The Laco Aachen 42 Type B traces its roots directly to the observation watches developed during the 1940s, when only a handful of manufacturers were entrusted with producing precision navigation instruments for military aviation.
Built around the classic Baumuster B dial, the design prioritises readability above all else. An outer minute track takes prominence, while the hours are displayed on a smaller inner ring, allowing navigators to read elapsed minutes instantly during flight. Combined with the distinctive triangle at 12 o'clock, oversized onion crown and restrained military styling, the result is one of the most recognisable pilot watch designs ever created.
Today, the Aachen preserves these defining characteristics while adapting them for contemporary daily wear.
Inspiration & Design
Every detail of the Aachen reflects the specifications laid down for the legendary FL23883 Beobachtungsuhr (B-Uhr) issued during the Second World War.
The Type B dial was developed specifically for navigation, placing greater emphasis on the minute scale while retaining clear hour numerals within the inner circle. This highly functional layout, together with the matte black dial, luminous hands and signature orientation marker at 12 o'clock, remains one of the purest expressions of functional watch design.
Its oversized onion crown, originally intended for operation while wearing flight gloves, continues to define the unmistakable silhouette of a traditional Flieger.
Dial & Case
The 42mm stainless steel case delivers strong wrist presence while remaining comfortable for everyday wear.
A flat sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating protects the highly legible matte black dial, where crisp white numerals and Super-LumiNova ensure excellent visibility in both daylight and darkness. The oversized crown and traditional leather pilot strap complete a design that remains faithful to its historical inspiration while offering the durability expected of a modern mechanical watch.
Movement
The Aachen 42 is powered by the Laco 2S automatic movement, based on the reliable Miyota 82S0 calibre. Equipped with hacking seconds, it allows the second hand to stop when the crown is pulled, enabling precise time setting.
Chosen for its proven reliability and ease of maintenance, the movement complements the watch's authentic pilot watch heritage with dependable everyday performance.
Final Thoughts
The Aachen 42 Type B isn't a watch inspired by aviation history - it is built by a company that helped create it.
For collectors seeking an authentic German Flieger without stepping into higher-end observation watch territory, it offers genuine historical credibility, timeless functionality and the unmistakable character that has defined Laco for generations.
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Technical Specifications
Case size:
42mm
Case material:
Matte finish stainless steel case
Case back:
Exhibition caseback with sapphire crystal
Movement type:
Automatic
Movement no.:
Laco 2S based on Miyota 82S0
Power reserve:
Approx 42hrs
Dial:
Black matte dial with SuperLuminova C3-coated hands, numerals and indices
Glass:
Sapphire crystal
Water resistance:
5ATM
Strap type:
Leather
Strap material:
Brown calf with rivets
Buckle:
Tang buckle
Warranty:
2 years
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