Stowa VS Laco - Battle of the German Flieger Pilot Watches

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[@andrewd7586]

Next time James maybe compare apples with apples. Try the Laco at least with their Elabore movement (or their next tier up). It’s then movement comparable, price comparable & a far more accurate comparison.

[@WATCHingJames]

Thanks for WATCHing

[@danielb.9216]

I agree... this Stowa vs the Laco PRO Model with the TOP Sellita and i think the Laco will win this match!! ;)

[@flemmingsorensen5470]

@@danielb.9216Spot on👍 The Pro is a cracking watch - but its always the lower cost Lacos one see in review. The Pro vs the Stowa, the Laco Pro would win.

[@MichaelOCallaghan-fq4ej]

Always liked Laco, now I love Stowa. Unfortunately my wife wants the dining room redecorated. Great video. 👍

[@WATCHingJames]

The Stowa is incredible. But the price does reflect the quality. I know it will be more than most will justify. Thanks for WATCHing

[@gcm22490]

Part-exchange your wife for a Stowa then. 👍

[@Gumby56]

I have the blue dial version Laco Augsburg 42mm and am very happy with it.

[@WATCHingJames]

That’s great to hear

[@Adam-7_7_7]

I have a *Laco* ,and its a great watch, but seeing that *Stowa* that you did on a previous clip, it was Teutonic beauty.

[@WATCHingJames]

They are both good watches. But the Stowa is incredible. As i would hope. At this price. Thanks for WATCHing

[@thegorn]

“The Laco vs Stowa wars. Begun, they have.” - Master Yoda

[@WATCHingJames]

Hahahaha

[@WATCHingJames]

I always enjoy doing a side by side

[@rawdah786]

Tbh I’m not familiar with these brands being new to the game, so thank you James for educating me 👍🏼

[@WATCHingJames]

There are some incredible brands out there. I keep finding new ones on a weekly basis.

[@AllenReinecke]

I have to admit I'd never spend $2000 on a watch. It would ruin my time wearing it, worrying about damage, or getting mugged!. I suppose if I ever did, it would be as an investment and it would sit in a bank. I never pay for a brand. Some are not as refined/quality as they should be. Hardlex, Seiko?? I am more than happy to spend $50 to $250 on an homage watch and have 20+ awesome-looking watches in my collection for that $2000. A quality homage honestly looks just as good on my wrist as the real thing and I wouldn't be worried about damaging it, though I still treat my $50, daily-beater Escapement Time watch like it cost $2000! I'd still be mindful of a late night, big city mugging though. IMHO it's all about how YOU feel wearing a watch. If a watch looks good to my eye, and is comfortable to wear, I'm good. It's certainly not about how OTHERS view you. Hardly anyone wears a watch these days. Look at wrists in the mall or while dining at a restaurant. Maybe 2 in 10 and they'll be wearing smart watches. I doubt any will know the difference between a Rolex or an Addiesdive from a distance, or care. They all have $1000+ phones though to check the time. (I have a Pixel 6a, to set the time! 😆). I do agree, it is important to consider the price-to-value ratio. That Laco doesn't look like it's worth its price tag. Another great thought-provoking video, James! 👍

[@martinowl]

Well said. I get where you are coming from. Spending a decent amount on a watch is not something many of us take lightly.

[@WATCHingJames]

Absolutely, owning and enjoying the right watch for each of us is part of the fun of watches.

[@christopherhilton2539]

The Stowa is a very nice watch but for the money I think I would go for the Laco Paderborn. I just like that Laco was one of the original suppliers of pilot watches. Nice to see the side by side. Do more of these if you can. Cheers James.

[@WATCHingJames]

I’m keen to get hands on with more of the Lacos. Especially some of their more traditional watches. Vs this miyota powered version

[@robertlock6041]

Both Laco and Stowa supplied Flieger watches to the military...

[@ProChrono979]

Love the video and really value your opinion but the comparison isn't really fair. I own the Stowa and a Laco Munster. Got the Stowa second hand for the same price as the Munster brand new. They're a better comparison with equivalent calibers and very hard to separate. Stowa has A LOT of style but the Laco "replica" case makes it a fascinating time piece. Brand new there's about £300 difference but don't ask me to make a preference. I just can't do it!

[@WATCHingJames]

I found it interesting to have both of these watches in hand.

[@BenNS1971]

Not a fair comparison. Laco has models just as high-end as Stowa, so it really doesn’t make much sense to compare an entry-level Laco to a high-end Stowa.

