As we recently discussed when reviewing the brand's latest customization concept, the rather cool Flieger PRO model, Laco is one of the most authoritative watchmakers when it comes to pilot watches and Flieger instruments. One of the 5 manufacturers who created the original B-Uhr, this style has become Laco's specialty, playing on the vibe. Based on the recently introduced München chronograph, Laco is releasing an exclusive limited series that makes the new... old... Why such a small limitation? Because the Laco "München Erbstück" Chronograph Limited Edition features a special handcrafted surface treatment that gives these watches more than just a vintage feel.
It all starts with a watch, a standard watch you can find in the collection - the München chronograph. Essentially, it's an adaptation of the classic B-Uhr, Observation Watch, or Flieger Watch concept into a modern chronograph. And then, when these watches are completed, the "Erbstück" transformation takes place (translated from German, it means "heirloom," if your German is a bit rusty like mine...) This isn't the first time the brand has applied this style to some of its watches, but it's the first for this chronograph collection.
What is the Erbstück concept? As mentioned, once the classic watches are completed, they undergo a special surface treatment that is manually applied to all aspects of the habitus. In short, the brand makes something new very old - as if the watch had spent half a century on a military pilot's wrist, acquiring not only a great amount of patina but also, predominantly, traces of time and wear. The aging process extends to the case, with scratches, discoloration marks, and signs of wear. The smooth sandblasted stainless steel surface is gone, replaced by a darker, almost rusty surface. Naturally, this process is done by hand, meaning no two watches will be the same. This time-consuming manual application explains the limited nature of the watch.
The Erbstück process isn't limited to the case alone; it affects all external parts of the watch. The dial has been aged, showing signs of discoloration, and all Super-LumiNova-coated surfaces have been patinated - the minute track, Arabic numerals, and hands. Even the tracks and logos show signs of use and wear... Finally, the leather strap underwent the same process. Overall, it's certainly a controversial and very unique approach to watchmaking, which some may dislike, while others may love. But one cannot ignore the amount of work done to give these watches some patina... This is the next level of fauxtina.
As for the watch itself, the Laco "München Erbstück" chronograph is fully identical to the classic version. This means a base case with a diameter of 42.3 mm, with typically short and straight lugs, two chronograph pushers, and an onion-shaped crown, designed in accordance with the original B-Uhr design and the typical FL 23883 engraving on the side of the case. The top of the case is equipped with a sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating, the case back is made of stainless steel with engraving similar to historical watches, and water resistance is 50 meters.
The dial is fully focused on legibility, with an enlarged minute track and Arabic numerals, fully coated with Superluminova C3 lume. Thus, nighttime readability is guaranteed. Additionally, the dial is done in a restrained style, and all additional functions - 3 chronograph sub-counters or the date function - are marked in gray. The display is classic, with a typical 6-9-12 layout found in Valjoux-based chronographs. Indeed, inside is the Laco 50, based on the proven Swiss ETA Valjoux 7750 movement. It provides a 48-hour power reserve and beats at a frequency of 4 Hz.
The Laco "München Erbstück" Chronograph Limited Edition is worn on an aged strap, mimicking the riveted leather straps once found on B-Uhr watches. It closes with a steel pin buckle.
AVAILABILITY AND PRICE
The Laco "München Erbstück" Chronograph Limited Edition, presented in a special box with a certificate of authenticity, will be released in a total of 30 pieces. The watch is currently available at a price of 2,990 euros on the website www.laco.de.
Please note that these watches can be slightly customized by installing a Top Grade mechanism or an English day wheel.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS – LACO “MÜNCHEN ERBSTÜCK” LIMITED EDITION CHRONOGRAPH
Case: diameter 42.3 mm x height 14.7 mm – stainless steel case, meticulously hand-aged – double-curved sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating – stainless steel case back and B-Uhr marking – side engraving FL 23883 – water resistance 50 m
Dial: matte black dial, hand-aged – Arabic numerals, blued hands, and markers with Superluminova C3 lume
Movement: Laco 50 caliber (base ETA Valjoux 7750) – automatic chronograph with cam-lever architecture – 28,800 vibrations/hour – 48-hour power reserve – hours, minutes, small seconds, chronograph, day-date
Strap: Riveted brown calf leather strap with antique look and aged stainless steel buckle
Availability: 30 pieces, available from November 2021
Price: 2,990 EUROS, 3,620 USD