds to 0s per day. Its a simpme tool watch and has a simple tool of a movement. The dial and overall execution including the leather strap is beautiful.

[@dirkstruan2999]

I have a Laco Flieger Type A with a much better movement. Granted, the price was considerably more, but his nav model is just not worth the asking price.

[@fatboab2181]

When I first got into watches a few years back I almost pulled the trigger on a laco Palermo, which is the type b dial but with the dial marking done in orange. The miyota was the thing that stopped me.

[@azmaxxx7867]

お疲れ様デス。 最近気になっているカサブランカのレビューありがとうございます。 やはりサイズ感が悩ましいので、いつか実物を見比べてみたいものデス。

[@TinBin-Craig]

looks nice too expensive cheers

[@ronaldgutierrez5160]

Good review. Nonetheless, I think is important to remark that it’ a German calibration job over the japanese movement; therefore they added precision in any position that can be audit easily by machine.

[@rayseaman6204]

My favorite Laco is the German Navy watch with the White dial and blue hands. I think it costs about 1200 U.S. dollars. Laco cannot compete with Timex or Seiko, so I do not fully understand this marketing tactic.

[@SoCalWatchReviews]

Another great video Dave! That’s a little overpriced in my opinion!

[@khole15]

You remind me of Garret from Massthetics

[@j.vanguard4654]

What's the deal wearing a life jacket on camera? Good reviews Dave.

[@JusttheWatch]

It's cold. That was the real reason I was wearing a puffer vest. Afterwards when I was editing I also thought, oh hey, I'm wearing a life jacket while reviewing a deck watch. It fits.

[@KarimDeLakarim]

Cool man.

[@JamesAlexander14]

If you think this is expensive, in Europe it’s the cheap end. This is really budget end for us.

[@inkitatus1]

Nope, overpriced!! Rather have no date too. Why pay for heritage & a name,it doesnt necassarily equate to quality & value. (my best pieces are Christopher Ward, where you get what you pay for, not paying for "reputation") Good review tho, Cheers 👍

[@inkitatus1]

Blazin609 highly recommended, excellent quality 👍👍

[@katerhofmann]

Just the Starking.

[@edwardcrater3591]

While I like Laco, I wouldn't touch this one at that price. I'd say it is worth $200 max. For me, it is not about the price. I own the Laco Flieger A Dial with a much better movement.

[@islandterror5198]

NOS Movement they had stocked or bought cheaply from Miyota as the new 821a's do hack. Lose the Date and put Assembled in Germany & lower the price. I wouldn't spend that amount for that particular piece . Miyota moved to Germany ? Lol

[@LamarFaciane]

Dave I think Laco are ripping people off with this one.

[@JusttheWatch]

I think this is one of the most expensive watches in their basic series of watches. I believe the Fliegers start around $350, which is a lot easier to swallow. This one with the black finish and the fully lumed dial is priced higher. Overall you're paying a premium for the made in Germany and the Laco name. If those things don't interest you, then the watch is definitely not worth the price.

[@LamarFaciane]

@@JusttheWatch I totally agree with you. I love the way you review your watches, very honest and practical. I will say one thing about this piece, I dig that font on the dial big time!

[@LordsStar]

"Just the Starking"

[@shane011471]

A Miyota 821A should not be in in $400 plus dollar watch. Would of rather the price been 20 to 30 bucks more with a better movement inside!

[@Socrates...]

If Laco goes back to 1930’s why is that watch called 1925?

[@JusttheWatch]

Yeah...

[@mikkoolavijarvinen3653]

Because they did start that year?

[@Andrew-J316]

No! :) for that price they should at least have a Miyota 9000 series and even then it’s about $80 too much! I do consider what’s inside as well as what’s outside when purchasing a watch to determine its overall value. With this watch Laco must be loco! :)

[@gitmoholliday5764]

If they wanted to cut corners they could've kept it real simple just handwinding and no date.. and preferable hacking.

[@JusttheWatch]

It's sort of funny, the expensive model is hand winding with no-date... but it uses a Swiss ETA.

[@gitmoholliday5764]

@@JusttheWatch well.. that indeed is funny, but I wouldn't mind if they used a handwind Sea Gull movement either as long as it would save me 400 / 500 dollar.

[@patrickcannady2066]

@@JusttheWatch The Cuxhaven and Bremerhaven are very, very good. Unique case design (mixed of polishing and brushing with a coin edged bezel), unique signed crown, rugged Swiss movement, nice finishing throughout, and it's a simple matter to put after market straps on them...both look great on alligator or crocodile or even just a colorful $10 NATO strap. But you are paying the premium for the ETA 6498 movement and the finishing that Laco applies to the blank movement, i.e., Geneva strips, a signed winding wheel, sunbursted decoration on both winding wheels, and heat blued screws. It's a completely different market tier. Not high horology by any means, but the value proposition is still persuasive. If you can get one second hand for 700-900 USD you're making out like a bandit, very similar watches from famous Swiss brands like Longines cost about 2000 USD MSRP.

[@fletchoid]

Beautiful field watch with awesome luminous dial. But way overpriced. Painted on indices and numbers for almost $500?? My $60 Timex Expedition looks as nice, and has indiglo for when you want to play with illumination. I don't think a quartz Timex movement is any worse than a crappy, unhackable Myota 821A. My cream dial Seiko SRPC87K1 was only $150 and has a much better movement. Crappy lume though.... sigh. But that's why we have multiple watches. The never ending quest for the "perfect" watch.

[@lxfarhanfarhan8929]

Hi bro good u r and first comments

[@swabby429]

There are much better affordable movements than that obsolete Miyota. Otherwise, the watch is very nice.