[@WATCHingJames]

Unfortunately that’s all I had available and just wanted to put the two brands side by side. Thanks for WATCHing

[@adk7962]

I’m surprised you thought the Stowa is four times the watch that the Laco is. Now I have to get my hands on a Stowa. Thanks for the quick but great comparison.

[@WATCHingJames]

It is definitely considerably better. But I also know Laco has a higher end range that would likely change my mind if I got hands on with them.

[@Myashey]

Nice to see a side by side comparison, top job. A few months ago I realised my collection/life was missing a flieger and looked at the lower end version's, but didn't get that heritage vibe with them, so decided to go the Laco, Stowa route. First call was the Laco site and there was an orange version that just jumped out at me, after that nothing else compared. I was prepared to pay more but the cheap and cheerful orange Laço had it's grip on me. That just about sums up watch collecting to me, sometimes the heart is stronger than the mind and I'm more than happy with my choice. Looking forward to more of your great content.

[@WATCHingJames]

A great way of choosing a watch.

[@jamesblonde2271]

Stowa and Laco supplied the original fliegers to the armed forces so they (and Lange and Omega) are the original 4 from the forties forflieger fans, the Laco Aachen is the entry point with Quartz and Manual versions released over the years. Great vid mate. Hope it's a bit cooler today😂

[@WATCHingJames]

It is a little bit. Down to 33 degrees today 😅

[@marcoantoniomoncada1167]

Omega did not supply B-Uhr. IWC did.

[@RonGalea284]

Great comparison! I was looking at the Laco Flieger Pro; it would be good to see a comparison if you could get your hands on one.

[@WATCHingJames]

I would love to see some of their higher end models. They do look very good. If I get a chance. I will definitely feature it.

[@davidabraham3873]

Laco really dropped the ball by having a Japanese movements

[@WATCHingJames]

They are trying to make an affordable option. I’m about to get hands on with their more premium watches. I’m looking forward to seeing what they are like.

[@D0NTsmokeCRACK]

@@WATCHingJamesplease do. I’m debating pulling the trigger on a 40mm blue type A with bracelet but reviews, especially trustworthy ones, are too few and far between

[@brian6290]

I've always enjoyed the "cheap and cheerful" nature of my Laco, but I think that reinforces your point - I could have got an Ali-Express one with the same movement for a lot less, and got just as much pleasure out of it. And as time goes on, I'm wearing the Laco less, which makes me wonder whether I'd be better with something more like the Stowa. The Seiko fliegers and the Hamilton Cooper are also interesting because they have slightly different takes on this style.

[@WATCHingJames]

Hamilton has also just put out a very nice looking pilot. But it is 36mm which is a bit small for me. The great thing about this style of watch is the many many options available.

[@markgraber-oe2bu]

Great video again James Always pushing the limits Keep up the great work

[@WATCHingJames]

Thank you.

[@johanvandersandt8904]

I think both are excellent but I am a Laco fan so I would have the Laco! Have a great Sunday James!

[@WATCHingJames]

Thanks for WATCHing

[@stephenmundane]

Interesting video, thanks. If you don't mind smaller, vintage watches you can probably pick up a 20 year-old Fortis fleiger for not much more than the price of that Laco. I bought a 620.10.46 last year and got fantastic lume, 200m water resistance, sapphire and an ETA 2824 for my money -- it is only 35mm but I've got slim wrists, so all good. Throw in the price of a service and it's still costs a lot less than that Stowa and, in my opinion, is a better watch, not least because it feels a lot more military -- no display case back is a plus!

[@WATCHingJames]

I have had a look online for some older Fortis pilots. They do look like good value. A couple of interesting design options too.

[@K_j_M]

That movement in the Stowa is in the Constellar Origin as well... Its interesting and I think the Origin is a much nicer watch for the price point. I still struggle with the idea of paying grands for a flieger unless it was proper historical piece

[@WATCHingJames]

It is an expensive watch. Especially when there are many more affordable pilots that can look very similar. I am such a fan of this particular design that it made it worth it for me. The manual movement is a SW210 top grade

[@uansari1]

Stowa is pronounced ShtoVa.

