Welcome, watch enthusiasts! Above, you’ve seen Laco’s exciting video introduction to a revived classic, the Laco Pilot Watch Chronograph Kiel.2. For collectors and aficionados, the challenge often lies in finding timepieces that respectfully honor their heritage while seamlessly integrating modern advancements. How does a brand like Laco, deeply rooted in the history of pilot watches, evolve an iconic model without sacrificing its soul? The answer lies in meticulous design, thoughtful engineering, and a profound understanding of what makes a true pilot’s chronograph. The Kiel.2 emerges as Laco’s masterful solution, offering a fresh take on a beloved classic.
This article delves deeper into the intricacies of the Kiel.2, expanding on the insights shared in the video. We’ll explore the subtle yet significant transformations that define this new generation, from its refined aesthetics to its robust technical heart, offering a comprehensive guide for anyone passionate about precision timekeeping and aviation history.
The Enduring Legacy of Laco Pilot Watches
Laco’s heritage in pilot watches is legendary, tracing back to the 1940s when the brand was one of the original five manufacturers commissioned to produce observation watches (Fliegeruhren) for the German Air Force. These timepieces were not merely accessories; they were critical navigation instruments, demanding unparalleled precision, legibility, and robustness. The distinctive “Type A” dial, characterized by its clear Arabic numerals and prominent triangle at 12 o’clock, became synonymous with Laco and the very essence of a pilot’s watch.
When Laco decided to reintroduce and further develop the Kiel chronograph, their primary goal was to unite these cherished traditions with the demands and technologies of the present day. This wasn’t merely a cosmetic update; it was a comprehensive re-engineering effort aimed at transferring the distinctive, instrument-like character of the Flieger chronographs into a more elegant yet equally functional contemporary package. The journey, which spanned over two years of intensive trial and error, demonstrates Laco’s unwavering commitment to both innovation and authenticity.
Kiel.2: A Refined Design for Modern Pilots
The visual identity of a pilot watch is paramount, emphasizing clarity and immediate readability. The Kiel.2 not only preserves this critical aspect but enhances it through several thoughtful design choices, offering both classic appeal and a striking new variant.
From Classic to Contemporary: Dial Evolution
At the heart of the Laco Pilot Watch Chronograph Kiel.2‘s visual appeal is its dial, which draws heavily from the original 1940s observation watches. The classic matte black dial variant retains the iconic Arabic numerals, known for their outstanding legibility under any condition. A defining feature, the pilot’s triangle at the 12 o’clock position, provides instant orientation, crucial in a cockpit environment or simply for quick time checks. In the Kiel.2, this triangle sees a subtle modification, with its base slightly rounded to harmonize perfectly with the circular totalizers, contributing to a more cohesive overall appearance.
The framed hands, thermally blued for a distinct and durable finish, are generously filled with Super-Luminova, a high-performance luminous material ensuring optimal readability in low-light conditions. These hands are now slightly longer and the hour hand a touch more bulbous than in the previous Kiel, a proportional adjustment derived from the original B-watch design to maintain visual balance and legibility across the reduced dial dimensions. Importantly, the design ensures that no numerals are “cut” by the chronograph sub-dials—a common aesthetic compromise in many chronographs. Laco carefully repositioned the numbers, restoring the ‘6’ numeral that was absent in the older Kiel, for an uncompromised, clearly legible display day or night. This attention to detail extends to the small seconds sub-dial, which now features a more logical 15, 30, 45, and 60-second division, enhancing usability and coherence.
A Bright New Horizon: The White Dial Variant
For the first time in Laco’s pilot chronograph lineage, the Kiel.2 introduces a stunning pure white dial variant. This bold departure from the traditional black offers a fresh aesthetic while retaining all the essential pilot watch characteristics. The crisp white background provides an exceptional contrast for the black Arabic numerals, ensuring outstanding readability. Complementing this, the thermally blued hands, also filled with Super-Luminova, add a touch of sophistication. The luminous elements on the white dial are thoughtfully applied to the hour and minute hands, the pilot’s triangle, and the hour indices at 3, 6, and 9 o’clock, guaranteeing visibility even in darkness. This variant beautifully marries the robust functionality of a pilot chronograph with a versatile elegance, making it an appealing choice for those seeking a lighter, more dress-watch-like aesthetic without compromising on its tool watch DNA.
