The Westerland 45 mm handwinding Pilot Watch Brand ORIGINAL is a model by Laco, a German watchmaker with a tradition dating back to 1925. This watch is an authentic reconstruction of the 1940s observation pilot watches (B-Uhr) originally produced under strict specifications by the Reichsluftfahrtministerium (RLM). The 45 mm case size is a modern adaptation of the original 55 mm diameter, with all components proportionally adjusted based on historical designs.

Key Features of the Laco Westerland 45 mm Handwinding Pilot Watch:

• Movement: Hand-winding mechanical movement Laco 210 (based on Swiss Sellita SW 210) or Swiss Laco 01 (ETA 2801.2) in some versions, with 19 jewels and accuracy of 0 to +14 seconds per day156.
• Case: Dark sandblasted stainless steel with “FL23883” engraving on the side, domed and anti-reflective sapphire crystal, solid engraved case back. Dimensions: 45 mm diameter, 13 mm thickness, 22 mm lug width, 53.5 mm lug-to-lug length.
• Dial: Iconic Type A dial (11 Arabic numerals with a triangle and two dots at 12 o’clock), black dial with Superluminova C3 luminous coating for excellent readability day and night. No logo on the dial to maintain historical authenticity.
• Hands: Thermally blued steel hands filled with Superluminova C3 for visibility in low light.
• Strap: Brown calf leather strap with rivets, 22 mm width, designed to mimic original pilot watch straps but using spring bars for modern convenience126.
• Water Resistance: Up to 10 ATM (100 meters) or 5 ATM (50 meters) depending on the source, suitable for everyday use but not deep diving.
• Weight: Approximately 103 grams including the strap1.
• Additional: The watch comes in a box with a cardboard outer box and is made in Germany. It is designed to be robust, functional, and highly legible, reflecting the needs of pilots in the 1940s.

Historical and Design Context:

The Laco Westerland is part of the Pilot Watch ORIGINAL series, which faithfully recreates the look and feel of the original WWII Luftwaffe pilot watches. These watches were essential cockpit instruments, characterized by their robustness, shock resistance, and clear readability. The current models maintain these traits with modern materials and movements while preserving the vintage aesthetic and historical markings like the “FL23883” engraving127.

Pricing and Availability:

The watch is priced around €1,130 on Laco’s official site and approximately $2,500 to $2,600 on other platforms. It may sometimes be backordered with shipping times of 5-10 working days.

In summary, the Westerland 45 mm handwinding Pilot Watch ORIGINAL by Laco is a historically inspired, high-quality German pilot watch featuring a manual Swiss movement, robust and legible design, and authentic vintage details, making it a prized piece for collectors and enthusiasts of pilot watches.

FAQ

How does the 45 mm Westerland model compare to the original 55 mm size

What makes Laco’s Westerland a true replica of WWII German pilot watches

Are there significant design differences between the handwinding and basic movements in this model

How does the Superluminova C3 enhance visibility in low light conditions for this watch

What is the significance of the “FL 23883” engraving on the case side