The Laco Aachen 39 pays tribute to the legendary observation watches developed during the 1940s, when only a handful of manufacturers were authorised to produce precision navigation instruments for military aviation. Its distinctive Type B (Baumuster B) dial prioritises the minute track on the outer ring, while the hours are displayed on a smaller inner circle. Designed to improve readability during navigation, this layout became one of the defining characteristics of the historic Beobachtungsuhr and remains one of the most recognisable pilot watch designs ever created. Today, the Aachen 39 faithfully recreates those historic proportions in a more wearable size, making it equally suited to daily wear and serious collections. Inspiration & Design Every detail of the Aachen reflects the practical philosophy behind the original Flieger watches. The matte black Type B dial is intentionally uncluttered, allowing the outer minute scale to dominate while the inner hour ring provides quick orientation. The signature triangle at 12 o'clock, oversized onion crown and riveted leather strap all remain faithful to the specifications that defined Laco's historic pilot watches. Rather than simply borrowing vintage styling cues, the Aachen is built by one of the manufacturers that helped establish them, giving the watch an authenticity few modern pilot watches can genuinely claim. Dial & Case The matte-finished stainless steel case measures 39mm in diameter, striking an ideal balance between historical proportions and contemporary wearability. A scratch-resistant sapphire crystal protects the highly legible dial, while the sapphire exhibition caseback offers a view of the automatic movement. Super-LumiNova C3 on both the numerals and hands ensures excellent legibility in low-light conditions, while the vintage brown calf leather strap with traditional rivets completes the classic Flieger aesthetic. Movement The Aachen 39 is powered by the Laco 2S automatic movement, based on the reliable Miyota 82S0 calibre. Equipped with hacking seconds, it allows the second hand to stop when the crown is pulled for precise time setting. Reliable, easy to maintain and proven in everyday use, the movement complements the watch's functional heritage while delivering dependable mechanical performance. Final Thoughts The Aachen 39 demonstrates that authenticity doesn't depend on size. Combining genuine Flieger heritage with a balanced 39 mm case, it captures everything enthusiasts appreciate about traditional German pilot watches while offering comfort for everyday wear. For anyone seeking an authentic Type B Flieger from one of the original manufacturers, the Aachen 39 is a compelling place to begin. Explore the Collection Discover more from Laco. → Pilot Watches → Navy Watches → Chronographs → View All Laco Watches Technical Specifications Case size: 39mm Case material: Matte finish stainless steel case Case back: Exhibition caseback with sapphire crystal Movement type: Automatic Movement no.: Laco 2S based on Miyota 82S0 Power reserve: Approx 42hrs Dial: Black matte dial with SuperLuminova C3-coated hands, numerals and indices Glass: Sapphire crystal Water resistance: 5ATM Strap type: Leather Strap material: Brown calf with rivets Buckle: Tang buckle Warranty: 2 years
