Laco Aachen 39mm

The Laco Aachen 39 is a modern take on a classic pilot’s watch, and it stands out with a ton of character and instant recognizability. Laco’s history as one of the original manufacturers of WWII Flieger watches gives this model a genuine lineage, and the Aachen 39 wears that heritage proudly with its Type B dial, bold Arabic numerals, and luminous hands and markers. The 39mm case size is versatile, offering a strong wrist presence without overwhelming most wrists, and the sandblasted finish adds to its utilitarian, military-inspired appeal.

Character and Design

The Aachen 39 captures the essence of the Flieger style with an authentic, no-nonsense design that is both functional and visually striking.

Its sapphire crystal and exhibition caseback are welcome upgrades, providing durability and a glimpse at the movement within.

The large, legible dial and strong lume make it easy to read in all conditions, true to its pilot watch roots.

Movement: Miyota 8 Series

The watch is powered by a Miyota 82XX series automatic movement (often the 821A or 82S0), which is a robust, reliable, and affordable workhorse.

While the Miyota 8 series isn’t the most refined or accurate movement (expect -20 to +40 seconds per day), it is known for its durability and ease of service.

Rotor noise is a common complaint, but in practice, it’s only noticeable if you deliberately spin the rotor; for most wearers, it fades into the background.

The movement’s exhibition caseback is a nice touch, though the movement itself is rather plain and appears undersized in the case.

Strap: The Biggest Downfall

The supplied leather strap is the Achilles’ heel of the Aachen 39. While the faux rivets are true to the pilot aesthetic and don’t detract at this price point, the strap itself is stiff, takes considerable time to break in, and is notably noisy.

The creaking is persistent and loud, often more distracting than the rotor noise-likened to squeaky shoes in a quiet library.

The black edging on the strap cracked on me after only a few uses.

Fortunately, the 18mm lug width makes it easy to swap in a higher-quality aftermarket strap, which many owners opt to do. I haven't done it yet as a nice leather strap is a significant cost compared to the value of the watch. 

Customer Service

Laco’s customer service is top-notch. They respond quickly and addressed the issue of strap cracking quickly and efficiently, with replacements sent out promptly and with minimal hassle.

The brand backs its watches with a 24-month warranty and offers comprehensive after-sales support.