Would you buy a Laco now?

[keeper]

I am considering one of the 55 mm repros, and given that the company has declared bankruptcy:

1-does it make sense to buy one now, or will prices fall if the company is unable to re-engineer itself, so it will be cheaper later to buy?

2-product quality- I'm not very familiar with the brand as I am new to watches in general, but how can one compare the product quality - does a $3,000 Laco stand up well when compared with an Omega, etc., at that price range?

3-From perusing the Laco website, I see they have a bunch of $500 quartz/42 mm watches, and the 2 higher-end 55 mm repros; does it even make sense to look at the repros, or are they just larger versions of the other watches and not much ahead in quality, etc.?

4-are the watches well made from this brand in general - and have there been any product quality issues attributed to them?

5-if the firm does go under, do they use off-the-shelf movements and parts that can be easily replaced should they break years into the future?

Thanks for any help from my fellow WUS'ers...

[stuffler,mike]

1-does it make sense to buy one now, or will prices fall if the company is unable to re-engineer itself, so it will be cheaper later to buy?

Tough question, maybe a fortune teller can say ? I have no clue what the market will bring up in case they can re-engineer, an investor shows up, money comes in.......

2-product quality- I'm not very familiar with the brand as I am new to watches in general, but how can one compare the product quality - does a $3,000 Laco stand up well when compared with an Omega, etc., at that price range?

Others may correct me but it was not the intention of Laco to compete with Omega or any other brand. The 55mm automatic version with a Valgranges movement (www.valgranges.ch) was meant to be a homage to WWII B-watches produced by Laco. Regarding quality I'd recommend to run a forum search (see black balk on every forum). There are some WUS members here owning the 55mm version and as far as I can see they are satisfied whioch what they got.

3-From perusing the Laco website, I see they have a bunch of $500 quartz/42 mm watches, and the 2 higher-end 55 mm repros; does it even make sense to look at the repros, or are they just larger versions of the other watches and not much ahead in quality, etc.?
You will find the answer already on WUS, it is a Valgranges automatic movement.

4-are the watches well made from this brand in general - and have there been any product quality issues attributed to them?
Search google, just type "Laco watch review" and you will find a lot of information.

5-if the firm does go under, do they use off-the-shelf movements and parts that can be easily replaced should they break years into the future?

No problem for a skilled watchmaker to service/repair ETA/Valgranges movements.

[Janne]

Hi Keeper!
Even if the company goes under completely, I do not think prices will drop any great amount.

Quality is good, for the price you pay.

The re-issued 55mm? Be aware, it is a VERY large, heavy and thick watch!
IMO basically unwearable for longer perions of time!

[VTC]

Tough question, maybe a fortune teller can say ? I have no clue what the market will bring up in case they can re-engineer, an investor shows up, money comes in.......



Others may correct me but it was not the intention of Laco to compete with Omega or any other brand. The 55mm automatic version with a Valgranges movement (www.valgranges.ch (http://www.valgranges.ch)) was meant to be a homage to WWII B-watches produced by Laco. Regarding quality I'd recommend to run a forum search (see black balk on every forum). There are some WUS members here owning the 55mm version and as far as I can see they are satisfied whioch what they got.


You will find the answer already on WUS, it is a Valgranges automatic movement.


Search google, just type "Laco watch review" and you will find a lot of information.



No problem for a skilled watchmaker to service/repair ETA/Valgranges movements.


Agree,
A Skilled watchmaker could repair the watch if anything were to go wrong.

But I don't think Laco is going anywhere ;)

[stuffler,mike]

Yep, wearing 55mm could be a problem with long sleeves and cuff links :-)

[Janne]

I guess you could always wear it around your biceps!

I do wear my original 55mm from time to time.
As it is at a much needed service at Laco in Germany, I have not worn it since 6 months. When it is back, I will celebrate by wearing is for a week or two.
Good way to check if the service has improved the precision etc.

[fachiro1]

I have several of the 55mm watches.

It is difucult to compare this watch to other brands such as Omega, IWC, becuase the other brands really don't make anything like it. The IWC Big Pilot, though as fine fine watch, is really not the same thing as a buhr of original design, rather a total modern design.

As far as casework/finish, dial/hands, and the movement, my watches have been perfect in every aspect, given the "tool" nature of the watch.

The same goes for the less expensive 42mm models. At the price point, i think value is spot on.

I purchased these watches for the historical aspect and the design. Fortunately, quality was there as well.

