The Laco Aachen 42 mm Automatic Pilot Watch is a well-regarded model in the BASIC pilot watch series by the German brand Laco, which has been producing original pilot watches since 1925123.
Key Features of the Laco Aachen 42 Pilot Watch:
- Movement: It houses the Laco 21 automatic (self-winding) movement, based on the Miyota 821A, with a power reserve of about 42 hours, hacking (stop-seconds) function, and manual winding option48.
- Case: The watch features a 42 mm stainless steel case with a thickness of approximately 11.75 mm and a lug-to-lug length of 50 mm. The case has a satin-smooth brushing finish and a flat case back for comfortable wear478.
- Crystal: It is equipped with a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal, often with optional double-sided anti-reflective coating48.
- Dial: The model typically uses a Type B (or bomber/navigator) dial, characterized by a minute scale on the outer ring and hour numerals on the inner circle. The dial is highly legible, with SuperLuminova luminescence on the hands and indices for excellent readability in the dark3468.
- Strap: Comes with a brown leather strap featuring rivets reminiscent of WWII pilot watches, with a 20 mm width and tang buckle closure48.
- Water Resistance: Rated at 50 meters (5 ATM), suitable for swimming but not diving48.
- Additional: The watch has no date window, staying true to the original WWII pilot watch design. It also features a transparent case back to observe the movement48.
Design and Heritage:
The Laco Aachen 42 is inspired by the historic pilot watches made for aviators in the 1940s, emphasizing robustness, functionality, and high readability under all conditions. The Type B dial with its distinctive layout and the large crown designed for use with gloves are hallmarks of this design.
Price and Value:
The watch is considered an excellent value pilot watch, often priced around €340 to €338 (approx. $410), making it one of the best affordable German-made pilot watches on the market\.
Summary Table
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Brand | Laco |
| Model | Aachen 42 Automatic Pilot Watch |
| Case Diameter | 42 mm |
| Case Material | Stainless Steel |
| Movement | Laco 21 Automatic (Miyota 821A) |
| Power Reserve | ~42 hours |
| Crystal | Sapphire (scratch-resistant) |
| Dial Type | Type B (bomber/navigator) |
| Luminescence | SuperLuminova on hands and indices |
| Strap | Brown leather with rivets, 20 mm |
| Water Resistance | 50 meters (5 ATM) |
| Weight | 93 g |
| Price Range | ~€340 / $410 |
The Laco Aachen 42 mm pilot watch is a historically inspired, robust, and highly legible timepiece with a strong heritage, making it a popular choice among pilot watch enthusiasts looking for quality and authenticity at an accessible price point.
Share
FAQ
What makes the Laco Aachen 42 mm stand out among pilot watches
How does the Type B dial design enhance readability in low light
What are the key differences between models A, B, and C of Laco pilot watches
Why is the sapphire crystal considered a significant feature for this watch
How does the historical design influence modern features of the Aachen 42
Leave a Reply