Timeless History: A Look into the Legacy of Laco Watches

The history of Laco dates back to 1925, when the company was founded by Frieda Lacher and Ludwig Hummel in Pforzheim, Germany. The company began by producing simple, yet reliable watches for everyday wear. However, it wasn’t until the 1930s that Laco began to specialize in aviator watches.

During World War II, Laco supplied the German Luftwaffe with aviator watches. These watches were known for their legibility, precision, and durability. The Laco 25, which was introduced in 1942, was one of the most popular watches among pilots. This watch featured a large, easy-to-read dial and a durable case that could withstand the harsh conditions of flight.After the war, Laco continued to produce aviator watches, but also expanded its collection to include other types of watches. 

In the 1950s, Laco introduced the “Flieger Automatic” which was the first automatic pilot watch. The model had a unique design with the second hand located at the center of the watch, making it easy to read in any situation.

In recent years, Laco has continued to innovate and improve its aviator watches. The brand now offers a wide range of aviator watches, including automatic, mechanical, and quartz models. Today, Laco watches are still handcrafted in Pforzheim, Germany.

Frequently Asked Questions: Laco History & Modern Tech

Q: What makes Laco one of the "Original Five" Flieger brands?

A: During WWII, only five companies were authorized to produce the oversized 55mm B-Uhr navigation watches for the German Luftwaffe: IWC, A. Lange & Söhne, Wempe, Stowa, and Laco. While many brands make "pilot-style" watches today, Laco is one of the few that can claim a direct, unbroken lineage to the original technical blueprints.

Q: What is the "Erbstück" aging process?

A: "Erbstück" translates to "Heirloom." Laco uses a proprietary hand-aging process where their watchmakers manually apply "wear and tear"—scratches, patina, and even simulated dial oxidation—to a brand-new watch. Unlike mass-produced "faux-patina," each Erbstück is unique and looks like a 1940s artifact that has been in a cockpit for 80 years, but with a modern, reliable movement inside.

Q: Are modern Laco watches tough enough for professional service?

A: Yes. While the "Original" series focuses on history, the Laco Atacama and Scorpion series are built for modern tactical use. In 2026, these models are increasingly seen on the wrists of first responders due to their high-contrast legibility, 300m water resistance, and the "count-up" bezel functionality that is essential for timing oxygen consumption or medical interventions.

Q: What is the difference between a Laco "Type A" and "Type B" dial?

A: It is a matter of historical mission timing. Type A (Baumuster A) features a clean layout with hours 1–11 and a triangle at 12 for quick orientation. Type B (Baumuster B) features an inner hour ring and a large outer minute track, which was specifically designed for navigators who needed to track seconds and minutes with extreme precision for dead-reckoning navigation.

Q: Does Laco use Japanese or Swiss movements in 2026?

A: They use both, categorized by their "Basic" and "Original" lines. The entry-level Basic line (like the Augsburg or Aachen) uses the workhorse Miyota 8-series, while the Original and Erbstück lines utilize high-grade Swiss ETA or Sellita movements. In 2026, Laco has also integrated the Miyota 9075 "Flyer" GMT movement into their travel series, providing a professional-grade jumping hour complication at a sub-$1,200 price point.