The watch world is a fascinating place, filled with intricate mechanisms, dazzling designs, and brands steeped in history. One such brand, Laco, hailing from the German watchmaking hub of Pforzheim, has consistently delivered timepieces that blend classic aesthetics with modern functionality. Known for their pilot watches, a legacy tracing back to their roots supplying the Luftwaffe in World War II,
Laco has also carved out a niche for themselves with robust, sporty watches built for adventure. Now, they're back with a vengeance, introducing a new line of hardened warriors: the Laco Scorpion DLC collection.
These aren't your typical dainty dress watches. The Scorpion DLC series takes Laco's existing sport watch lineup – the Himalaya, Amazonas, Atlantik, and Mojave – and gives them a serious upgrade in the toughness department. Imagine a watch that can handle anything you throw at it, from a deep-sea dive to a trek through the harshest desert. That's the kind of resilience Laco is aiming for with these new models.
Courtesy of Laco
What sets these watches apart is the use of a Diamond-Like Carbon (DLC) coating. This isn't just some fancy paint job; DLC is a high-performance material known for its incredible hardness and resistance to scratches and wear. It's the kind of stuff they use in high-performance engines and cutting tools. So, you can bet it'll stand up to the rigors of daily wear and tear. Think of it like a suit of armor for your watch, protecting it from the bumps, scrapes, and inevitable encounters with door frames that life throws your way.
But it's not just about toughness. The DLC coating also gives the Scorpion watches a distinct look. The deep black finish adds a sense of stealth and purpose, transforming these timepieces into rugged, tactical instruments. Picture the watch on your wrist, its black case contrasting sharply with the vibrant orange of the Mojave edition's strap, a hint of adventure peeking out from under your cuff. It's a watch that says you're ready for anything, whether it's a boardroom meeting or a weekend exploring the great outdoors.
The Scorpion DLC watches come in two sizes – 39mm and 42mm – catering to a range of wrist sizes and preferences. Whether you prefer a more compact feel or a bolder presence, there's a Scorpion that fits. And don't let the rugged exterior fool you; these watches are packed with features designed for both functionality and style. The dials, in classic Laco fashion, are clean and legible, with white Arabic numerals and indices contrasting against the black background. The hands and indices are coated with Superluminova, ensuring you can tell the time even in the darkest of environments.
Each of the four models in the Scorpion DLC collection draws inspiration from a different corner of the globe, and this is reflected in the subtle color accents on the dial and bezel. The Himalaya, with its crisp white accents, evokes the snow-capped peaks of the world's highest mountain range. The Amazonas, in deep green, captures the lush vibrancy of the Amazon rainforest. The Atlantik, with its cool blue tones, mirrors the vast expanse of the ocean. And the Mojave, in fiery orange, embodies the scorching heat of the desert.
Courtesy of Laco
These colors aren't just random choices; they're a nod to the adventurous spirit that Laco wants to capture with these watches. Imagine yourself diving into the crystal-clear waters of the Caribbean, the blue of the Atlantik model's bezel mirroring the depths below. Or picture yourself hiking through a dense forest, the green accents of the Amazonas blending seamlessly with the surrounding foliage. These watches are designed to be your companions on any adventure, no matter where your explorations take you.
Speaking of adventures, the Scorpion DLC watches are built to withstand some serious underwater exploration. With a water resistance of 30 ATM, these watches can handle depths of up to 300 meters. That's deep enough to satisfy even the most avid scuba diver. The unidirectional ceramic bezel, another feature borrowed from the world of diving watches, allows you to keep track of your dive time with precision.
But these watches aren't just for divers. They're equally at home on dry land, whether you're navigating the urban jungle or tackling a challenging trail run. The DLC coating ensures that the case can handle the bumps and scrapes of everyday wear, while the sapphire crystal protects the dial from scratches. These are watches that are designed to be worn, not babied.
Under the hood, the Scorpion DLC watches are powered by the Laco 200 automatic movement, based on the reliable Swiss Sellita SW200 caliber. This movement is known for its accuracy and durability, making it a perfect choice for a watch designed for adventure. And it's not just about performance; the movement is visible through a screw-down case back, featuring a detailed engraving of a scorpion, a symbol of the watch's resilience and adaptability.
First, let's talk dimensions. The Scorpion DLC watches are available in two sizes: 39mm and 42mm. This duality caters to a wide range of wrist sizes and preferences, ensuring a comfortable fit for everyone. The 39mm version offers a more understated presence, perfect for those who prefer a watch that sits discreetly under a cuff. The 42mm, on the other hand, provides a bolder look, making a statement without being overly cumbersome.
