LACO Augsburg (862178) & Aachen (862179) Grün

The automatic timepieces from the Basic Pilots Series from LACO stands as one of the most enduring and popular watches priced within 400 and 600 dollars.

This summer, LACO has released two new watches that feature exciting styles and color combinations evoking a Mediterranean feel. The Augsburg 862178 Grün and the Aachen 862179 Grün continue LACO's series of limited editions from previous years, including timepieces with a taupe-colored dial, their olive collection, and last winter "Polar series".

Unboxing:

Unboxing LACO watches is always a great experience. As this is a limited collection of 250 pieces for each model, LACO has identified each box with the watch production number.

Inside the cardboard box, we find LACO’s beautiful grey zippered case branded with the company’s logo. The watch is placed inside, lying flat in the box, allowing us to appreciate all its beauty at first glance.

On the left side to the box, we find the user manual, the warranty card and the limited edition certificate.

Case:

The stainless-steel case combines brushed and polished surfaces and finishes, distinguishing this new edition from other LACO’s pilot watches, giving it a stylish aesthetic that pairs well with both casual outfits and elegant attires.

The stainless steel case measures 42 mm in diameter, including the glass the watch height is 11.7mm, lugs are space at 20 mm and the distance from lug to lug is 50mm. The weight of the watch, including the strap, is only 85 grams.

The caseback of the watch, has a see thru display sapphire window, and it is engraved with the collection name, water resistance rating, and the production number of each particular watch.

The case back of the watch is pressed down, water resistance is limited to 50 meters, which is more than enough for a Flieger watch. 

Movement:

When filliping the watch, the automatic movement LACO 2S (based on the Miyota 82S0) is the real eye catcher displaying Cote de Geneve decorations, and it is a pleasure to see the heart of the watch beating.

Buyers have the option to upgrade to the LACO 31 movement which is based on the Miyota 8315, the biggest difference within the two movement options are the runtime, the LACO 31 runs for about 60 hours vs. the 42 hours of the LACO 2S.

 In addition to the beautiful Cote de Geneve decorations, the LACO 31 movement has thermally blued screws while the LACO 2S does not.

Performance wise both movements are about the same with an expected accuracy within -10 to +20 seconds per day. The two movement options have hacking functionality and their frequency is the same, 21,600 beats per hour. 

Dial and hands:

The dark green dial is stunning, providing an excellent contrast against the straightforward typography of the numerals and indices, clearly identifying these two new models as classic pilot watches at first glance. The "Augsburg Grün" follows the typical Type A dial pattern with hour, minute, and central second hands, ensuring quick and clear readability. The "Aachen Grün" features the Type B style dial, with minutes on the outer ring, giving the watch a slightly more technical yet equally authentic appearance.

Both dials display the LACO logo at 12 o’clock and the “Made in Germany” label at 6 o’clock. As is typical of Flieger watches, there is no date window in either model. The sword-style hands feature a silver polished frame that complements the polished elements of the case.

All hands, as well as the bright white numerals and indices, are filled with Super-LumiNova C1, making reading the time a remarkable experience both day and night.

Crown:

The 8 mm crown is located at 3 o’clock, it is partilly polished and the style add to the overall classic look of the watch, it is easy to grab and turn, and more important it is very conformable to wear.

Glass:

Protecting the striking dial, we have a durable flat sapphire crystal without anti-reflective coating that provides a clear view.

However, upon request and an additional charge, LACO offers a double-sided anti-reflective treated sapphire glass, which minimizes distracting light reflections improving readability, especially under bright light or direct sunlight.

Strap:

The gray vintage-look leather strap is intentionally understated but harmonizes with the dial through its green ornamental stitching. The strap closes with a pin buckle adorned with the LACO logo engraving. It measures 20mm at the lugs and tapers down to 16mm at the end.

Conclusion:

The latest limited series of the basic automatic pilot watches from LACO are an exciting addition to the lineup.

These watches depart from the traditional anti-reflective principles designed for cockpit use, embracing a more stylish aesthetic that appeals to a broader audience successfully blending classic Flieger design cues with a modern and exciting dark green dial, polished and brushed finishes, and a distressed gray strap. The result is a striking watch that showcase what can be achieved when a company is not afraid of modernizing its classic timepieces to a more contemporary style.

This modern classic will not only appeal to watch aficionados but also to a wider audience. Secure yours before they're gone—you'll be grateful you did.