Laco Kempten (Ref. 862093) – A Modern Flieger with Vintage Soul
When you think of pilot watches, the B-Uhr design immediately comes to mind: a stark black dial, oversized Arabic numerals, a triangle at 12, and a onion crown. Laco was one of the original manufacturers of these wartime instruments, and the Kempten pays homage to that legacy while updating it for contemporary wrists. The 42mm case is a sweet spot—large enough to feel like a tool watch, but not so big that it wears like a wall clock. The brushed finish keeps it under the radar, and the domed sapphire crystal adds a subtle distortion that makes the dial feel alive.
The dial is where the Kempten shines. The matte black surface is non-reflective, and the white numerals are printed with a crispness that’s almost clinical. The date window at 3 o’clock is a practical addition, though some purists might argue it breaks the symmetry. The lume is applied generously—Super-LumiNova on the hands and indices—and it glows like a beacon after a few minutes in the dark. It’s the kind of lume that makes you want to go for a midnight walk just to admire it.
Movement and Performance
Inside the Kempten beats the Miyota 821A, a Japanese automatic caliber that’s become a staple in affordable watches. It’s not a showpiece—no Geneva stripes or perlage here—but it’s reliable and easy to service. The 42-hour power reserve is adequate for daily wear, and the hacking seconds let you sync it to the atomic clock. In our testing, the watch ran at +12 seconds per day, which is well within spec. The date changes crisply at midnight, and the winding rotor is a bit noisy but not obnoxious. For the price, you’re getting a movement that’s proven and robust.
Wearing the Kempten
On the wrist, the Kempten feels like a natural extension of your arm. The 48mm lug-to-lug ensures it doesn’t overhang even on smaller wrists, and the 12.5mm thickness slips under a shirt cuff without complaint. The included leather strap is a bit stiff at first, but after a week of wear, it molds to your wrist. The pin buckle is simple and secure. If you’re the type who likes to swap straps, the 20mm lug width gives you endless options—a NATO, a perlon, or a steel bracelet from Laco’s accessories. The watch is versatile enough to go from a boardroom to a beach bar, though I’d avoid swimming with it given the 50m water resistance.
Value and Investment
At $650 MSRP, the Kempten is positioned as an entry-level luxury piece. It competes with the Stowa Flieger, the Hamilton Khaki Aviation, and even the IWC Mark XVIII if you stretch your budget. But the Kempten offers a unique blend of authenticity and affordability. Laco’s history is real—they made B-Uhrs for the Luftwaffe—and that heritage is baked into every detail. The pre-owned market is stable, with examples selling for $400-$550, so you won’t lose your shirt if you decide to move on. But honestly, this is a watch you’ll want to keep. It’s not an investment in the financial sense, but it’s an investment in your personal style.
Final Thoughts
The Laco Kempten is a reminder that a great watch doesn’t need to cost a fortune. It’s a tool watch with a soul, a piece of history that you can wear every day. Whether you’re a pilot, a collector, or just someone who appreciates good design, the Kempten delivers. It’s not perfect—the water resistance is modest, and the movement isn’t chronometer-certified—but it’s honest. And in a world of hype and overpriced steel, honesty is a rare commodity.
