For 100 years, Laco has been manufacturing pilots watches for the cockpit. Their modern-day collections are a testament to their history, represented by historical replicas of 1930’s and 40’s pilot watches with distinctive B-Uhr inspired aesthetics. Continuing their legacy in aviation, the German watchmaker now proudly reveals two new designs with DIN 8830 certification. Meet the new Laco Hamburg DIN 8330 and Hamburg GMT DIN 8330 watches…
Laco Hamburg DIN 8330 - Credit Laco
DIN 8330-Certified
Just like watch movements can meet certain standards set my COSC or dive watches can be ISO-certified, pilot’s watches have their own set of standards to meet. Germany’s DIN standards are one of the most well-respected in this genre, recognised internationally for validating high levels of quality and craftsmanship in aviation instruments. Back in March 2016, a new standard was set called “DIN 8330 Horology – Aviator watches” which created a new benchmark for the creation of reliable, robust and legible pilot’s watches.
Laco Hamburg DIN 8330 - Credit Laco
Watches built to this standard must meet resistance to typical flight operations and have complete compatibility with the cockpit environment and night vision devices. The watches are placed for twenty-four hours without air and must have cases and crystal with no reflection. In addition, the watches must be able to withstand vibrations, shocks and impacts at all times. In total, there are sixteen tests in which future DIN 8330-certified watches must withstand to prove themselves as safe efficient and reliable pilot’s instruments. It seems two new Laco Hamburg DIN 8330 and Hamburg GMT DIN 8330 watches have passed with flying colours, as suggested by their name.
“We proudly continue the tradition of producing excellent pilot watches that meet the demands of pilots,“ says Uwe Rücker, CEO of Laco. “Our DIN 8330 certified pilot watches are a milestone in our history and a testament to our unwavering dedication to quality, precision and innovation.“
Laco Hamburg DIN 8330 & Hamburg GMT DIN 8330 Watches
Laco Hamburg DIN 8330 - Credit Laco
The two new novelties from Laco include the Hamburg DIN 8330, a time-and-date only model, and the Hamburg GMT DIN 8830 which includes an extra bright orange GMT hand and 24-hour scale. Other than the additional complication and movement, both releases offer all the same spec. They have 43.5mm wide and 13.6mm tall cases engineered from 904L stainless steel. Compared to more traditionally used 316L steel, this allow has a higher resistance to corrosion, heat and saltwater and offers better durability to knocks and scratches.
The cases are nicely finished with dark sandblasted surfaces to prevent any reflections in the cockpit, and to match, the flat sapphire crystal glass on top is coated with double anti-reflective coating. Like all of Laco’s watches at this point, the dials retain impressive levels of legibility with simple matte black backdrops and three large numerals and the 3, 6 and 9 positions. The iconic aviator triangle sits at 12 o’clock which like the rest of the numerals, indexes and hands is adorned with Superluminova C1.
Laco Hamburg DIN 8330 - Credit Laco
A nice thought for the dial is the use of muted grey for the Laco logo and date at 4 o’clock which has been specifically chosen so not to distract you from the rest of the hardware. The Laco Hamburg GMT DIN 8330 watch includes an additional bright orange GMT hand and a matching orange inner 24-hour scale for reading an extra time zone.
Completing their exteriors, the Laco Hamburg DIN 8330 and Hamburg GMT DIN 8330 watches present a bi-directional rotating ceramic bezel with luminous material on the 60 minute scale. It has a noticeable minute raster and grip to allow for easy manipulation even while wearing thick piloting gloves. There’s also a screw down crown and screwed stainless steel case back decorated with an airplane in relief. Together, these components provide a decent 200 metre water resistance.
Laco Hamburg DIN 8330 - Credit Laco
At the heart of the Laco Hamburg DIN 8330 watches, a Sellita automatic winding movement is utilised. The three-hand model uses the SW200 calibre with a 38-hour power reserve while the GMT variant uses the SW300 with an impressive 50-hour power reserve. Both watches are finished by black Nytech, water-repellent straps and dark sandblasted pin buckles.
The Laco Hamburg DIN 8330 and Hamburg GMT DIN 8330 watches will be available to order in December 2023 retailing at €1,790 and €2,390 respectively. They’ll arrive in a smart aluminium box with their DIN 8330 certificate and a special edition key ring.
Laco Hamburg DIN 8330 - Credit Laco
Technical Specifications:
- Brand: Laco
- Model: Hamburg DIN 8330 & Hamburg GMT DIN 8330
- Price: €1,790 (three-hand), €2,390 (GMT)
- Material: 904L stainless steel
- Movement: Sellita SW200 (three-hand), Sellita SW300 (GMT)
- Complications: Hours, minutes, seconds, date with GMT option
- Dial: Matte black with Superluminova hands and markers
- Size: 43.5mm wide, 13.6mm tall
- When the reviewer would personally wear it: I’m no pilot, but these would make fantastic travelling/adventure watches.
- A friend we’d recommend it to first: A frequent flyer and pilot.
- Best characteristics of the watch: DIN 8330 certification is impressive, and they come at a decent price point.
- The worst characteristics of the watch: There’s little to hate, but I’d love to see both models on a metal bracelet.
