Pforzheim, December 2022 – With its Edition 97, the traditional manufacturer Laco presents the third count-up model of its “Mission 2025” on the way to the company‘s 100th anniversary. Limited to just 97 pieces, the 2022 edition pays tribute to the pioneering spirit of the age of flight, as it is fully in keeping with the historical Laco observation watches. Unlike the historical models, the case is made of bronze and reduced to a contemporary diameter of 42 millimeters. The expressive material is combined with a dark green dial.
The countdown – or rather “count-up” – is on: In 2025, Laco will celebrate its 100th anniversary. To make the time pass faster until then, the German watch manufacturer has launched “Mission 2025,” a special campaign to showcase five exclusive watches presented as one limited edition per year. Each of these watches brings a piece of history back to life, and represents a milestone in the watchmaker‘s tradition-steeped past. The exclusive series began two years ago with Edition 95, a modern timepiece designed with a maritime style. It was followed by Edition 96 in 2021, a special “Scorpion” model done in eye-catching black that is reminiscent of the company‘s squad watches.
This year, the spotlight is on the classic pilot watch, an important chapter in the company‘s history as Laco is one of the pioneers of this watch genre. In the past, pilot watches were primarily precise and robust instruments in the cockpit, tailored to meet the needs of the daring aviation pioneers. Today, these watches are the ultimate fashion statement for all those who want to discover new horizons.
The Edition 97 is designed for people who constantly seek new adventures, both in familiar and unknown territory. Thus, as a companion, it is uncompromisingly at the side of its wearer in all situations. Its 42 mm case is done in bronze, which was first discovered more than 4,000 years ago, making it one of the oldest known materials in the world. Bronze connoisseurs will love the characteristic patina, which develops according to use over time. Environmental factors such as salt water or humidity can speed up (or slow down) the patina formation process. This makes each Edition 97 unique – and provides for the utmost in casual style on the wrist.
The case of Edition 97 is water-resistant up to 10 ATM, and comes equipped with a distinctive onion crown and a back made of skin-friendly stainless steel. The dark green dial provides a harmonious contrast to the matte bronze case. These sophisticated colours provide the vintage pilot watch with an authentic yet resolutely stylish look. Done in the classic “Baumuster B” style, the hours are subtly displayed in an inner circle, while the minutes are magnified on an outer ring. For best readability even at night, the large numerals are coated with the luminous Superluminova “Old Radium”. In keeping with the historical layout, only every second numeral of the outer circle is luminous. The thermally blued hands are also filled with the luminous beige material. A used-look leather strap with the characteristic rivets and a bronze pin buckle completes the masculine vintage look. Precision is offered by the built-in automatic movement Laco 200, which is based on the proven Swiss-caliber Sellita SW200.
Like the other editions, the new Edition 97 comes with a matching gift case, including a limited pin and certificate of authenticity. The pilot‘s watch with its skilful retro look will be available from mid-December at a price of €1,490 from Laco and authorized retailers.
Laco Edition 97 Technical Specifications
Ref. 862160 – 1.490.-€, Limited up to 97 pieces
Case
- Bronze sandblasted,
- Ø 42 mm, height 12,8 mm, lug width 20 mm,
- water resistant up to 10 ATM,
- double curved sapphire crystal, antireflective coating
- on the inside, sidewise marking FL23883,
- stainless steel caseback with B-Uhr marking,
- crown execution according to B-Uhr with “97” relief,
- limited edition number engraved on the caseback
Movement
- Automatic movement Laco 200,
- basic movement: Sellita SW200 (Elaboré),
- 26 jewels, 3 hands, second hand stop
Hands
- Hour and minute hand thermally blued,
- all hands with Super-LumiNova® Old Radium
Dial
- Green mat,
- Arabic figures and indexes partially coated with luminous material Super-LumiNova® Old Radium,
- design according B-Uhr Baumuster B
Strap
- Brown calf leather strap with light stitching, vintage look, 2 brass-coloured rivets per strap side,
- 20 mm strap width, bronze buckle with Laco logo
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 companies 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.