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In the 1930s and 1940s the so-called observation watches were an essential part of a pilot’s equipment. This observation watch served as a means of navigation in addition to the cockpit instruments compass and altimeter during the visual flights common at that time with previously fixed routes and turning points. Therefore the mechanical watch movements had to be of highest precision. The technical features of these watches were specified by the Reichs-Luftfahrt-Ministerium (ministry for aviation). The shape of the hands, the design of the dial, the typeface and also the dimension of the crown were defined by this ministry.

The number “12″ on the dial, marked with an arrow, enabled the pilot to get a fast orientation in each situation, and by means of the disproportional big crown the watch could be handled without having to remove the gloves. In order to ensure that the dial could be read during night the hands and the numbers on the dial were equipped with radium, a radioactive material with high luminosity. These observation watches were classified with “FL23883″, a description for navigation instruments. This number was engraved on the outside of the case, on the opposite side of the crown. Because of the size of the watch – case diameter of 55 mm – it was worn over the pilot’s jacket.

Due to the high standard concerning precision and reliability the production of the observation watches was a great challenge for the watch manufacturers. In the 1930s and 1940s, only five companies were authorized to produce such observation watches: IWC in Schaffhausen, Lange + S?hne in Glash?tte, Wempe in Hamburg, and Stowa and Laco (Lacher & Co.) in Pforzheim.

To celebrate the watchmaking company’s 75th anniversary in the year 2000, the company Erich Lacher Uhrenfabrik was re-issuing 75 of its legendary observation watches of the 1940s (case diameter of 55 mm). The movement used for these replica pilot watches was the DUROWE cal. D5 with original parts produced at that time. This limited edition of 75 pieces was quickly sold out.

Recalling its long years of manufacturing experience, Lacher has also developed a series of five scaled-down pilot watches (case diameter of 42 mm). This series has been produced in accordance with the original designs, but boasts the latest workings for a modern twist. The following models are available:

– 3-hands quartz watch with date (ETA 955.114) – Quartz chronograph (ISA 8161.201) – Automatic watch with date (ETA 2824.2) – Handwinding watch with small second (UNITAS 6498) – Automatic chronograph (VALJOUX 7750)

The Laco pilot watch with automatic movement received the award “Goldene Unruh 2001″ in the category of up to Euro 500,-.

As the anniversary edition of the Laco pilot watches was such a great success the company Lacher decided to launch at the beginning of the year 2003 a new pilot watch series of even higher quality. These five new models are available exclusively with refined mechanical movements (C?te de Gen?ve and blue screws) which can be seen through the exhibition back. All those models are equipped with stainless steel cases and a domed sapphire crystal. A deluxe presentation box including a spare leather strap underlines the high quality of this new series of pilot watches. Furthermore it comprises two models with a case diameter of 36 mm which makes them also available for ladies.

The latest novelty concerning the pilot watches has been the development of the “original” pilot watch leather strap. The high-quality leather strap has the same design and functionality as the leather strap that was used for the original observation watch of the 1940s. Due to its size of 55 mm case diameter the observation watch of that time was worn over the pilots jacket. The current leather strap is available in a wearable length and it is adjusted to the different case diameters. Optionally the pilot watches are also available with a solid stainless steel bracelet.

About the Author

Thom Huggler manages the marketing of SARO-Gem US http://www.saro-gem-usa.com a Swiss Jewelry Watch Manufacturer and the producer of the worlds most scratch resistant watches. For questions about Laco watches send him an e-mail at thuggler@erich-lacher.com

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