The Laco portfolio is neatly divided into two categories of watches. First, there is the vintage Flieger, for which they are particularly synonymous, replicating Beobachtungsuhr World War 2 watches worn by pilots with their distinctive A and B dials. However, the other half of the portfolio, far less common, is the Squad Series, which comprises ultra-modern tactical-military-outdoor watches, many of which have been designed in cooperation with German emergency services and the military.
Introducing the Kiel sport.
Laco Kiel Sport - Credit WatchGecko
Squad watches such as the Atacama and Amazonas are outstanding outdoor and tactical watches, so it is a shame that their more famous historical counterparts often overshadow them. Well, what if Laco found a sweet spot where it successfully combined both families? What if they were able to create a model that has full modern outdoor capability yet shows the DNA of some of the most famous aviator watches the world has ever seen?
Laco Kiel Sport - Credit Laco
- Regular price
- $135.00 AUD
- Regular price
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- Sale price
- $135.00 AUD
- Unit price
- per
- Regular price
- $135.00 AUD
- Regular price
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- Sale price
- $135.00 AUD
- Unit price
- per
- Regular price
- $135.00 AUD
- Regular price
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- Sale price
- $135.00 AUD
- Unit price
- per
The new Kiel Sport shares many of the external characteristics of the Squad range, such as its bold, angular, very modern outdoor look and its unique ultra-tactile bezel. It is a pure 2024 aviation chronograph housing a reliable Selitta SW 500, but instead of giving it modern hands to fit in with the Squad range, Laco has boldly fitted thermally blued beautifully shaped hands to add greater sophistication and also provide a direct read across to the famous Flieger range.
Laco Kiel Sport - Credit WatchGecko
It's probably no secret that Fliegers have always sold better than the Laco Sport range, so this new watch is perhaps a very wise move where buyers can own the modern sports watch they require but it comes with a strong visual presence that they have investing into Laco’s impressive heritage.
Laco Kiel Sport - Credit WatchGecko
The dial itself is a paragon of detail and, again, is instantly recognisable as Laco. The two lume points at the 12 end hark back to Flieger's heritage, and the chronograph second-hand is notable for being the perfect length, exactly reaching and covering the minute track with mathematical precision.
Laco Kiel Sport - Credit WatchGecko
The SW500 is the Elaboré variant, which is visible in an exhibition case. This is an outstanding movement which is based on the venerable Valjoux 7750. It has a power reserve of between 56 and 62 hours and has been available commercially since 2012. The SW500 is tested in 3 positions and is guaranteed to produce an average accuracy of +/- 5 seconds per day, with a maximum deviation of 20 sec/day. To add to the higher-end experience, this version comes equipped with a nickel gilt balance wheel.
Conclusion
Laco Keil Sport - Credit Laco
I have always loved the squad range and have often written about it in an attempt to increase exposure. Most of Laco's fundamental business model is the Flieger watch, yet the Squad range has always been a viable alternative when seeking an outdoor and adventure watch. The Kiel Sport seamlessly bridges the gap between Lacos two families of watches, and technically heralds a new design style for the brand. It offers everything we love about the company for the first time in a holistic package. Question: could this be the best Laco of all time? Hopefully, WatchGecko will get one in for a test, and I'll be sure to let you know. On initial analysis it’s certainly a strong contender.
Kiel Sport Technical Specifications:
- Case: Stainless steel, dark sand brushed,
- Dimensions: Diameter 43 mm, lug width 22 mm, height 14 mm,
- Water resistance: up to 100m/10 ATM,
- Crystal: Double domed sapphire crystal, caseback with sapphire crystal,
- Bezel: Unidirectional rotating with 60 clicks
- Movement: Automatic movement with chronograph Laco 500 based on Sellita SW500 (Elaboré), 25 jewels, day / date, second, minute and hour counter, 56 hours power reserve
- Dial: Black mat, arabic figures and indexes with luminous material Superluminova C3
- Hands: Hour, minute and centre second with luminous material Superluminova C3, hour and minute thermally blued
- Strap: Black calf leather strap with light stitching, 22 mm width, stainless steel buckle, dark sand brushed
- Ref. 862180
- Retail price: EURO 2,390.00
- When the reviewer would personally wear it: another classic from Laco, which can be worn anywhere at any time. It is a robust, purposeful watch, which is a welcome change from the classic vintage Flieger designs associated with the brand.
- Who the reviewer would recommend the watch to anyone who wants a more cost-effective but equally impressive alternative to an IWC. Not only does it look the part with small luxury touches like the thermally blued hands, but you also get the military aviation heritage of the brand, so it should be popular with a wide demographic of buyers.
- Best characteristics of the watch: the classic Laco characteristics, such as the oversized aviation crown and beautifully shaped hands, which are a trademark of the brand. The bezel is also exceptionally tactile.
- The worst characteristic of the watch: this won't be everybody's idea of a Laco, but I'm sure the marketers have thought about this. When you think Laco, you think of World War 2 style watches, so it's possible this won't be a best-seller, but it doesn't detract from the fact it's an overall superb watch.
