Pforzheim, October 2023 – Since the 1940s, Laco has been synonymous with pilot watches, which today are represented by historical replicas as well as modern variants. In the world of pilot watches, Laco is not only a name, but almost a legend, known for its deep-rooted tradition and innovative spirit. With the introduction of the new “Hamburg DIN 8330” and “Hamburg GMT DIN 8330” models, Laco is now setting a new standard in terms of quality and technical expertise. Laco’s DIN 8330 certified pilot watches embody the best of both worlds – the timeless aesthetics of classic pilot watches paired with state-of-the-art technology and certified precision.
The new models are certified to the exacting standards of the German DIN 8330 norm, which sets out specific requirements for pilot watches. This standard ensures that pilot watches meet certain criteria in terms of accuracy, readability and functionality. In the aviation industry, pilot watches are essential because they provide pilots with accurate timekeeping and important functions that are essential for aircraft navigation and coordination. Compliance with this standard ensures that pilot watches meet aviation requirements and are completely reliable, even in critical situations.
With the certification of the two models, Laco underlines its technical expertise and ongoing commitment to the needs of pilots, as well as the aviation industry, and can ensure that the models meet the highest standards. The outstanding quality and reliability of Laco pilot watches is now confirmed by an independent institute.
The standards to be met include resistance to liquids typical of flight operations, such as fuels or lubricating fluids, in which the watches are placed for 24h without contact with air. Compatibility with the cockpit environment and night vision devices must also be ensured. It must also be ensured that no reflections, glare or mirroring – of the case or the crystal – obstruct pilots in flight. In addition, it is equally important that the watch withstands vibrations, shocks and impacts at all times. In a total of 16 tests, the two models had to prove themselves in an intensive functional and endurance test in order to successfully pass the certification.
As early as the 1940s, the company was one of the selected suppliers of the pilot watches of that time, which served not only as pure timepieces, but as instruments in the cockpit. Laco thus looks back on a long history in the manufacture of pilot watches. The historical connection to the aviation industry is further strengthened with this project. A great deal of time and effort was invested in the conception, design, development and production, as it is a project close to the hearts of all involved and the entire Laco team. Only after numerous rounds of optimization and quality checks, as well as a total of 12 weeks of testing over several series of tests, do the “Hamburg DIN 8330” and “Hamburg GMT DIN 8330” not only comply with the standard, but also reflect the Laco DNA.
“We proudly continue the tradition of producing excellent pilot watches that meet the demands of pilots,” says Uwe Rücker, CEO of Laco. “Our DIN 8330 certified pilot watches are a milestone in our history and a testament to our unwavering dedication to quality, precision and innovation.”
Laco presents the “Hamburg DIN 8330”, a three-hand model, and the “Hamburg GMT DIN 8330”, an additional variant for displaying a second time zone. Both timepieces have a 43.5 mm diameter case with magnetic field protection, which is made of high-quality 904L stainless steel. This special alloy has a particularly high resistance to corrosion, heat and salt water, and also has a higher hardness than the otherwise common 316L stainless steel. This makes the cases more resistant to mechanical stress and abrasion. The dark sandblasted surface prevents reflections in the cockpit and shows the connections to the other Laco models in the pilot watch collection. Glare from reflections is prevented by the double anti-reflective, flat sapphire crystal.
The black matte dials are deliberately kept simple and focus on clear, quick readability. Only three large numerals and the familiar “aviator triangle”, together with white indexes and hands show the time. The two logos and the date at the 4 o’clock position are recessed in a shade of gray to avoid any distraction during flight. To ensure ideal legibility even at night and under poor lighting conditions, the numerals and indexes are covered with Superluminova C1 luminous material. On the GMT model, the Arabic numerals of the inner 24-hour scale and the arrowhead of the GMT hand are coated with Superluminova in Dark Orange.
The numerals and indexes of the bidirectional rotating ceramic bezel are also coated with the luminous material Superluminova C1. Due to the noticeable minute raster and the special grip, the bezel can be operated even with gloves. The screw-down crown has an additional protection and guarantees a water resistance up to 20 ATM. To express the connection to aviation, the stainless steel case back, which is also screwed, is decorated with an airplane relief.
