Laco
Laco is a German watch brand founded in 1925 in Pforzheim by Frieda Lacher and Ludwig Hummel. It is best known for pilot watches inspired by the historic observation watches it produced in the 1940s.
| Founded | 1925, Pforzheim |
|---|---|
| Founders | Frieda Lacher, Ludwig Hummel |
| Speciality | Pilot watches |
| Restructured | 2010 |
| Website | laco.de |
What is Laco?
Laco, formally Laco Uhrenmanufaktur, is a watch company from Pforzheim, the centre of the German watch and jewellery industry. It was founded in 1925 by Frieda Lacher and Ludwig Hummel, and its name combines the surname Lacher with the abbreviation Co.
History
During the Second World War Laco was one of five manufacturers of observation watches, known as B-Uhren, alongside A. Lange und Söhne, Stowa, Wempe and IWC. Ludwig Hummel also founded the movement maker Durowe in 1933. The business later passed to Timex in 1959 and to the Swiss Ebauches S.A. in 1965. Horst Günther acquired the Laco name in 1988. After insolvency in 2009, the company was restructured in 2010.
Products and positioning
Since its restructuring, Laco has concentrated on pilot watches that echo the large, legible dials of the historic B-Uhren, alongside other wristwatches and accessories. The brand sits in the accessible segment of mechanical watches.
Why it matters
Laco is one of the few historic Pforzheim names still active, showing how a heritage design archive can anchor a focused product range in a crowded market.
Frequently asked questions
Where are Laco watches made?
Laco is based in Pforzheim, Germany, where it was founded in 1925.
What is Laco known for?
Laco is known for pilot watches based on the observation watches it produced in the 1940s.