If you do purchase the 55mm, be aware that yes, it is quite large. Laso, there may be a difficulty if it needs to be worked on. The case back is press fitted, not screwed. In my experience with watchmakers in the States, very feew have the caseback pusher of that size that will re-fit the case back.

But there are great watches. Maybe get one of the 42mm to try out, and then see if you want to ge the big one later. kepp in mind though, that you will probably not wear the 55mm that often. I thought I would, but they have ended up as my personal desk clock.

[keeper]

Tough question, maybe a fortune teller can say ? I have no clue what the market will bring up in case they can re-engineer, an investor shows up, money comes in.......

I was hoping you had a crystal ball ;)

Others may correct me but it was not the intention of Laco to compete with Omega or any other brand. The 55mm automatic version with a Valgranges movement (www.valgranges.ch (http://www.valgranges.ch)) was meant to be a homage to WWII B-watches produced by Laco. Regarding quality I'd recommend to run a forum search (see black balk on every forum). There are some WUS members here owning the 55mm version and as far as I can see they are satisfied whioch what they got.

"Black balk"? Is that a poster?

You will find the answer already on WUS, it is a Valgranges automatic movement.

Thanks for this info.

Search google, just type "Laco watch review" and you will find a lot of information.

I did find some short bits online, not much real in-depth reviews though...

No problem for a skilled watchmaker to service/repair ETA/Valgranges movements.

TY for the info Mike. I think the 55 mm might be a bit much, but it is still a very attractive watch.

My wrist is 7 3/8" around, so maybe I might find it not such a burden.

[2manywatchez]

Just bought a Laco today. Not worried about their current situation or price.

55mm would worry me, however. I got a 42mm instead.

[keeper]

Hi Keeper!
Even if the company goes under completely, I do not think prices will drop any great amount.

Quality is good, for the price you pay.

The re-issued 55mm? Be aware, it is a VERY large, heavy and thick watch!
IMO basically unwearable for longer perions of time!

Thanks for the info, I am glad to see that it is a good value. Many brands charge $2k - $3k for a watch, and the movement/parts are just not justifiable at that price.

I would be buying it as a casual watch, so the biggest issue i would have is weight on my wrist and the watch catching on shirt/leather jacket sleeves.

[keeper]

I have several of the 55mm watches. It is difucult to compare this watch to other brands such as Omega, IWC, becuase the other brands really don't make anything like it. The IWC Big Pilot, though as fine fine watch, is really not the same thing as a buhr of original design, rather a total modern design.

The IWC is also very nice, but at $12k out of my price range.

The same goes for the less expensive 42mm models. At the price point, i think value is spot on.

The 42 mm is much cheaper, at some $400 or so, at least as far as the quartz goes, I will double check to see if the auto is also in that range.

If you do purchase the 55mm, be aware that yes, it is quite large. Laso, there may be a difficulty if it needs to be worked on. The case back is press fitted, not screwed. In my experience with watchmakers in the States, very feew have the caseback pusher of that size that will re-fit the case back.

Don't laugh, but I needed one of those machines to press on my $40 Mickey Mouse watch to change the battery a few months back (always wear it for Disneyworld trips), and the watch is 50 mm. Even on 47th street finding one was not easy...

But there are great watches. Maybe get one of the 42mm to try out, and then see if you want to ge the big one later. kepp in mind though, that you will probably not wear the 55mm that often. I thought I would, but they have ended up as my personal desk clock.

I have been vacillating between the Laco and a U-Boat FD CAB-3 at a mere 50 mm. The U-Boat has its flaws as well, as I mentioned here:

http://forums.watchuseek.com/showpost.php?p=2097704&postcount=15

so I am caught between the 2. I might just sit and wait a few months to see if the price for one of them drops.

I am thinking as for the sizing, the watch would only get weekend wear anyway, so it would be a matter of being able to wear it comfortably for 2 days.

[keeper]

Just bought a Laco today. Not worried about their current situation or price.

55mm would worry me, however. I got a 42mm instead.

By worry do you mean a comfortable fit, or that if Laco goes away you may not be able to repair it down the road?

[Janne]

It is not only the Diameter that can be a problem for you with a 6.5 inch wrist.
The Diameter of 55mm is without the large Onion crown.
I am not sure if the Replica has exactly the same onion crown, if it has, it is well rounded, and it sticks out quite a bit.
Also the Thickness can be a problem. The watch is 20mm (2 cm) thick!

