Flieger basic vs. original

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A comparison of aviation icons:
LAco ORIGINAL vs. BASIC

PILOT WATCH ORIGINAL: PADERBORN

Pilot watches ORIGINAL

PILOT WATCH BASIC: AACHEN 42

Pilot watches BASIC

For many decades, Laco has stood for the fusion of tradition and craftsmanship in the production of pilot watches.

With the ORIGINAL and BASIC collections, we offer enthusiasts and collectors the opportunity to experience designs inspired by historical observation watches in their own way. The ORIGINAL series stays true to its historical roots with authentic aesthetics and functionality, while the BASIC series presents a modern interpretation of these iconic models—an ideal introduction to the world of mechanical watches.

The following highlights the distinctive features and commonalities of both collections, helping you choose the perfect watch to suit your personal preferences.

CASE MATERIAL AND FINISH

All cases are crafted from high-quality stainless steel.

The matte, dark sandblasted finish of the ORIGINAL series is not only striking but also prevents unwanted reflections—just like the historical models, where it was designed to avoid disruptive glare in the cockpit. This distinctive finish also gives many other Laco models their unmistakable character.

The BASIC models, on the other hand, feature a brushed finish, lending them a more elegant and versatile appeal—perfectly suited for everyday wear.

CROWNS

The pilot watches ORIGINAL cases are equipped with larger crowns, designed for easy handling even with gloves—a feature that reflects the authenticity and functionality of the historical pilot watches.

For those seeking even greater historical accuracy, an optional small spacer between the crown and case is available. In the BASIC models, the crown has been designed more discreetly to strike a balance between presence and wearing comfort.

ICONIC DIALS

Pilot watch dials have always been designed with optimal readability and functionality in mind—two critical requirements in aviation. Laco bases its pilot watches on the so-called type A and type B dials, which were specifically developed for use in the cockpit. Type A features a clear hour display with large numerals, while type B provides a minute track on the outer ring and a smaller hour display in the center.

In the ORIGINAL series, the dials remain as true as possible to these historical designs. They are deliberately kept simple and omit additional elements such as the Laco logo to preserve historical accuracy. The BASIC series, while retaining the essential characteristics of traditional pilot watch design, incorporates the Laco logo and the "Made in Germany" inscription.

Pilot watches ORIGINAL

Pilot watches BASIC

CASE AND CRYSTAL

The cases of the pilot watches ORIGINAL and BASIC differ noticeably in their design and details. The ORIGINAL series is proportionally inspired by the historical models and reduced to diameters of 39, 42, and 45 mm. A particularly striking feature are the straight lugs, which are faithfully modeled after the historical originals. Additionally, these models feature the iconic FL23883 engraving on the case side - a detail that highlights their connection to historical roots.

The BASIC models, available in 39 and 42 mm diameters, feature softly rounded lugs, giving the watches a contemporary and versatile character suited for everyday wear. The absence of a side engraving leaves room for custom, personalized engravings.

There are also differences in the crystal: Both series use high-quality sapphire crystal, but the pilot watches ORIGINAL are equipped with a double-domed crystal with inner anti-reflective coating, reducing reflections and enhancing readability. The BASIC pilot watches, on the other hand, come with flat sapphire crystal, which is not coated by default. For both series, optional double anti-reflective coating is available.

PILOT WATCH ORIGINAL: PADERBORNPilot watches ORIGINAL

PILOT WATCH BASIC: AACHEN 42

Pilot watches BASIC

HANDS

The hands of both series are designed as frame hands and filled with Superluminova luminous material to ensure optimal readability.

In the ORIGINAL collection, the hands are thermally blued—a process in which the metal is heated to around 300 °C, creating a thin oxide layer that gives them their distinctive deep blue color. The BASIC watches, on the other hand, feature hands with a black lacquered frame.

MOVEMENTS

The ORIGINAL models are equipped with high-quality Swiss movements from Sellita, renowned for their precision and durability. Customers can choose between a hand-wound movement—a traditional option for those who appreciate authentic details—or an automatic movement, which offers greater convenience for everyday use.

The BASIC series features automatic movements from Miyota, a subsidiary of the Citizen Watch Co. in Japan. These movements deliver reliable performance at an attractive price, making them the ideal choice for watch enthusiasts who value high quality at a more accessible price point.

Automatic | Handwinding

Pilot watches ORIGINAL

Automatic

Pilot watches BASIC

CASE BACK ENGRAVING

Like their historical predecessors, the ORIGINAL pilot watches feature a closed screw-down case back. This case back is engraved with markings inspired by the original observation watches, including details such as the manufacturer.

In contrast, the BASIC models are equipped with a sapphire crystal display case back, offering a view of the movement and showcasing the intricate details of the mechanics.

LUMINOUS MATERIAL

All models feature Superluminova C3 on the dial and hands, renowned for its exceptionally strong luminosity and its vivid green glow in the dark. While radium was used in the past, Laco now relies on this harmless luminous material. In the ORIGINAL series, the historical design has been faithfully replicated.

This is particularly evident in the Type B dial, where the luminous material is applied only to every second numeral on the outer minute track, just as in the original models. In daylight, the luminous material appears brighter and almost white, giving the design a classic character.

The BASIC series displays a noticeably greener hue of the luminous material even in daylight. Numerals and indices are evenly coated with Superluminova C3, ensuring excellent visibility in all lighting conditions.

EXPERT KNOWLEDGE AT FIRST-HAND.

DISCOVER THE
ORIGINAL MODELS

Pilot watches ORIGINAL

DISCOVER THE
BASIC MODELS

Pilot watches BASIC

We hope this overview has provided you with a closer look at the unique features of our ORIGINAL and BASIC series and helps you choose the perfect Laco pilot watch. In addition to these two collections, we also offer a wide range of other models and series, all distinguished by their quality and design. If you have any further questions, we are always happy to assist. Feel free to reach out to us via our contact form—we look forward to hearing from you!