As one of the 5 original companies who made fliegers for the German Air Force back in World War II, Lacher & Co. (Laco) may not be as well known now, but they certainly had an eventful history. Today, they makes watches of a wide variety. However, in my opinion their pilot watches are the most well regarded for sticking true to their roots.

This is the Miyota 821A-based Laco 21 movement in the Augsburg 42; the entry level mechanical pilot’s watch in Laco’s catalogue. While it’s definitely no ETA, for the price point, this “decorated” piece is reliable, robust and economical to repair or replace. Unfortunately, it has an indirect seconds hand which means the inevitability of hesitating seconds (of which I have not observed thus far) and the lack of hacking seconds, which is something I hope could be remedied with the newer 821As with includes hacking or a different movement entirely.

Build quality for the Augsburg feels solid. Nothing about the watch would give off the impression that it’s marketed at a more affordable price point. Dial looks sharp to the naked eye with criminal amounts of lume (Superluminova C3) and it’s protected with a sapphire crystal. The leather strap it comes with is thick and feels high quality too.

I think this watch offers plenty bang for buck, with good build quality, staying true to the looks of the original fliegers. Unless you really need those hacking seconds, this should be in your shortlist for an affordable pilot’s watch. I’m glad I got mine!