If I were you, I would get a 42mm Laco.
OR save some more money and try to buy an Original from WW2.

(The Replica costs 2500 Euro. Original maybe 4000 and up.)

[keeper]

It is not only the Diameter that can be a problem for you with a 6.5 inch wrist.
The Diameter of 55mm is without the large Onion crown.
I am not sure if the Replica has exactly the same onion crown, if it has, it is well rounded, and it sticks out quite a bit.
Also the Thickness can be a problem. The watch is 20mm (2 cm) thick!

If I were you, I would get a 42mm Laco.
OR save some more money and try to buy an Original from WW2.

(The Replica costs 2500 Euro. Original maybe 4000 and up.)

"Save" money on the original? - but the original is more...

I am lefthanded, so i wear my watch on my right wrist, and this puts the crown away from my hand, which is of course, more comfortable. That's why I think the crown won't be the issue for me, it would be the watch weight and thickness catching onto shirt sleeves.

[stuffler,mike]

"Black balk"? Is that a poster?

Click on search in the black balk on every forum, starting with User CP--FAQ--------Search and run a forum search.

[Janne]

I mean save some more money and buy the Original. NOT save money by buying the Original!
Wearing these beasts on the Right paw will help!

[2manywatchez]

By worry do you mean a comfortable fit, or that if Laco goes away you may not be able to repair it down the road?

Re: 55mm. Too big for me in terms of size and presumably weight as reported here. I haven't ventured into the 50mm's at all. Largest watch I have is 47mm and that's plenty.

As to the size, remember that the originals were designed to be worn OUTSIDE the sleeve of an insulated jacket! If you recreate the look it would be functional, but fashionable? Hmm. :think:

You can get a sense of the massive-nicity of this watch by reviewing this thread (http://forums.watchuseek.com/showthread.php?t=127077) from another WUS member and owner.

[keeper]

Re: 55mm. Too big for me in terms of size and presumably weight as reported here. I haven't ventured into the 50mm's at all. Largest watch I have is 47mm and that's plenty.

As to the size, remember that the originals were designed to be worn OUTSIDE the sleeve of an insulated jacket! If you recreate the look it would be functional, but fashionable? Hmm. :think:

You can get a sense of the massive-nicity of this watch by reviewing this thread (http://forums.watchuseek.com/showthread.php?t=127077) from another WUS member and owner.

I have done some more research, and clearly the brand is very well respected. I am strongly considering the 55 mm, to wear as a saturday/sunday watch, and am close to pulling the trigger...just need to decide if I can handle a watch that big...

[Wouter van Willigen]

Keeper:

I typed 'Laco 55' in google and this came up:

It's a Dutch seller. The Laco is the type B. The add doesn't state if the watch is new or used. The watch comes with a 2 years garantee certificate.
Fixed price € 2050,-

You might want to contact him. Most Dutch will be able to communicate in English

* Not affiliated with seller!! *



Te koop: Laco Pilot Replica Automatic 55 Mm. Gelimiteerd

Zeer mooie replica van de bekende Flieger Uhren. Verkoopprijs € 2498 nu voor €2050. Incl. zeer mooi houten opbergkistje met papieren en 2 jaar garantie

Materiaal horlogekast: zijdeglanzend roestvrij staal.
Glas: ontspiegeld saffierglas.
Grootte horlogekast: 55 mm.
Wijzerplaat: uren, minuten en seconden (met middencircel).
Uurwerk: Zwitsers automatisch ETA A07.111 uurwerk.
Materiaal horlogeband: bruin kalfsleer.
Waterdicht tot 5 ATM.
with Côtes de Genève, perl finish and blue screws, Incabloc shock absorber system,
Bijzonderheden: gelimiteerde oplage van 500 stuks.

Laco
Laco is een subliem Duits horlogemerk, dat in 1925 is opgericht en al ruim 80 jaar horloges ontwikkelt en fabriceert. Laco heeft in WOII de originele pilotenhorloges gemaakt samen met 4 andere horlogemakers (waaronder IWC). Laco staat voor Duitse degelijkheid met een Zwitsers precisie (ETA) uurwerk.


Kosten: Vaste prijs € 2050,-

http://horloge.paginamarkt.nl/foto/2009/04/10/861367.jpg


http://horloge.paginamarkt.nl/laco-pilot-replica-automatic-/272956.html

[keeper]

wouter, thanks for the info and link.

