Laco 1969

[mebiuspower]

Is this a 100% accurate reproduction of the original 1969 model, except for the exhibition case back? It'd be nice for Laco to show more information especially its history ie. photos of the original watch, documentation, etc.

I'm glad they stuck with vintage 35mm case size and not oversize it like 99% of all vintage reproductions. It's quite amazing that they're making 200 of these, I wonder where they sourced these original movements? Looks sweet though!!!

[Uwe W.]

Is this a 100% accurate reproduction of the original 1969 model, except for the exhibition case back? It'd be nice for Laco to show more information especially its history ie. photos of the original watch, documentation, etc.

I'm glad they stuck with vintage 35mm case size and not oversize it like 99% of all vintage reproductions. It's quite amazing that they're making 200 of these, I wonder where they sourced these original movements? Looks sweet though!!!

Laco have manufactured so many different models over the years, I don't know they could have decided on one particular model to recreate. I agree that it's a stunning piece and I'll see if there's any history behind it, or if its a representative interpretation. The watch's name most likely has more to do with the movement it uses than a watch that was sold during that particular year. I find it aesthetically pleasing; my only complaint would be that the LE number should have been engraved the other way around to match the description on the back of the case. Otherwise, I think this watch is a real winner.



With respect to its vintage 1969 Durowe 7423 movement, it seems that every manufacturer has a secret vault or an underground crypt that they can visit on occasion to find NOS movements that are covered by 50 years of dust. There are a surprising number of NOS movements on the market, but you can be sure that their numbers are quickly dwindling. Although I'm a big fan of really big watches, I do respect that they kept to period proportions as you pointed out. I've been wearing a 35 mm for the past week and although it was really weird at first, I eventually forget that its so tiny; of course wearing it on a Bund strap helped to ease that transition.

[Kierowca]

Hi guys, I recently saw this watch on the Laco site as well. I have to agree about the size. While my wrists are 7.5", I am not afraid to wear smaller watches. In fact my smallest is a 1963 Timex which measures in at a scant 32mm. Here is the description from shop.laco.de copied word for word for those who have not seen this:

Replica of a Laco model from 1969 with an original DUROWE hand winding movement cal. 7423 from the 1969 production.
The movement was completely reassembled, the screws were blued, the crown wheel and ratchet wheel were polished. A specialty of this edition, limited to only 200 pieces, is the domed dial with silver plated appliques. The dial is once again being manufactured with vintage tools under the tutelage of specialists in the traditional craft.
The glass back, screwed down with 6 screws, is engraved with the limitation number and enables to see the original movement DUROWE 7423. Another specialty of this movement is the jumping date which - by tensening a separate spring - allows the date change exactly at 12:00 hrs midnight. The case is made of solid stainless steel. The LACO 1969 is equipped with a leather strap with croco structure in black.
Product description

Movement:Durowe 7423 (original movement from 1969) hand winding movementCase:Polished steel case Ø: 35 mm, height 11 mm, domed mineral crystal, case back with mineral crystal, waterproof up to 5 ATMDial:silver, domed, numbers silver polished, 12 luminous dots between minute marksHands:luminous handsStrap:black calf leather strapBox:black watch box with zipperMade in Germany.

[cuthbert]

Out of curiosity, anybody got this watch? I's like to have some feedback about it...

[Myron]

I came very close to buying this watch, but in the end the mineral crystal put me off. I can live with plastic or sapphire, but mineral glass just seems to be the worst of both worlds.

Myron

[cuthbert]

That was indeed a strange choice, I like the style pretty much and I was looking for a dress watch.

I understand the exclusivity of the movement but I cannot avoid to point out other brands like Longines offer similar watches (Conquest, Flagship etc...) at less money... :(

[DCOmegafan]

That was indeed a strange choice, I like the style pretty much and I was looking for a dress watch.

I understand the exclusivity of the movement but I cannot avoid to point out other brands like Longines offer similar watches (Conquest, Flagship etc...) at less money... :(

Yes, but this watch has a lot more character. Very tempting.

[cuthbert]

Yes, but this watch has a lot more character. Very tempting.

DCOmegafan, I assume you aren't familiar with the history of models like the Conquest or the Flagship...in that era (50s and 60s) nobody wanted a Rolex, and even Omega was considered inferior to Longines.



Besides of course the Longines this watch is very nice, but at the moment I bought a Silver Arrow...it costed me 880 euros instead of 1200.

[DCOmegafan]

DCOmegafan, I assume you aren't familiar with the history of models like the Conquest or the Flagship...in that era (50s and 60s) nobody wanted a Rolex, and even Omega was considered inferior to Longines.

Besides of course the Longines this watch is very nice, but at the moment I bought a Silver Arrow...it costed me 880 euros instead of 1200.

Correct. I am not familiar with the history of those models, but I am eager to learn about them.

By "more character" I was referring exclusively to the design and look of the dial, which I find has more character than the look of the Flagship, which I googled after reading that post. I did not intend to imply anything regarding Laco v. Longines. I'm not sure how one might compare the two brands, since, as far as I know, they are so very different and have very different histories.

[cuthbert]

I always thought these two watches are brothers:





However I'd love to get the Laco '69 as well when possible.