[@WATCHingJames]

Thank you

[@ruggsterify]

It's my understanding that A. Lange & Sohne, IWC, Stowa, and Laco are the 4 original suppliers of flieger watches. In discloser, I own an IWC and a Stowa (2015 w/ the ETA top grade) and both are my two favorites in the collection. Never owned a Laco but am aware of the history as they passed from owner to owner, completely closed and then the rights and name were purchased and restarted. Now, does that make Laco no longer an original? I'm not gonna make that call but maybe I would look at them if they offered a case and movement I was attracted to unfortunately, they don't. The Stowa is as the video stated, thinner, much more refined and a quality time piece worth looking into even after switching to Sellita. IMO, they are worth the money paid.

[@WATCHingJames]

The Stowa is incredible. Even next to my IWC it really does stand out.

[@nischalsheodayal]

love the Laco

[@WATCHingJames]

It has been nice to get hands on with the Laco

[@NaNByZero]

If I wanted the heritage, I’d go for the Stowa of course because it’s the better watch. And if I don’t care and wanted it cheap but good, you are right, there are cheaper alternatives. I have a very well made Addiesdive Flieger that costed me 72€ when I bought it two years ago. NH-35 movement, sapphire crystal, good ar coating and even the bracelet is great. 🕐⚙️🍸

[@WATCHingJames]

There are some great affordable pilots available.

[@LacoUhrenmanufaktur]

Hi James, thanks you for the video, which we just found today. Great to see a comparison, but we think that a comparison between these two models is not appropriate, as they fall in two completely different price categories. They have distinct price segments and technical equipment, making a direct comparison misleading. You state yourself at the beginning of your video that there are different levels for pilot watches and these two are level 2 vs. level 3, as Stowa doesn’t have any level 2 models. With our basic line, we strive to offer a gateway into the world of mechanical timepieces and pilot watches. So it’s not the fairest battle 😉 You should definitely have a look at our PRO models with the appropriate configuration 😊

[@WATCHingJames]

Hello. It was unfair. But it was the two watches that I had available to me. I would love to see more from your brand.

[@johnswatchjoint]

Nice side by side James 👌

[@WATCHingJames]

Thanks mate

[@megasoid]

I own two Lacos and would love to own a Stowa one day.

[@WATCHingJames]

Thanks for WATCHing

[@PanzergrauModels]

Laco in that configuration doesn't stand against Baltany, Tandorio and alikes, let alone Stowa. I'd rarher build a field / flieger myself from a ST3600!

[@WATCHingJames]

Thanks for WATCHing

[@Conundrum191]

Waiting on construction and delivery, but I went the third option -- Dekla. A smaller company, but still German and they make everything minus the strap, crystal, and movement in house. They also offer a ton of customization at a lower price of the higher level Lacos and Stowas, comes with a regulated auto or hand-wind swiss movement, can be brushed, beadblasted, polished, etc.

[@WATCHingJames]

I will have to check them out. They sound great

[@Conundrum191]

@@WATCHingJames I think I saw you’re friends with Jody from JOMW? He’s how I found out about them first and still might have a flieger or two.

[@hejakma4682]

Prefer the chunkier look of the Laco.

[@WATCHingJames]

Thanks for WATCHing

[@Joker-yb6ks]

Sinn,laco,stowa

[@WATCHingJames]

Thanks for WATCHing

[@Joe-pw7ky]

Really great video! I haven’t heard of these two watch companies before. I do have a question would Fortis and Hanhart Be comparable to Stowa and Laco? I do have a Hanhart and was looking for a Fortis but I really like the Stowa now that I see it. Is a Fortis comparable to the Stowa ? Thanks James have a blessed day

[@WATCHingJames]

I’m keen to see Fortis and Hanhart myself. But have not had any hands on experience with them.

[@naomiredpath4351]

👍

[@WATCHingJames]

👍

[@paulelliott5600]

🤙this is all your fault Naomi

[@WATCHingJames]

👍👍👍

[@WATCHingJames]

👍👍👍

[@scatterbrain9490]

🤔

[@WATCHingJames]

😁

[@ufReitter]

FAKENEWS ..OKdW

[@WATCHingJames]

Thanks for WATCHing

[@Ferien7]

Stowa has only 50m water resistance and a see through caseback. Unacceptable for a modern flieger watch 👎

[@WATCHingJames]

Thanks for WATCHing

[@abrahamlim13345678]

THIS GUY IS PAID BY STOWA, VERY PITIFUL

[@WATCHingJames]

I wish. I would be able to buy more watches. But no. I don’t accept money for any videos. I was able to get a small discount from Stowa when I bought this particular watch. 5% off the purchase price. If you had these two watches in hand you would likely have the same options as what I said.