Cleared for take-off
The Laco Hamburg GMT DIN 8330 is a function-forward pilot watch, designed and tested for active duty. The German DIN 8330 standard was launched in 2016 and specifies the requirements for functionally reliable pilot watches in the various fields of aviation. The certification ensures that a wristwatch can withstand the physical demands of flight and, in the case of equipment failure, replace on-board timekeeping instruments. The Hamburg GMT meets or surpasses these standards in all areas.
The tests for DIN 8330 certification include readability, operability, accuracy, and power reserve. Resistance to water, temperature change, ambient pressure, G-loads, magnetic fields, shock and vibration are also taken into consideration. So you know, in purchasing the Hamburg GMT, that you are getting one tough customer for your wrist.
But frankly, it also just looks good.
Key Features of the Laco Hamburg GMT DIN 8330
Fashioned from dark, sandblasted 904L steel, the Hamburg GMT is highly resistant to corrosion. It is 43.5mm in diameter, with a lug to lug of 49.8mm. The watch is also 13.4mm tall, including the gently cambered sapphire crystal. It features a plate on the case edge indicating its DIN 8330 certification and is equipped with a solid case back which has been engraved with the relief of a plane. The watch also sports partial crown guards.
The bidirectional bezel has a matte ceramic insert which has been treated in C1 Super-LumiNova like the dial elements. To match the utilitarian, brushed finish of the case, the dial too is a soft, matte iron colour with a chapter ring that is divided by shading into a 24-hour day and night scale. The Arabics at thee, six, and nine are bold—as is the additional triangular pip at twelve. Bright orange highlights in the chapter ring and on the arrow-tipped GMT hand drive home superior legibility. The broad sword hands, like all other elements, have also been treated in Super-LumiNova.
While designed primarily as a pilot’s watch, the Hamburg GMT promises 200m of water resistance and has been fitted with a robust water-repellent Nytech strap. It features a dark sandblasted stainless steel buckle and screwed bars for security.
Powering the watch is the Laco 330—essentially a Sellita SW300-1. This is a “caller” GMT movement with 25 jewels and a 50-hour power reserve. The Top Grade iteration used in the Hamburg has a Glucydur balance wheel and should provide accuracy within +/-4 seconds a day.
As a bonus, the watch comes in a special steel carrying case that includes a few extras, such as a DIN 8330 keychain.
Read about the Laco Kiel Sport Chrono
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SPECS
| Case | 316L Dark Sandblasted Stainless Steel 43.5mm Diameter 49.8mm Lug to Lug 13.7mm Thick 20mm Lug Width Screw Down Crown & Case Back Bidirectional Ceramic Bezel 200m Water Resistance |
| Dial & Crystal | Cambered Sapphire Crystal Black Matte Dial Printed Indices Sword Handset C1 Super-LumiNova |
| Movement | Laco 330 (SW330-Base) Caller GMT Top Grade 25 Jewels 28 800bph 50-Hour Power Reserve |
| Strap | Nytech Strap /w Sandblasted Buckle |
Laco Hamburg GMT DIN 8330
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Final Thoughts
Functionally and aesthetically, the Laco Hamburg DIN GMT 8330 is the perfect mix of field and flight. While its primary purpose remains as an aviation instrument, the dial has classic Explorer vibes with its 3, 6, 9 layout. In addition, the Hamburg GMT has all the elements of a solid diver, as well, with its fully graduated elapsed time bezel and solid 200m water resistance. While the watch isn’t small, the 20mm lug width helps contribute to a comfortable, balanced wrist experience.
I also find the colourway, with its tropicalized faded greys to be very compelling. The uniform sandblasting and proliferation of matte components is very austere, which makes the punctuation of the orange elements all the more effective.
Robust, water-repellent Nytech strap @calibre321
Details like the large fluted crown, the screwed lug pins, and the subtle gradation of the 24-hour chapter ring all contribute to what is clearly a thoughtful design.
Pricing & Availability
The Laco Hamburg GMT DIN 8330 is produced in Pforzheim, Germany and is available now for $2890USD. For more information, please visit the brand website.
Laco Hamburg GMT DIN 8330 @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.
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Thanks for the review, it helped me to finally pull the cord and buy this watch last November. And now I can tell zero regrets , still brings as much joy as on the day 1.
Thanks for the great review. It helped me to pull the plug and finally buy this watch for my 45th anniversary. And since then I enjoyed it every single day and have zero regrets about buying this watch.