I’ve written before about early ‘navigators’ replica watches’ such as the Longines Weems Second Setting replica watch and the Longines Lindbergh. Today, I bring to you a modern version of a very different type of pilots’ replica watch, with its roots in Germany.
When World War II broke out navigators’ replica watches, which had become an important military tool, were put into full production. It is believed that A. Lange & Söhne, the principal supplier of the time, could not deliver the replica watches in time in the quantities required, so the German government recruited four other companies to aid production. The five companies that were assigned to build the replica watches were A.Lange & Sohne, International Replica Watch Company (IWC), Laco, Stowa and Wempe.
Called ‘B-uhr’ replica watches, derived from the German ‘Beobachtungs-uhr’ meaning ‘observation replica watch’, they are also now more commonly known as pilots’ replica watches. Plotting precise locations during flights was the job of the Beobachter, or observer, who wore a replica watch over his flight jacket so that it could always be referred to quickly, at a glance.
The core design principles of the B-uhr replica watch were the 55mm diametre (pocket replica watch movements of the era were around 42mm-46mm), that it be anti-magnetic, have Arabic numerals, a hacking centre seconds hand, large onion or diamond shaped crowns to allow for easy adjustment when wearing gloves, and a long double riveted buffalo strap to be worn over thick pilot’s jackets (the rivets were used to adjust for different wrist sizes) as mentioned above. In addition, a triangle marker at 12 o’clock with two dots on both sides was required for easy dial orientation during night flight or bad weather conditions.
Over the years, many brands beyond the original five have released their (smaller) versions of this design, and the five brands themselves have not been averse to doing the same. However, reissuing them in a 55mm case hasn’t been so common.
In recent years, Laco has done this a couple of times, and this FL 23883 (Ref. 861771) Observation Replica Watch has been its latest effort. Only a hundred of this newest limited edition have been produced, with what is called the A-Baumuster (or Type A) dial.
The case is laser engraved (between the lugs) with the original ordnance number FL23883, and the stainless steel case back has been similarly engraved with the original details but including, in this instance, the replica watch’s limited edition number out of a hundred.
A double-arch sapphire crystal that gives this already huge replica watch a height of 20 mm.
The black dial has SuperLumi-Nova C3 indicies, which is also used to fill the hour, minute and second hands. The hands have been finished in a blue lacquer. In keeping with the original design, the replica watch has a black, closed-loop aviator strap made of calf skin.
Inside is an ETA A07.111, modified to a manual wind with hacking. Although you can’t see it, Laco states that the modified ETA is decorated with a Geneva grinding finish, perlage and blued screws. It is 28.800 VPH with 24 jewels.
ISO 3157:1991 defines color codes for the daylight appearance of lume, i.e. when it is not glowing; C3 is yellow.
To state the obvious, this is a huge replica watch. It’s not just large but it’s thick, and it’s heavy. I’ve seen the MeisterSinger 55mm, and that feels smaller than this Laco. Having toyed with the idea of getting a Laco 55mm (Type B dial) over a year ago, I can now safely say, after having tried this one, that I am glad that I didn’t. It’s simply impossible for me to wear, even for a bit of a lark, and though I am prepared to do the odd daft thing in the name of replica watches, wearing a 55mm replica watch over a pilots’ jacket is stretching it a step too far.
As you can see, it looks big but not stupidly so, on its owner’s wrist. He can wear it with panache and has been enjoying it immensely. It’s a big gamble, to purchase a replica watch of this size sight unseen.
The replica watch is as you’d expect, quality wise, for Laco. It’s a sturdy and pretty decent looking clock err replica watch. The blued hands could be improved in the sense that they are a lacquered blue, but the lume is nice and bright, and it really is a joy to play with this replica watch.
What is most noticeable thing about this replica watch is how highly reflective the crystal is. I took these photos indoors at night, and it proved impossible, except at an angle, to not see myself reflected in it. An anti-reflective crystal would have been preferable.
The strap is surprisingly versatile for a replica watch of this size, covering a huge range of wrist sizes from mine to even a 10 inch wrist, without difficulty. I neglected to try it over a jacket.
As you can see, it’s a fraction too large for me. I brought along my Stowa as a point of comparison. It is a petite 40mm.
The limited edition Lacos are popular. This one sold out pretty quickly from Laco’s own website, but it is still possible to find some for sale if you are interested in getting one. However, unless your wrist is at least 9.5 inches or you want one for collecting reasons, I’d probably advise caution before making the commitment.