LACO Edition 99 LACO
LACO is celebrating its 100 years anniversary in 2025, before reaching this monumental milestone the company closed 2024 in a spectacular fashion with the launch of the very limited, Laco 862181, Edition 99
With only 99 pieces made and available worldwide, this extraordinary timepiece was an instant sell-out.
Unboxing:
The watch comes in the traditional LACO box, commonly used on most LACO timepieces. Inside, we find a beautiful LACO zippered case, also like the ones used on many LACO watches.
Upon closer inspection, the case is imprinted at the end with the LACO logo and the number "99," representing LACO’s 99 years and the watch limited-edition status. And limited it truly is, with only 99 pieces ever made!
Inside the box we find the "Limited Edition Certificate" which provides specific details about the watch, including its production number, this piece is number 49 out of 99. The certificate shows this watch was carefully tested by LACO and confirmed to be running 7 seconds fast per day. The actual print out from the Timegrapher is attached to the certificate showcasing a very high level of care and attention to details.
A limited run of watches would not be complete without a distinctive touch, and the Edition 99 includes a Pin to commemorate the occasion.
Case:
The Edition 99 case is the same watch case used on the Basic Pilot Watches Series, they are made from stainless-steel, and the general design is the same. However, the Edition 99 watch case was sandblasted achieving a flat grey-tone used to minimize reflections in the cockpit, this finish is very similar to the one sported in the Pilot Watches from Original Series like the Paderborn.
Also like in all "Original Pilot Watches" from LACO, the side of the case was engraved with the former army request number, FL 23883, adding an authentic touch from LACO’s aviation history.
The case back of the watch is pressed down and it is also sandblasted, it proudly displays its name: EDITION 99” and the production number. We have a see thru glass that allow us to enjoy the sophisticated workings of the Miyota movement 82S0, which has been slightly modified by LACO and renamed LACO 2S.
The case measures 42mm in diameter with a height of 11,7 mm, lugs are spaced at 20mm and the distance from Lug to Lug is 50MM.
This case is 5 ATM or 50 meters water resistance , the complete watch weights only 93 grams.
Glass:
Protecting the dial, we have a flat sapphire glass without anti reflecting coating that provides amazing clarity, the glass is held in place by this right-angle bezel also finished in matt great.
Dial:
The dial of the Edition 99 follows the classic TYPE B design, closely mirroring the aesthetic of the Aachen Basic watch. Notably, it lacks a date display window, allowing for a cleaner, more authentic look. The LACO brand name is prominently positioned at 12 o’clock, while the "Made in Germany" label is subtly placed at 6 o’clock, emphasizing its heritage and craftsmanship.
On closer examination, a subtle yet distinctive difference stands out: the luminous paint used for the markers on the Edition 99 is a crisp white, reminiscent of the Paderborn model. This contrasts sharply with the greenish hue of the lume found on the Aachen, lending the Edition 99 a refined and contemporary appearance that sets it apart.
Additionally, the design of the inner hour circle is inspired by LACO's Original Pilot Watches series. This detail bridges the gap between the professional-grade models and the Edition 99, offering a touch of pro-level sophistication at a more accessible price point.
Hands:
The design of the hands stays true to the traditional Flieger watch design, this type B make emphasis on keeping track of minutes and seconds for practical purposes, therefore the minute and the second hands are long, very long, and they land with precision on the minute markers.
In contrast, the hour hand is short, perfectly fitting within the smaller inner circle of the dial that displays the 12-hour scale.
A standout feature are the thermally blued hands, which replace the standard black painted hands commonly found in LACO's Basic line of pilot watches.
Crown:
The 10mm crown is easy to grab and turn, it is not intrusive so should be very comfortable to wear. At the front we can see the number 99.
Strap:
The Strap is a big improvement over the Basic pilot watches. The Edition 99 is mounted on a 20mm dark brown calf leather strap, hand made in Germany. The same quality as the strap used on the Paderborn.
The strap is very soft and super comfortable. It is decorated with white stitching and two metal rivets.
The pin buckle is stainless-steel and it is finished in flat grey. The LACO logo is also present it the buckle.
Conclusion:
As the final model of LACO's Count-Up to its Mission 2025 series, the Edition 99 watch pays tribute to nearly a century of LACO's rich tradition, celebrating different aspects of LACO’s history.
Each watch was individually numbered, encapsulating almost 100 years of craftsmanship and setting the stage for the highly anticipated Edition 100.
Unlike most limited-edition timepieces from LACO that carry a hefty price tag, this watch offered exceptional value at just 490 Euros. With only 99 pieces available, it was a rare opportunity to own a piece of LACO heritage.
If you were lucky enough to get your hands on one :-(