Engineering for Comfort and Durability
Beyond aesthetics, a pilot watch must excel in wearability and resilience. The Laco Pilot Watch Chronograph Kiel.2 demonstrates significant advancements in both areas, focusing on ergonomic improvements and increased robustness.
Subtle Reductions, Major Impact: Dimensions and Ergonomics
One of the most impactful changes in the Kiel.2, though seemingly minor on paper, is the reduction in size. The diameter has been refined from 44 millimeters to 43 millimeters, and the case height subtly decreased from 15 millimeters to 14 millimeters. These adjustments, coupled with a fundamentally redesigned case shape, translate into a vastly improved wearing experience. The previous Kiel featured sharply downturned lugs, which, while distinctive, could lift the watch slightly off the wrist, impacting comfort for some wearers. In contrast, the Kiel.2 boasts a more elongated lug design with a smooth, rounded transition to the strap. This allows the watch to sit flatter and more harmoniously on the wrist, enhancing overall comfort for extended wear. It’s these nuanced ergonomic considerations that elevate the Kiel.2 from merely a timepiece to a comfortable, constant companion.
Furthermore, Laco has re-evaluated the case finishes. While the old Kiel had more polished surfaces, the Kiel.2 re-embraces its identity as a “tool watch” where practicality often dictates design. The lugs, for instance, which are expansive surfaces prone to scratching when polished, now feature a predominantly matte or brushed finish. This not only reinforces the instrument-like character but also makes the watch more resilient to the inevitable knocks and bumps of daily life. A subtle polished ring under the bezel and on the active parts of the pushers, along with a slightly polished case back, maintain a touch of elegance without compromising the watch’s utilitarian ethos.
The Aviator Crown: Form Meets Function
The crown, often overlooked, plays a critical role in both the functionality and aesthetic consistency of a pilot watch. The Kiel.2 features the distinctive aviator crown, a welcome improvement that aligns perfectly with Laco’s pilot watch series. This redesigned crown not only enhances the visual harmony with the overall pilot watch aesthetic but also provides superior grip. Its larger, more prominent profile allows for easier manipulation, especially when wearing gloves, echoing the practical demands of early aviation instruments.
Robustness Reinforcement: Water Resistance
Modern watch wearers demand versatility and durability, and Laco has responded by significantly upgrading the water resistance of the Laco Pilot Watch Chronograph Kiel.2. Moving from the previous model’s 5 ATM (50 meters) to a robust 10 ATM (100 meters), the Kiel.2 is now capable of handling more than just accidental splashes. This enhanced water resistance, a direct response to customer feedback, means the watch is perfectly suited for swimming and light water sports, making it a truly versatile sports chronograph. This upgrade also informed Laco’s decision to offer the Kiel.2 on a stainless steel bracelet, an ideal companion for water-prone activities where a traditional leather strap might degrade over time.
The Heart of the Chronograph: Movement and Precision
The caliber beating within a mechanical watch is its soul, dictating its performance and longevity. Laco has made a pivotal change in the Kiel.2, transitioning to a movement that ensures both reliability and opportunities for personalization.
Laco 500: A New Engine
The Kiel.2 is powered by the Laco 500 movement, which is based on the highly respected Sellita SW 500, a robust and accurate automatic chronograph caliber. This strategic shift from ETA-based movements reflects a broader industry trend towards diversification and greater control over supply chains. Laco further personalizes this movement with its own custom rotor, elegantly engraved with the Laco logo, visible through the sapphire crystal case back.
The Laco 500 movement is offered in two distinct quality levels to cater to varying enthusiast preferences. By default, it comes in the Elaboré grade, which already boasts enhanced accuracy and finish compared to standard movements, featuring adjustments in three positions and specific surface decorations. For those seeking even greater precision and aesthetic refinement, an upgrade to the Top grade is available. The Top grade typically involves higher quality components, more extensive regulation in five positions, and superior decorative finishes, leading to exceptional timekeeping. Beyond these grades, Laco also offers movement decoration, regardless of the chosen quality level. This includes exquisite decorative cuts on the bridges and thermally blued screws, a testament to traditional watchmaking artistry, all beautifully showcased through the exhibition case back.
