LACO test review

There are few watches that have as rich and fascinating a history as the B-Uhren watches issued by the Luftwaffe to bomber navigators.

Of the five original manufacturers (A. Lange & Sohne, Wempe, Lacher & Company/Durowe (LACO), Walter Storz (Stowa) and IWC), LACO produces today the closest reproduction to the original. If you love history and watches, the LACO Leipzig is a timepiece that should be part of your watch collection.

The LACO Leipzig 861747 watch comes in a beautiful zippered case, LACO’s attention to details in creating a faithful reproduction of the original is commendable and the quality of the watch is top notch:

• The dark sandblasted stainless steel case is perfectly executed and extremely even.
• The case of the original watch measured 55mm in diameter which could be a bit too big for most user so the Leipzig case is reduced to a wearable 42mm and 13mm height, which makes the watch very confortable to wear with long sleeves or even a suit.
• The FL23883 designation is engraved beautifully on the side of the watch and resembles exactly the engraving of the original watches.
• The thermally blued hands are striking and the Superluminova C3 applied on the dial and hands is flawlessly done.
• The thin lugs of the case are unique and well executed.
• The details are carried over to the case back as well showing the name of the manufacturer (LACO), the movement type, and additional info appear on the caseback very similar to how this information appeared on the original watch.
• The dark brown strap is 20mm and it is made out of calf leather, which is very soft and excellent quality.
• The Leipzig comes with a domed sapphire crystal with antireflective coating. 

Wearing the watch:

Due to the short lugs, the watch is manageable to wear, I wear it all the times with long sleeves and my sport coat and it feels very confortable sitting on my wrist.

Movement and Accuracy: 

Inside the 42mm case beats a hand wound ETA 2804-2 movement (LACO 01), the winding is very smooth and the accuracy is unquestionable. Even though the watch has no date display, LACO has not removed the date wheel and one can hear the date change when turning the hour hand past twelve o'clock.

The observation watches used in WWII were well known for their accuracy, and LACO has maintained this standard and devotes the time and effort to skillfully regulate the movements, the Leipzig 861747 is set at the factory to perform -5/10 Seconds per day!!

In conclusion:

This is a unique, well built, and accurate watch that captures the desire to make the best possible timepieces to do a much needed job. The B-Uhr design is a good example of form following function and one that attracts many watch-enthusiasts to this day