Ready to have your assumptions challenged? Believe it or not, the most elegant dress watch of 2025 might just be coming from… a German tool watch brand! Yes, you read that right. Laco, a name synonymous with rugged pilot's watches, has just unveiled a stunning tuxedo dial that's turning heads.
Laco, known for its Flieger watches, which were originally made for German pilots during World War II, has maintained a solid reputation as a maker of affordable, reliable timepieces. But, as it turns out, this German brand also knows how to clean up exceptionally well.
In fact, they've just released one of the most elegant dress watches of the year, boasting a breathtaking tuxedo dial just in time for New Year's Eve. This release is part of Laco's celebration of its 100th anniversary, and the watch is aptly named the Edition 100. The design draws inspiration from the Art Deco movement, which peaked a century ago but still influences some of the most beautiful dress watches ever made.
The tuxedo dial features a matte black center framed by golden-toned hour and minute tracks. This theme continues with a gold-plated case, paired with a black shell cordovan leather strap and a gold pin buckle.
The hour track is raised with beveled grooves and applied numerals, while the minute track drops off at the edge of the dial. This design is similar to the Universal Genève Polerouter, often considered the most iconic tuxedo dial ever created.
But here's where it gets controversial... The Edition 100 isn't just an imitation. It includes practical details, like lume-filled minute and hour hands and prominent raised numerals, demonstrating that Laco prioritizes functionality, even when creating a dress watch.
Laco maximizes the contrast of the tuxedo dial, which is characterized by a black or white center within two concentric monotone circles, by coating most of the dial and case in golden ion plating.
Starting at the center, the gilded dauphine hands hint at a faceted shape, but large cut-outs are filled in with green-glowing Super-Luminova. The matte black center is only broken up by a gilded brand logo at 12:00 and a printed “automatic” at 6:00.
The gilded hours track has a champagne-like foil texture, amplifying the high-polished applied numerals at 3, 6, 9, and 12. The remaining hours are indicated by polished bevel marks, adding more depth to the dial.
And this is the part most people miss... The outer rim of the dial is level with the center and features a matching champagne texture. A 60-minute track consists of etched-out and polished dots, with raised lume dots at five-minute intervals.
A double-domed sapphire crystal with an internal anti-reflective coating caps the dial, and for an additional $120, Laco will add an external anti-reflective coating.
The 38mm gold IP-plated stainless steel case has a razor-sharp profile with a slim 10mm height. The crown is marked with “100,” and the brushed steel screw-on caseback is etched with the brand’s sunrise logo and “Laco Edition 100” over each watch’s collection number.
The Edition 100 is powered by a Laco caliber 300 automatic movement, based on the Sellita caliber SW 300-1, which beats at 4Hz and has a 56-hour power reserve.
Laco completes the look of the Edition 100 with a black shell cordovan strap, a leather known to develop a beautiful patina over time, secured with a gold-plated, signed pin buckle.
The Edition 100 is available now from Laco for $1,760, excluding shipping, taxes, and duties. In keeping with the theme, this is a limited edition of only 100 pieces.
So, what do you think? Does this unexpected release from Laco change your perception of the brand? Are you a fan of the tuxedo dial, or do you prefer a different style? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
Laco Edition 100 Specs:
- Case Size: 38mm
- Movement: Laco caliber 300 automatic
- Water Resistance: 50m