Swiss automatic movements from Sellita beat at the heart of the watches. Both the SW200 used in the 3-hand version and the SW330 in the GMT version are installed by Laco ex works in the “Top” quality level.
Both models come with a black Nytech strap, which is water repellent. Screwed bars ensure that the watch always sits firmly on the wrist. The buckle is dark sandblasted and thus picks up the surface of the case again – a new feature at Laco.
The “Hamburg DIN 8330” and the “Hamburg GMT DIN 8330” are expected to be available from December 2023 at a price of €1,790 and €2,390 respectively and will be delivered in a high-quality aluminum box, including a certificate and key ring.
Laco gives further insights on the two models as well as the testing procedures on their website: www.laco.de/en/din-8330
Laco Hamburg DIN 8330 Technical Specifications
Ref. 862164 – 1790€
Movement
- Automatic movement Laco 200,
- basic movement Sellita SW200 (Top),
- 26 Jewels,
- hour, minute and center second, date at 4h,
- stop-second function,
- power reserve: 38 hours
Case
- Stainless steel (904L),
- dark sandblasted,
- magnetic field protection,
- ø 43,5 mm, lug width 20 mm, height: 13,6mm,
- water resistant up to 20 ATM,
- flat sapphire crystal with antireflecting coating on both sides,
- sidewise marking “DIN 8330”,
- stainless steel case back with aircraft relief,
- bidirectional rotating bezel with ceramic inlay and luminous material Superluminova C1,
- protected and screwed crown
Dial
- Black mat, soft iron, arabic figures and indexes with
- luminous material Superluminova C1
- Hands: Hour and minute with white frame, additional inlay with Superluminova C1, second hand with luminous material Superluminova C1
Strap
- Black, water repellent Nytech strap,
- dark sandblasted stainless steel buckle,
- screwed bars,
- width 20 mm
Laco Hamburg GMT DIN 8330 Technical Specifications
Ref. 862165 – 2.390€
Movement
- Automatic movement Laco 330, basic movement: Sellita SW330-1 (Top),
- 25 jewels,
- hour, minute, center second, 24-hour-hand, date at 4h,
- stop-second function,
- power reserve: 50 hours
Case
- Stainless steel (904L) dark sandblasted,
- magnetic field protection,
- ø 43,5 mm, lug width 20 mm, height: 13,6mm,
- water resistant up to 20 ATM,
- flat sapphire crystal with antireflecting coating on both sides,
- sidewise marking “DIN 8330”,
- stainless steel case back with airplane relief,
- bidirectional rotating bezel with ceramic inlay and luminous material
- Superluminova C1, screwed and protected crown
Dial
- Black mat, soft iron, arabic figures and indexes with
- luminous material Superluminova C1 and Dark Orange
- Hands: Hour and minute with white frame, additional inlay with Superluminova C1, second hand with luminous material Superluminova C1, tip of GMT hand with Superluminova Dark Orange
Strap
- Black, water repellent Nytech strap,
- dark sandblasted stainless steel buckle,
- screwed bars, width 20 mm
About Laco: Manufacture with passion and tradition
The German watch brand Laco, based in the black forest town Pforzheim, has a corporate history that stretches back to 1925. The “Golden City” has been the location for this small but long-established manufacturer from the very beginning.
This traditional company earned its fame by constructing the legendary 55 mm sized observation watch, as one of only five licensed firms in the 1940s. Around twenty years later, with more than 1200 employees, Laco was counted as one of Germany’s largest watch manufacturers. Today, the small team places emphasis again on handcraft. It is quality that counts in production, not quantity.
The products range from pilot and navy watches, through to elegant chronographs and the purist Classic Line. But all Laco models have one thing in common: the highest quality, outstanding design and functionality in use.
In addition to their own online shop, Laco also offers for sale at the factory in Pforzheim. From Monday to Friday, this offers an opportunity to pick up a new watch directly from where experienced watchmakers have manufactured it intricately by hand.