The Laco Augsburg | family history
The Augsburg is Laco's Type B B-Uhr variant: the same 42mm case and ETA 2824-2 movement as the Aachen but with a larger crown and the Type B dial without the central dot. Buyers who spend time outdoors or prefer the larger crown ergonomics choose the Augsburg; buyers drawn to the Type A aesthetic choose the Aachen.
Laco's Type B flieger: open Arabic numerals and an aged-lume personality that give it a distinctive vintage character.
2010-present · The Augsburg and Type B differentiation
The Augsburg was produced alongside the Aachen as Laco's Type B B-Uhr interpretation. The larger crown was designed for operation with gloves in cold-weather conditions, following the functional brief of the original WWII-era B-Uhr format. The dial removes the central dot from the 12 o'clock triangle indicator, which is the historically accurate Type B configuration. Otherwise the watches share case dimensions, movement, and price point.
How to read this family
Two questions for Augsburg buyers:
- Should I buy the Aachen or the Augsburg? If you primarily care about the dial aesthetic, the Type A triangle-with-dot (Aachen) is marginally cleaner. If you use the crown frequently or wear gloves, the larger crown on the Augsburg has a practical advantage. Both use the same movement and case dimensions. The choice is small and personal; there is no wrong answer at this price.
- How does the Augsburg compare to German pilot watches at higher price points? The Augsburg competes on specification with Sinn and Tutima references at two to three times the price. The tradeoff is Laco's brand weight is lower, so the secondary market value is lower as well. As a daily-wear tool watch, the Augsburg punches above its price; as a collector reference, the higher-priced German brands hold their value better.
Related families: Laco Aachen · Fortis Flieger
References in this family
Which ref to buy
The Augsburg is Laco's closest reproduction of the original Type B Beobachtungsuhr specification: 42-45mm, bold Arabic numerals on a dark dial, cathedral hands, and the "Baumuster" designation that connects it to the Luftwaffe contract pieces.
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Laco Augsburg 42mm: closest modern interpretation of the Type B Beobachtungsuhr, bold Arabic numerals, ETA 2824 or equivalent.
- The case for it:
- If the historic German pilot watch specification is what you want, the Augsburg is the most faithful modern reproduction at a price that makes sense. The dial typography and hand treatment are correct.
- Consider instead if:
- The Aachen is slightly more versatile. The Augsburg reads as a specialty piece for buyers who specifically care about the Type B specification rather than general pilot-watch aesthetics.
Rankings last reviewed 2026-06-18. Editorial perspective only. Not financial advice.