Pforzheim, March 2023 – Especially in times of hustle and bustle, we often yearn for some rest, balance and harmony. That’s when we resort to the opposite – to everything which is the plain and simple. Minimalism and monochrome in particular have a calming and relaxing effect. Monochrome designs, especially in neutral colours like black, white or grey, create an elegant and refined aesthetic. With these features, the new “Augsburg Grau” (which means: grey) and “Aachen Grau” models from the watch company Laco present themselves as a stylish addition to the basic pilot watch series.
Characterized by the classic business colour grey, these timepieces are perfect for a clean appearance, as the colour is considered sophisticated and timeless. In current fashion, grey is often the new black, as it is not a strong contrast but an ideal complement to many colours. The design of the dials is based on the company‘s classic pilot watches. The “Augsburg Grau” comes in the so-called type A with eleven Arabic numerals and the pilot’s triangle at position 12. The “Aachen Grau”, on the other hand, follows the design of type B with an hour circle on the inside and minutes on the outside.
Numerals, indices and hands are covered with the luminous material Superluminova BGW 9, which appears in clear white in daylight and offers a harmonious interplay with the grey background. In the dark, the elements glow in a light blue-green and ensure perfect readability even at night. The metallic blue shimmering frames of the hour and minute hands break the monochromaticity and are a real eye-catcher. Only for the second time, after the limited Polar edition, the models of the Laco basic line are equipped with thermally blued hands, which shimmer in different shades of blue depending on the incidence of light, sometimes appearing almost black. Despite the apparent simplicity and straightforwardness, composing an interesting and fashionable look with uniform colour schemes is a special challenge. The silvery shine of the satin-finished stainless steel case picks up on the monochrome colour scheme and forms a harmonious contrast to the matt dial.
The front, as well as the back of the watch, are equipped with scratch-resistant sapphire crystal. The Laco 2S automatic movement, based on the Miyota 82S0, is visible through the crystal case back. The stop-second function enables the time to be set precisely. As with the other models in the series, Laco offers the option of upgrading to the Laco 31 caliber (base: Miyota 8315), which has a power reserve of over 60 hours and thermally blued screws. The new models are available in two sizes of 39 or 42 millimetres in diameter. The additional choice between a grey calfskin strap with decorative rivets or a sporty stainless steel bracelet results in a series of eight new models. The different versions of the “Augsburg Grau” and “Aachen Grau” will be available from the end of March at a recommended retail price of 410€ (with leather strap) or 460€ (with stainless steel bracelet) directly from Laco and from authorized retailers.
Laco Augsburg Grau and Aachen Grau Technical Specifications
References
- AUGSBURG GRAU 39 862161
- AUGSBURG GRAU 39 MB 862161.MB
- AUGSBURG GRAU 42 862158
- AUGSBURG GRAU 42 MB 862158.MB
- AACHEN GRAU 39 862162
- AACHEN GRAU 39 MB 862162.MB
- AACHEN GRAU 42 862159
- AACHEN GRAU 42 MB 862159.MB
- Pilot watch, stainless steel case with brushed finish
- Ø 39 / 42 mm, height 11,5 / 12 mm, sapphire crystal, water resistant up to 5 ATM, caseback with sapphire crystal, domed crown, lug width 18 / 20 mm
- Automatic movement Laco 2S, basic movement: Miyota 82S0, second hand stop, 21 jewels, 3 hands
- Grey mat dial, Arabic figures and indexes with luminous material Superluminova BGW 9
- Hour and minute hands thermally blued, second black mat, all hands with luminous material Superluminova BGW 9
- Grey calf leather strap with grey stitching, 2 rivets per strap side and stainless steel buckle or stainless steel bracelet
- Weight: approx. 80 g up to 167,5 g
- Gift box incl. cardboard box
- RRP: 410 € (leather strap), 460 € (stainless steel bracelet)
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 sporty squad watch and elegant chronographs. 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.