German watch brand Laco has announced the launch Hamburg DIN 8330 and Hamburg GMT DIN 8330, new pilot watches certified by DIN 8330.
Since the 1940s, Laco has been synonymous with pilot watches, which today are represented by historical replicas as well as modern variants. The new models are certified to the exacting standards of the German DIN 8330 norm, which sets out specific requirements for pilot watches.
This standard ensures that pilot watches meet certain criteria in terms of accuracy, readability and functionality. In the aviation industry, pilot watches are essential because they provide pilots with accurate timekeeping and important functions that are essential for aircraft navigation and coordination. Compliance with this standard ensures that pilot watches meet aviation requirements and are completely reliable, even in critical situations.
With the certification of the two models, Laco underlines its technical expertise and ongoing commitment to the needs of pilots, as well as the aviation industry, and can ensure that the models meet the highest standards. The outstanding quality and reliability of Laco pilot watches is now confirmed by an independent institute.
The standards to be met include resistance to liquids typical of flight operations, such as fuels or lubricating fluids, in which the watches are placed for 24h without contact with air.
Compatibility with the cockpit environment and night vision devices must also be ensured. It must also be ensured that no reflections, glare or mirroring – of the case or the crystal – obstruct pilots in flight. In addition, it is equally important that the watch withstands vibrations, shocks and impacts at all times. In a total of 16 tests, the two models had to prove themselves in an intensive functional and endurance test in order to successfully pass the certification.
The Laco Hamburg DIN 8330 is a three-hand model, and the Hamburg GMT DIN 8330 is an additional variant for displaying a second time zone.
Both timepieces have a 43.5 mm diameter case with magnetic field protection, which is made of high-quality 904L stainless steel. This special alloy has a particularly high resistance to corrosion, heat and salt water, and also has a higher hardness than the otherwise common 316L stainless steel.
This makes the cases more resistant to mechanical stress and abrasion. The dark sandblasted surface prevents reflections in the cockpit and shows the connections to the other Laco models in the pilot watch collection. Glare from reflections is prevented by the double anti-reflective, flat sapphire crystal.
The black matte dials are deliberately kept simple and focus on clear, quick readability. Only three large numerals and the familiar “aviator triangle”, together with white indexes and hands show the time. The two logos and the date at the 4 o’clock position are recessed in a shade of gray to avoid any distraction during flight.
To ensure ideal legibility even at night and under poor lighting conditions, the numerals and indexes are covered with Superluminova C1 luminous material.
On the GMT model, the Arabic numerals of the inner 24-hour scale and the arrowhead of the GMT hand are coated with Superluminova in Dark Orange.
The numerals and indexes of the bidirectional rotating ceramic bezel are also coated with the luminous material Superluminova C1. Due to the noticeable minute raster and the special grip, the bezel can be operated even with gloves.
The screw-down crown has an additional protection and guarantees a water resistance up to 20 ATM. To express the connection to aviation, the stainless steel case back, which is also screwed, is decorated with an airplane relief.
Swiss automatic movements from Sellita beat at the heart of the watches. Both the SW200 used in the 3-hand version and the SW330 in the GMT version are installed by Laco ex works in the “Top” quality level.
Both models come with a black Nytech strap, which is water repellent. Screwed bars ensure that the watch always sits firmly on the wrist. The buckle is dark sandblasted and thus picks up the surface of the case again – a new feature at Laco.
The Hamburg DIN 8330 and the Hamburg GMT DIN 8330 are expected to be available from December 2023 at a price of €1,790 and €2,390 respectively. Each timepiece will be delivered in a high-quality aluminum box, including a certificate and key ring.
Technical details
Model: Laco Hamburg DIN 8330, Ref. 862164
Case
Stainless steel (904L), dark sandblasted finish
Magnetic field protection
Diameter: 43.5 mm
Lug width: 20 mm
Height: 13.6mm
Flat sapphire crystal with anti-reflecting coating on both sides
Sidewise marking DIN 8330
Stainless steel case back with aircraft relief
Bidirectional rotating bezel with ceramic inlay and luminous material Superluminova C
Protected and screwed crown
Water resistant up to 20 ATM/ 200m
Movement
Automatic movement Laco 200
Basic movement Sellita SW200 (Top)
26 Jewels
Power reserve: 38 hours
Functions
Hour, minute and center second
Date at 4h
Stop-second function
Dial
Black mat, soft iron, Arabic figures and indexes with luminous material Superluminova C1
Hands
Hour and minute with white frame, additional inlay with Superluminova C1,
Second hand with luminous material Superluminova C1
Strap
Black, water repellent Nytech strap
Dark sandblasted stainless steel buckle
Screwed bars
Width: 20 mm
Weight
Approx. 102g
Box
Silver aluminium box including “DIN 8330” key holder
Retail price
1790€
Model: Laco Hamburg GMT DIN 8330, Ref. 862165
Case
Stainless steel (904L) dark sandblasted
Magnetic field protection
Diameter: 43.5 mm
Lug width 20 mm
Height: 13.6mm
Flat sapphire crystal with anti-reflecting coating on both sides
Sidewise marking “DIN 8330”
Stainless steel case
Back with airplane relief
Bidirectional rotating bezel with ceramic inlay and luminous material Superluminova C1
Screwed and protected crown
Water resistant up to 20 ATM/ 200m
Movement
Automatic movement Laco 330
Basic movement: Sellita SW330-1 (Top)
25 jewels
Power reserve: 50 hours
Functions
Hour, minute, center second
24-hour-hand
Date at 4h
Stop-second function
Dial
Black mat, soft iron, Arabic figures and indexes with luminous material Superluminova C1 and Dark Orange
Hands
Hour and minute with white frame, additional inlay with Superluminova C1,
Second hand with luminous material Superluminova C1
Tip of GMT hand with Superluminova Dark Orange
Strap
Black, water repellent Nytech strap
Dark sandblasted stainless steel buckle
Screwed bars
Width: 20 mm
Weight
Approx. 102 g
Box
Silver aluminium box including “DIN 8330” key holder
Retail price
2,390€