Crystal Clarity: Front and Back
Clarity and protection are paramount for a pilot’s instrument. The Kiel.2 features scratch-resistant sapphire crystal on both the front and back. The front crystal is double-curved by default, minimizing distortion and enhancing readability from various angles, and is treated with an anti-reflective coating on the inside. This internal coating significantly reduces glare, ensuring the dial remains clear and legible in bright conditions. For ultimate clarity, an upgrade to a double-sided anti-reflective coating is also available, though the choice often comes down to personal preference regarding potential reflections on the exterior surface.
Tailored for Every Journey: Straps and Personalization
A watch’s strap is crucial for both comfort and style, and the Kiel.2 offers versatile options, alongside Laco’s signature personalization services.
Beyond Leather: The Stainless Steel Bracelet
In a nod to modern practicality and enhanced water resistance, the Laco Pilot Watch Chronograph Kiel.2 is available with a finely crafted stainless steel bracelet. This durable option is particularly well-suited for active lifestyles and conditions where traditional leather might be compromised by moisture. The bracelet is secured with a very flat folding clasp, featuring two safety pushers for secure wear and convenience, subtly engraved with the Laco logo. A practical three-stage fine adjustment mechanism on the clasp allows for precise sizing, ensuring a perfect fit for a wide range of wrist sizes.
Classic Comfort: The Calfskin Strap
For purists and those who appreciate the traditional aesthetic of pilot watches, the Kiel.2 also comes with a classic black calfskin leather strap. This strap features the iconic two rivets per side, a historical design element characteristic of early Fliegeruhren, further emphasizing its authentic aviation heritage. With a lug width of 22 millimeters, it offers a robust and comfortable fit, perfectly balancing the watch’s presence on the wrist.
Making it Your Own: Engraving Options
Laco understands the desire for individuality and offers personalized engraving options to make your Kiel.2 truly unique. The first possibility is an engraving on the left flank of the case, a location that pays homage to the original pilot watches which bore their FL numbers there. Alternatively, a personal engraving can be placed on the custom rotor, visible through the sapphire crystal case back, allowing for a more intimate and subtle customization.
The Unboxing Experience
The experience of acquiring a Laco timepiece extends to its presentation. Reflecting the two distinct strap options, the Kiel.2 also features different packaging. Watches purchased with the classic leather strap arrive in Laco’s typical travel case, designed for practicality and protection on the go. However, for the versions equipped with the stainless steel bracelet, Laco has devised a special, elegant hinged box, underscoring the watch’s premium status and robust nature. This thoughtful touch ensures that the unboxing experience is as rewarding as the watch itself.
The Laco Pilot Watch Chronograph Kiel.2 represents a significant evolution in Laco’s storied history, masterfully blending the indelible spirit of its 1940s ancestors with contemporary engineering and refined aesthetics. It stands as a testament to Laco’s dedication to quality, heritage, and the discerning watch enthusiast.
Expert Debriefing: Your Laco Pilot Watch Chronograph Kiel.2 Questions
What is the Laco Pilot Watch Chronograph Kiel.2?
The Laco Pilot Watch Chronograph Kiel.2 is an updated version of a classic pilot’s chronograph, combining Laco’s historical aviation heritage with modern design and engineering. It aims to be a precise, legible, and robust timepiece.
What makes Laco pilot watches historically significant?
Laco has a legendary history, as it was one of the original five manufacturers commissioned to produce observation watches (Fliegeruhren) for the German Air Force in the 1940s. These watches were critical navigation instruments, known for their precision and clear, distinctive dials.
What are some new features or improvements in the Kiel.2?
The Kiel.2 features a refined dial design with improved legibility, including a new pure white dial variant. It is also more comfortable to wear due to subtle size reductions and has enhanced water resistance, making it suitable for activities like swimming.
What type of movement does the Kiel.2 use, and can it be personalized?
The Kiel.2 is powered by the Laco 500 movement, which is based on the reliable Sellita SW 500 automatic chronograph caliber. Yes, you can choose different quality levels for the movement and also add personalized engravings to the watch case or rotor.