For watch enthusiasts with a hankering for history and functionality, the
Laco Pilot Watch Special ULM 42.5 is a timepiece that deserves a closer look. This recently reissued watch from the German watchmaker Laco pays homage to the company’s long and storied history of crafting pilot watches, combining traditional design elements with modern features. But before we delve into the specifics of the ULM 42.5, let’s take a trip back in time to explore the rich heritage of Laco and its pilot watch collection.
The Laco story begins in 1925 in Pforzheim, Germany, a city with a long and illustrious history of watchmaking sometimes referred to as the “Goldstadt” or “Golden City”. It was here that Frieda Lacher and Ludwig Hummel founded their company, Lacher & Co., which would later be renamed Laco. In the early years, the company focused on assembling watches, using movements from Swiss manufacturers and crafting cases in their Pforzheim workshop. This was a common practice at the time for many German watchmakers.
Courtesy of Laco
However, Laco wasn’t content with the status quo. By 1933, Hummel had departed the company to establish his own venture, Durowe, a manufacturer of watch movements. This move proved to be a boon for Laco, as Durowe not only supplied movements to Laco but also many other watchmakers in the Pforzheim region. With a reliable source for movements, Laco began to focus on design and innovation.
The term “Fliegeruhren” translates to “pilot watches” in German, and during the 1930s, Laco, along with a handful of other German companies, received the coveted certification from the Deutsche Luftwaffe (German Air Force) to produce these timepieces. These watches had to meet specific criteria, including legibility, precision, reliability, and resistance to magnetism. Laco’s Beobachtungsuhr (observation watch), a large 55 mm timepiece, became one of the most recognizable pilot watches of the era.
Throughout World War II, Laco continued to produce these Fliegeruhren for the German military. The company’s reputation for quality and craftsmanship grew, and Laco watches became prized possessions for pilots and collectors alike.
After the war, Laco, like many German companies, had to rebuild. The company continued to produce watches, but the focus shifted away from military timepieces. However, the pilot watch remained a core part of Laco’s identity. Over the decades, Laco released numerous pilot watch collections, each one building on the legacy of the Beobachtungsuhr while incorporating new technologies and design elements.
Courtesy of Laco
Today, the Laco pilot watch collection is a diverse and comprehensive range of timepieces that cater to a wide range of tastes. The collection includes watches that faithfully reproduce the classic Beobachtungsuhr design, as well as modern interpretations of the pilot watch aesthetic. These contemporary pilot watches combine cutting-edge materials like sapphire crystals and Superluminova luminous material with vintage-inspired design cues like blued hands and type A dials.
The Laco Pilot Watch Special ULM 42.5 is a perfect embodiment of this approach. This recently reissued timepiece pays tribute to a pilot watch from Laco’s archives while offering modern features that make it a compelling choice for today’s watch collector.
When you first glimpse the ULM 42.5, its purpose is instantly clear. There's no mistaking this for a dress watch or some flashy fashion piece. This is a tool watch, pure and simple. Its black matte dial, bold numerals, and starkly contrasting hands wouldn't look out of place in an aircraft cockpit. Yet, the careful mix of polished and sandblasted stainless steel on its case, along with those striking blued hands, give it a subtle sophistication.
Courtesy of Laco
The 42.5 mm stainless steel case is a manageable size for most wrists. While not as imposing as its 55 mm ancestor, it strikes a great balance between presence and practicality. The case features alternating polished and sandblasted finishes. The top and sides gleam, adding a touch of refinement, while the sandblasted finish between the lugs echoes the utilitarian spirit of the original observer watches.
Protecting the dial is a sapphire crystal. Hard and incredibly scratch-resistant, this choice ensures the watch will remain legible for years to come. The flat, domed shape of the crystal is a nice nostalgic touch, as is the internal anti-reflective coating which helps with clarity under bright conditions.
The real magic happens on that stunning black dial. Laco offers the ULM 42.5 with a traditional Type A dial. This means Arabic numerals in a crisp white typeface and that famous "pilot's triangle" marker at 12 o'clock, mimicking the layout of historic reference watches. A sub-dial for the seconds hand resides at 6 o'clock, adding a bit of visual interest without compromising functionality.
Everything on this dial, from the numerals to the indexes, is coated with Superluminova C3 luminous material. This Swiss-made compound glows brightly in low-light conditions, ensuring readability whether you're soaring through twilight skies or sneaking a glance in a dimly lit theater. Speaking of hands, you won't find anything wispy or dainty here. The ULM's hands are substantial, featuring a classic lozenge shape and thermally blued steel. This striking blue, in contrast with the bright white luminescent fill, provides instant clarity no matter the conditions.
Courtesy of Laco
Flip the ULM 42.5 over, and you're treated to a sight not often seen in modern timepieces. Instead of a plain, closed caseback, Laco uses a large sapphire crystal exhibition window. Gaze inside and you'll witness the beating heart of this watch - the legendary ETA 6498.2 hand-wound movement. Originally designed for pocket watches, this caliber is a true classic, beloved by watch aficianados.
While the base movement is Swiss-made, Laco has added its own touch of German craftsmanship. Each caliber features Côtes de Genève stripes, traditional blued screws, and a decorative finish on the ratchet and crown wheels.
Rounding out the package is a tasteful brown calfskin leather strap. A vintage-inspired riveted design and stainless steel buckle complement the ULM 42.5's aesthetic without feeling fussy. The strap is substantial yet supple, providing a comfortable and secure fit on the wrist.
But how does it stack up in the real world? The 42.5 mm size makes it extremely versatile, looking just as "right" under a bomber jacket as it does with a more casual button-up. And don't let the manual-wind movement scare you. There's something satisfyingly ritualistic about winding the watch each morning.
Courtesy of Laco
The ULM 42.5 is the kind of watch that feels like a trusted companion rather than mere bling. With its 100-meter (10 ATM) water resistance, it's ready for more than just desk-diving.
The Laco Pilot Watch Special ULM 42.5 is more than just a reissue – it's a carefully considered blend of old and new that successfully captures the essence of its predecessors. Whether you're a pilot, a vintage watch enthusiast, or simply someone who appreciates rugged functionality and a touch of history, this could be the watch for you. Yes, there are less expensive pilot watches out there, but few possess the same pedigree, build quality, and soulfulness as the Laco.