For watch aficionados with a hankering for history, the allure of a
Laco timepiece goes beyond its technical specifications and contemporary design. The brand boasts a rich heritage, dating back to 1925 in the heart of Germany’s Black Forest town of Pforzheim, also known as the "Golden City." Here, in this cradle of German watchmaking, Laco established itself as a manufacturer of instrument timepieces, known for their precision and reliability.
One of the pivotal moments in Laco's history came during World War II. They were selected as one of only five companies licensed to produce the observation watches for the Luftwaffe, the German air force. These robust and highly legible timepieces were crafted to exacting standards, meant to withstand the harsh conditions of aerial warfare. Following the war, Laco continued to produce pilot watches, their designs informed by their experience crafting Beobachtungsuhren.
Courtesy of Laco
Today, Laco continues to honor this legacy, their pilot watches still reflecting the core principles of functionality, legibility, and robust construction. The Laco Kiel Sport Chronograph is a prime example of this philosophy.
At first glance, the Laco Kiel Sport Chronograph strikes a compelling presence on the wrist. The watch features a 43mm dark sandblasted stainless steel case. The sandblasted finish not only reduces glare, but it also contributes to the watch’s overall rugged and utilitarian aesthetic. A closer look reveals a pilot watch dial design, laid out in a clear and legible manner. The black matte dial features bold Arabic numerals and indices, coated with luminous Superluminova C3 for exceptional readability in low-light conditions. The pilot triangle at 12 o’clock is another subtle nod to Laco’s aviation heritage.
The Kiel Sport Chronograph lives up to its name with the inclusion of a unidirectional rotating ceramic bezel. This functional feature, commonplace on dive watches, is a less frequently encountered complication on pilot watches. The ceramic bezel offers several advantages over traditional bezels. It’s exceptionally hard and scratch-resistant, with a near immunity to fading or discoloration over time. The bezel’s minute scale is also coated with Superluminova C3, further enhancing readability in all lighting conditions.
Courtesy of Laco
The Kiel Sport Chronograph is powered by the Laco 500 automatic chronograph caliber, a modified Sellita SW500 movement. This reliable Swiss-made movement boasts a 56-hour power reserve, ensuring the watch continues to run even if not worn for a day or two. The Laco 500 also features chronograph functionality, including a stopwatch function and day and date complications.
A comfortable black calf leather strap with light stitching completes the package. The strap’s dark sandblasted pin buckle echoes the finish of the case, offering a touch of cohesive design detail.
As mentioned earlier, the Laco 500 is based on the Sellita SW500, a well-regarded Swiss chronograph movement known for its reliability and ease of maintenance. However, the Laco 500 isn't just a simple Sellita rebrand – it likely incorporates some level of customization and finishing by Laco's watchmakers in Pforzheim, Germany. While the exact extent of these modifications is a company secret, it's safe to say that Laco has ensured the movement performs to their exacting standards.
Beyond its chronometer functionality, the Laco 500 offers day and date complications. These are neatly displayed at the 3 o'clock position on the dial for convenient monitoring. The date is displayed via a white numeral wheel against a black background, maintaining excellent dial contrast.
Courtesy of Laco
The Laco Kiel Sport Chronograph also boasts a pressure resistance rating of 10 ATM (roughly equivalent to 100 meters). While not a full-fledged dive watch, this level of water resistance means that the Kiel Sport can handle getting caught in a rain shower, some splashing during handwashing, or even a dip in the pool.
One of the most striking details of the Kiel Sport is its sandblasted case. This subtle matte finish not only contributes to the utilitarian aesthetic but also mitigates unwanted reflections, further enhancing the watch's legibility.
Flipping the watch over, we're greeted by the sapphire display back offering a glimpse of the beating Laco 500 movement. While Laco doesn’t specify the degree of finishing on the movement, a glance through the caseback offers a hint of its quality and mechanical precision.
Courtesy of Laco
Laco's focus on functionality and visual clarity guides the design of the hands. The hour and minute hands are thermally blued, their blue color contrasting beautifully with the black dial. This bluing isn't purely for aesthetic reasons. The process involves heating the steel to a specific temperature, creating a thin oxide layer that provides a degree of enhanced corrosion resistance. Blued hands, a time-honored tradition in watchmaking, are a subtle signal that this is no mere fashion watch.
The chronograph, or stopwatch, function is another star attraction of the Kiel Sport. Chronograph watches include a central seconds hand, activated for timing short periods of time. The Laco 500 also includes two subdials for measuring longer durations. The subdial at 9 o'clock displays running seconds, while the subdial at 12 o'clock is a 30-minute chronograph counter.
The Laco Kiel Sport Chronograph is an exceptionally versatile watch, its design seamlessly bridging the gap between classic military-inspired styling and contemporary functionality. Anyone with a soft spot for aviation-themed timepieces will undoubtedly find it appealing, whether they’re bona fide pilots or simply appreciate that classic pilot-watch look.
With its rugged construction, scratch-resistant bezel, and water resistance, the Kiel Sport is a timepiece meant to be used beyond the confines of a desk job. This is a watch that’s ready to join in on weekend adventures, whether it’s a hike in the woods or a day at the beach.
Courtesy of Laco
The Kiel Sport's chronograph functions, paired with the unidirectional rotating bezel, also open up a realm of practical possibilities. The chronograph can be used to time laps on the track, calculate cooking times, or monitor the length of business meetings (if you want to stay on schedule). And while the bezel lacks the detailed hash marks of a traditional dive watch bezel, its simplicity makes it ideal for casual timing of anything up to 60 minutes in duration.
The Laco Kiel Sport Chronograph deftly walks the line between classic pilot watch aesthetics and contemporary functionality. Its build quality, attention to detail, and reliable chronograph movement make it more than just a handsome face. This is a watch designed for those who demand reliability and legibility, who value purpose as much as style. Whether you're a pilot, an adventurer, or simply someone who appreciates well-made instruments, the Laco Kiel Sport Chronograph is a worthy addition to your watch collection.