On a different note, I also see that Stowa makes a Flieger, albeit in a smaller 40 mm version, and I read the review comparing the 42 mm Laco to the Stows in the "Reviews" forum.

What's the general consensus with respect to Stowa in comparison to Laco, is Stowa a better product/more desirable and respected brand?

[2manywatchez]

What's the general consensus with respect to Stowa in comparison to Laco, is Stowa a better product/more desirable and respected brand?


Stowa is a great brand and their watches are prized by their owners. You'll pick up a lot by taking a quick spin through the Stowa Forum here. I own one and have one on the way. The watches are very well made, with great fit and finish, and have a detailed QC process.

The most immediate difference you face given the watch you're considering is that Stowa does not, to my knowledge, offer a "B" dial watch.

[BR260454]

Has anyone had problems with email response from Laco? I keep sending emails via their website but have yet to receive a response.

[keeper]

Has anyone had problems with email response from Laco? I keep sending emails via their website but have yet to receive a response.

Same here, I sent an email asking a few q's and got no response. Those were the questions posted in my "newbie" thread in this forum...

[BR260454]

Same here, I sent an email asking a few q's and got no response. Those were the questions posted in my "newbie" thread in this forum...

It's a real worry. One wonders if you could 'buy' a watch before it's officially available again, or if the red dot means 'that's it' forever. LACO are missing out on pre-orders by not replying to emails. If everyone felt that all LACO watches would never be made again, their entire stock would be sold out in a jiffy.

But how do we know if they don't reply?

Which is crazy given their current situation!

[stuffler,mike]

As you already know from another thread they do reply. They didn`t reply to your mail which does not imply they don`t reply at all.

[Mike V]

Just a heads up on the quartz model (may be others but this is the one I have). The lume is just about non-existent. It is only about a year or so old. I emailed with LACO and the cost of replacing the dial and hands to the current versions was too high to make it worth it. Make sure you get one with the C3 lume.





The 42 mm is much cheaper, at some $400 or so, at least as far as the quartz goes, I will double check to see if the auto is also in that range.

[Uwe W.]

Same here, I sent an email asking a few q's and got no response. Those were the questions posted in my "newbie" thread in this forum...

Neither person who complained about not getting a reply mentioned how long they'd been waiting for one. In my experience, I've always received a reply although it did take several days. I wouldn't be surprised if they're busier than normal at the moment and it's taking a little longer to get back to people. You should also consider that it's a German company and if you've written to them in English there may be fewer people capable of responding.

Be a little patient; we know from other posts here that the orders are being fulfilled in a very quick manner, so it's not so bad if emails are taking a little longer.

[keeper]

Neither person who complained about not getting a reply mentioned how long they'd been waiting for one. In my experience, I've always received a reply although it did take several days. I wouldn't be surprised if they're busier than normal at the moment and it's taking a little longer to get back to people. You should also consider that it's a German company and if you've written to them in English there may be fewer people capable of responding.

Be a little patient; we know from other posts here that the orders are being fulfilled in a very quick manner, so it's not so bad if emails are taking a little longer.

That's fine, not a problem. I'd rather them focus on building superb watches instead of answering emails. As of today (July 25th) I sent them my questions on July 21st, still haven't heard back...

[keeper]

Hi all. Well, I finally pulled the trigger and ordered a 42 mm automatic 861465 with an "A" style plain flieger dial without logo or date.

I went back and forth on the 55 mm, but it just seemed too big to be practical for wear, even on occasion. I did not want a watch that I would be afraid to bump into something constantly, and at that size and height, it might be a persistent concern. Perhaps later on if I find the 42 mm too dimunitive... :think:

Anyway, I looked at the other major makers: Stowa (too small at 40 mm), Steinhart (some qc issues lately, but a good value), A. Lohne ($20K and up :oops:) and IWC (big pilot is $10K+). I think there might be some other Flieger-style makers, but they seemed to be using SE asian parts - not what I had in mind...

When it arrives in a few weeks, I will make sure to post some pics to get jealous of :-d...

[fachiro1]

Great choice! I think you will like that one a lot. There is somthing mesmerizing about watching the long second hand sweep around the dial on that one!!!

[LACO - Pfeiffer]

As you already know from another thread they do reply. They didn`t reply to your mail which does not imply they don`t reply at all.

I'm sorry if someone is waiting for reply from LACO. Please send your questions to p.pfeiffer@laco.de and you will receive reply quickly.

Peter Pfeiffer:thanks