A history of flight
After more than 80 years of watchmaking, Laco has serious provenance in the design of pilot watches. The brand’s history of aviation timing is baked into the DNA of its timepieces. It was one of the original five manufacturers to produce the B-Uhren for the Luftwaffe under the strict FL 23883 classification. And while many of its offerings today have evolved, the genesis of those early Fliegers is still present in their watches. The Laco Kiel Sport Chronograph is one such beast.
Key Features of the Laco Kiel Sport Chronograph
The new Kiel Sport builds on the tradition of the Laco’s classic pilot chronographs in the Kiel.2 Collection. The dials are largely the same, in fact, employing similar fonts and a familiar 6, 9, 12 sub-register layout. There is also a day/date display at three and a pair of thermally blued sword hands. The only tangible difference comes in the slightly bolder minute track–which features broader, shorter markers. Like its predecessors, the Kiel Sport is also treated lavishly in C3 Super-LumiNova. The watch is equipped with a double-domed sapphire crystal.
However, unlike those more archetypal Fliegers, the Kiel Sport has a decidedly more utilitarian case–finished in a dark, uniform sandblasting that could easily be mistaken for titanium. Even the weight (110 grams on the strap) would not immediately give it away. Of course, it is the bezel which sets the new model apart most. The deep-toothed, 60-click, unidirectional mechanism is fitted with a brushed ceramic insert and, frankly, looks and feels great. The elapsed time, dive scale (fully incremented between 0 and 15) has also been painted with C3 Super-LumiNova to match the dial.
The watch measures 43mm in diameter and 51.5mm lug to lug. It is also 14mm thick and, as such, might not suit every wrist. However, one must keep the purpose of such a device in mind–where readability and functionality come first. On my 6.75″ (17.15mm) wrist, the watch feels well-balanced, nonetheless. Its calfskin leather strap is also very comfortable with a robust thickness to suit the overall aesthetic and seats the watch nicely. The hardware has been sandblasted in the same manner as the case, and the buckle is signed.
In order to live up to its bezel, the Kiel Sport has a screw down, display case back. And despite the push/pull crown, still promises 100m of water resistance. Through the sapphire glass, we can see the Laco 500 automatic movement–a Sellita-based SW500, which can be selected as either Eloboré or Top Grade. Either way, the calibre promises a 56-hour power reserve.
Advertisement
SPECS
| Case | 316L Dark Sandblasted Stainless Steel 43mm Diameter 51.5mm Lug to Lug 14mm Thick 22mm Lug Width Push/Pull Crown Display Case Back 60-Click Ceramic Bezel 100m Water Resistance |
| Dial & Crystal | Double-domed Sapphire Crystal Black Matte Dial Printed Indices Thermally Blued Sword Handset C3 Super-LumiNova |
| Movement | Laco 500 (SW 500-Base) 25 Jewels 28 800bph 48-Hour Power Reserve |
| Strap | Calf Leather /w Sandblasted Buckle |
Laco Kiel Sport Chronograph
Advertisement
Final Thoughts
It took a while for the Flieger style to grow on me. For the longest time, I found it commonplace and a little tame. But over the last few years, I have truly warmed to its classic, purpose-driven cleanliness. Even more attractive, however, are the models which iterate within the very strict parameters of this classification and manage to produce something at once new and familiar. This is the Kiel Sport Chronograph to a tee. While its dial remains intact and every inch a Type A Style Flieger, the dark metal case with its pragmatic sandblasting really looks the business. The matte ceramic bezel is also a highlight, adding a layer of functionality and visual interest.
Robust, calfskin leather strap @calibre321
Moreover, what you cannot see or experience in photographs and renders of the Kiel Sport is the level of finish, nor the tactile quality of its various components. The sandblasting has a uniform, perceptible texture. The bezel is snappy, and the pushers have a satisfying response. Ultimately, for a watch in this category, the build quality is impressive.
Pricing & Availability
The Kiel Sport is produced in Pforzheim, Germany and is available now for $2890USD. For more information, please visit the brand website.
Laco Kiel Sport Chronograph @calibre321
About the author
Brent Robillard is a writer, educator, craftsman, and watch enthusiast. He is the author of four novels. You can follow him on Instagram.
Off The Cuff articles are full-length, hands-on reviews of the watch in question and represent the opinion of the author only. All photos are original, unless specified otherwise. If you would like to have your watch reviewed on this site, contact us here.
Please understand that using any links to products on this site might result in us making money.
2 thoughts on “Laco Kiel Sport Chronograph”