From 1925 to today, Laco have refined the aesthetic of a luxury German pilots watch with an unwavering representation for enthusiasm, legibility, precision and functionality. Their spirit for tradition continues with the release of the new Laco Munchen Chronograph watch, a limited edition of 200 pieces which embodies all the hallmarks of a high-functioning aviation watch with a strong 42.3mm stainless steel case equipped with the iconic onion crown, oversized numerals and a luminous triangle marker at 12 o’clock.
The classic German Flieger pilots watch is certainly no stranger to the industry, still standing as an archetype for aviation-inspired timepieces everywhere. Just look at the Pilots collection from IWC Schaffhausen or the vast majority of Sinn releases; these examples take inspiration from the original Flieger watches worn by the German Luftwaffe during World War II. Laco similarly commemorates these historic pieces within their collections but instead, through both an affordable and remarkably accurate approach, they manage to stand out from the competition. The new Laco Munchen Chronograph Limited Edition watch cements this attitude with a delightfully executed design combined with additional chronograph functionality.
Consistent in its charismatic charm, the Laco Munchen Chronograph Limited Edition is delivered in a 42.3 millimetre diameter case emulating the original 1940’s pilot shape with wide set, narrow lugs and an arguably thick 14.75 millimetre thick finish. The case is sandblasted to a matte titanium finish for increased resilience and an aesthetic familiar of the original World War II era Fliegers. The characteristic onion crown at 3 o’clock is paired with wide inverted pushers for the chronograph and a screw down case back assisting in a healthy water resistance of 100 metres. The case back features a unique engraving to display the limited edition serial number while on the front, domed sapphire crystal glass is added with anti-reflective treatment on the underside.
What impressed us most about the new Laco Munchen Chronograph Limited Edition was its dial. The worry surrounding many chronograph pilots’ watches is that the inclusion of additional functionality will take away from the one feature aviation timepieces guarantee most: legibility. However, the Laco Munchen Chronograph completely avoids this problem by issuing all chronograph complication in grey to subtly blend into the black backdrop. Similarly, the day and date discs are in grey as are the Laco branding and counter hands. In contrast, the Arabic numerals and central hands are decorated in white Superluminova essentially making the piece appear as a three-hander at a glance.
Driving the Laco Munchen Chronograph Limited Edition watch is the Laco 50 chronograph movement, a Swiss made calibre based on the ETA Valjoux 7750. It delivers a 48 hour power reserve, beats at a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour and comes equipped with 25 bearing jewels. The movement also provides classic central hands for hours, minutes and chronograph seconds, a small seconds counter 9 o’clock, 12 hour chronograph counter at 6 o’clock, 30 minutes chronograph counter at 12 o’clock and a double day and date window at 3 o’clock.
Completing its appeal to pilots and 9-5 gentleman alike, the Laco Munchen Chronograph Limited Edition is fitted with a smooth brown calfskin leather strap detailed with light coloured stitching and a standard stainless steel pin buckle. The watch will retail at £1,880 and is limited to only 200 pieces. If you’d like to get your hands on your own Laco Munchen Chronograph, head over to the Jura Watches website today or get in touch with the team on 01335 453453 or at help@jurawatches.co.uk.
Specifications: Laco Munchen Chronograph Limited Edition Watch (862124)
- Case Diameter: 42.3mm
- Case Thickness: 14.75mm
- Case Material: Stainless steel
- Bezel: Fixed
- Glass: Domed sapphire crystal with anti-reflective treatment
- Case Back: Closed
- Crown: Screw in
- Water Resistance: 100 metres
- Movement: Laco 50 automatic winding, based on Valjoux 7750
- Functions: Hours, minutes, small seconds, chronograph seconds, 30 minutes, 12 hours, day, date
- Power Reserve: 48 hours
- Jewels: 25
- Frequency: 28,800vph
- Dial: Black with Superluminova markings
- Strap: Brown calfskin leather
- Buckle: Pin
- RRP: £1,880
- Limited Edition: 200 pieces
