New 45mm Auto Pilots now available

[nhs156]

They're not yet advertised, but apparently exist. Mine arrived stateside this week, and should be with me by end of the week thanks to Tony at Timequest, if UPS plays along. I haven't seen pics, but apparently the cases are a bit thicker. In fact, other than the movements (ETA 2824.2) and case thickness (to accomodate the rotors) and slightly more heft/weight, the watches are identical to their handwind counterparts. Models are 861717 - Munich (A dial) and 861718 - Berlin (B dial). Prices are E690 in Europe.

Looking forward to receiving the new one.

[Uwe W.]

I'm sure that I speak for many here; I can't wait to see photos of this mysterious model that is already for sale through a distributor but hasn't appeared in the Laco Shop.

[Clockwork Blue]

Hopefully they fixed the proportions/layout of the 45mm B dial. Please post pics when you can!

[nhs156]

I'm sure that I speak for many here; I can't wait to see photos of this mysterious model that is already for sale through a distributor but hasn't appeared in the Laco Shop.

You're a funny man, Uwe. If in doubt, you're of course welcome to call Laco or one of their distributors directly. Oh - and apparently a 22mm pilot strap is available for the thing too. Perhaps they didn't want to announce until the watch was generally available - who knows.

Oh - and apparently the B dial has not been "fixed". So I asked for an A dial.

[nhs156]

The new watches are now advertised for sale at Timequest

Laco

[Uwe W.]

You're a funny man, Uwe. If in doubt, you're of course welcome to call Laco or one of their distributors directly.

Generallly speaking, I am a sarcastic smart-ass, but honestly, I didn't doubt your statement at all. I was just perplexed as to why a new model would appear through the distribution network before it was annouced on Laco's website or here, in their Official Forum...

Now, if I was to pick on anything it would be the description of these watches as "Pilot" watches, which the originals never were. These were strictly used by navigators, not pilots. Pilots wore chronographs, had instrument panel clocks and in very rare cases, an instrument panel clock strapped to their leg. Laco does use the term "Flieger" to describe them but that translates into "flyer" or "airman" rather than "pilot".

[Uwe W.]

The new watches are now advertised for sale at Timequest

They're in the LACO Shop now too, although I'm not sure about the specs that are quoted for them:

Pilot 45 Type A Automatic
Ref: 861717 "München"
Pilot 45 Type B Automatic
Ref: 861718 "Berlin"

Movement: ETA 2824-2
Case: Stainless steel case with "FL23883" engraving 45 mm, height 11 mm, waterproof up to 5 ATM, domed and anti-reflective Sapphire crystal, solid case back with engraving
Dial: numbers and figures with Superluminova C3
Hands: hands filled with Superluminova C3
Strap: brown calf leather strap with rivets
Box: black watch box with zipper

I would have imagined that the height would have matched that of the 42 mm automatics to accommodate the rotor.

[nhs156]

I too would think the case is slightly taller. I'd love to tell you that I'll be capable of measuring the height accurately when I receive the watch, but I'm not convinced I can measure accurately to within 1-2mm, but I'll try. Even if they somehow managed to squeeze a rotor into the 11mm case, I'd appreciate the extra heft!

Btw - no worries on being a sarcastic smart-ass. My wife and friends would suggest that label applies to yours truly in spades.

[Ryan Alden]

I am so enthusiast to see in real life photo!! I was so close to afford the 42mm but because the 45mm's price is 800 bucks. Seems the goal is lengthen now. Save harder now!!

[Uwe W.]

I too would think the case is slightly taller. Even if they somehow managed to squeeze a rotor into the 11mm case, I'd appreciate the extra heft!

Laco have confirmed that it is 11 mm thick.

Oh - and apparently the B dial has not been "fixed"!

Was this information from the distributor? Have they already held a B-Muster 45 mm auto and noted the dial layout?