Courtesy of Laco
No matter which size you choose, you'll find a watch that's meticulously crafted with an attention to detail that's become synonymous with Laco. The cases, forged from stainless steel and shrouded in that tough-as-nails DLC coating, are built to withstand the rigors of daily wear. They're not just tough, though; they're also thoughtfully designed. The smooth lines of the case flow seamlessly into the lugs, creating a harmonious silhouette that's both modern and timeless.
Protecting the dial is a double-domed sapphire crystal, a material known for its exceptional scratch resistance. This ensures that your view of the dial remains crystal clear, even after years of use. And speaking of the dial, it's a masterpiece of minimalist design. The classic black background provides the perfect canvas for the stark white Arabic numerals and indices, ensuring optimal legibility in any lighting condition.
But it's the subtle pops of color that truly bring the Scorpion DLC dials to life. Each of the four models – Himalaya, Amazonas, Atlantik, and Mojave – features a unique accent color inspired by its namesake. The Himalaya, with its crisp white accents, evokes the icy peaks of the world's highest mountain range. The Amazonas, in deep green, captures the lush vibrancy of the Amazon rainforest. The Atlantik, with its cool blue tones, mirrors the endless expanse of the ocean. And the Mojave, in fiery orange, embodies the scorching heat of the desert.
These color accents aren't just aesthetic flourishes; they're functional too. They're used on the bezel, the hands, and the tip of the seconds hand, providing subtle visual cues that enhance readability and add a touch of personality. And let's not forget the Superluminova coating on the hands and indices, ensuring that you can tell the time even in the dead of night.
Courtesy of Laco
The bezel, another key element of the Scorpion DLC design, is crafted from durable ceramic. This material is known for its exceptional hardness and resistance to scratches and fading, making it the perfect choice for a watch designed for adventure. The unidirectional rotation of the bezel, a feature commonly found on dive watches, allows you to safely track elapsed time, whether you're timing a dive or simply keeping an eye on the parking meter.
Flipping the watch over, you'll find a screw-down case back, another feature that contributes to the Scorpion DLC's impressive water resistance. But it's not just a functional component; it's also a canvas for Laco's artistry. The case back features a detailed engraving of a scorpion, a symbol of the watch's resilience and adaptability. It's a subtle touch that adds a sense of character and intrigue.
Inside the case, the heart of the Scorpion DLC beats with precision. The Laco 200 automatic movement, based on the reliable Swiss Sellita SW200 caliber, ensures accurate timekeeping, day in and day out. This movement is known for its robustness and reliability, making it the perfect choice for a watch designed to withstand the rigors of an active lifestyle. With a power reserve of approximately 38 hours, you can rest assured that your Scorpion DLC will keep ticking even if you take it off for a day or two.
But a watch is more than just its internal components. It's also about how it feels on the wrist, how it complements your personal style. Laco understands this, and they've provided a range of strap options for the Scorpion DLC collection. You can choose from robust rubber straps in NATO or two-piece styles, each color-matched to the accents of the watch. These straps are not only durable and comfortable but also water-resistant, making them perfect for any adventure.
If you prefer a more classic look, you can opt for a high-quality stainless steel bracelet. The bracelet's solid construction and secure clasp ensure a comfortable and confident fit, whether you're dressing up for a night out or heading out for a weekend hike. And for those who like to switch things up, the Scorpion DLC watches feature a standard 20mm lug width, allowing you to easily swap out straps to match your mood or outfit.
Courtesy of Laco
The Laco Scorpion DLC collection is a testament to the brand's commitment to quality, craftsmanship, and innovation. These watches are more than just timekeepers; they're rugged companions built to withstand the challenges of an active lifestyle. With their tough DLC coating, reliable movements, and versatile styling options, the Scorpion DLC watches are ready for anything you throw at them.
Whether you're a seasoned adventurer or simply appreciate a well-crafted timepiece, the Laco Scorpion DLC collection has something to offer. With prices starting at $1,195 for models with a rubber strap and $1,320 for those with a stainless steel bracelet, these watches offer exceptional value for the quality and craftsmanship they deliver. So, if you're looking for a watch that can keep up with your active lifestyle and make a statement on your wrist, the Laco Scorpion DLC might just be the perfect companion for your next adventure.