By Brent Robillard
Third time’s a charm
There’s a certain clarity that comes with the third version of anything. The trial-and-error of the first, the course-correction of the second, and then—if done well—a confident refinement in the third. That’s where we find Laco’s Atacama.3: mission-ready, battle-tested, and dialled in.
We first encountered the Atacama series in early 2024 when Laco released the Atacama Quarz UTC, a lightweight and flat quartz-powered beast with an unapologetically tactical presence. That model introduced some clever updates—most notably the 12 o’clock crown with a visual screw-down indicator—and now, in August 2025, Laco returns with the Atacama.3: the mechanical evolution of the line and the most refined version yet.
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Key Features of the Laco Atacama.3
The Atacama.3 doesn’t break from the visual language that defined the series—it builds on it. The signature conical case is back, still 46mm in diameter but now under 12mm thick, a direct response to feedback and informed by the slimmer quartz version. The result is a surprisingly ergonomic wear, thanks in part to flexible lugs and a carefully calibrated weight balance.
At a glance, the dial still screams mission-ready: bold, clean, and legible. But there’s more sophistication here. A newly bevelled chapter ring adds both visual depth and functional clarity, and the two-tone hand design improves orientation in all conditions. Generous applications of Super-LumiNova make it a legitimate nighttime tool, and the lume execution on the chapter ring is particularly well done.
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Durability remains central to the Atacama’s DNA, and the third generation takes that to a new level with the addition of DLC coating—a notable upgrade from the already-rugged PVD of earlier models. It’s deep, matte black, and beautifully uniform across both the case and the optional stainless steel bracelet. That bracelet, like the case, feels properly overbuilt but not unnecessarily aggressive. The folding clasp with safety catch is tool-watch gospel, and the quick-release spring bars make it refreshingly versatile.
Movement
Inside, you’ll find the Laco 200 automatic movement, based on the Swiss Sellita SW200 in Elaboré grade. It’s visible through a sapphire display back—always a nice surprise in a watch so seemingly utilitarian—and it ticks along with reliability and purpose. A Top grade version is available for those who want COSC-adjacent performance without the certificate.
Final Thoughts
In short, the Atacama.3 feels like a distillation. It knows what it is, and doesn’t try to prove anything with flash or overstatement. Every feature—from the lume to the DLC to the case thickness—serves a clear purpose. It’s serious about being worn, but never feels over-serious about itself. It is, like the best tool watches, designed not to impress, but to endure.
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Pricing and Availability
Prices start at $1,350 USD on rubber and $1,450 USD on DLC-coated bracelet, with both arriving in a protective, dust- and water-resistant field case. The watch is available from the website beginning today.
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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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found this site from the laco instagram 🙂
Welcome!
Laco just knows how to build tool watches. Love it.
This one really is a strong offering. Cheers!
Both the classic and new Laco watches are incredible. I would love the feeling of wearing the 100th anniversary model on my wrist.
Laco is a pretty shiny brand I’m looking to pick up one of their fliegers soon for my birthday
Best of luck with the contest, then!
One can never go wrong with the good old SW200! Quality and reliability, and easy to service!
A Swiss workhorse!
Love it
I found this site through the Laco website and loved it.
Found this blog through the Laco website. Absolutely love how clean yet adventurous the Atacama looks
Very sturdy design. Cheers!
I loved this website that I discovered through Laco. What quality work. From now on, we will follow your content.
Laco goodness. This is an awesome more modern looking one from them!
Dieses Laco-Modell ist wirklich ein Traum. Auch das Modell Frieda ist eine Uhr, die jeder gerne besitzen möchte. Ich nehme gerne am Gewinnspiel teil.
It was designed not to impress, but to endure, but I felt that it had a rather attractive design. It’s impressive to feel that it has two charms at once.
Laco’s are great.
Natürlich schreibe ich den Kommentar für das Gewinnspiel. Das es aber einmal gesagt ist: Laco wird nicht jedem mit seinen Designs überzeugen können, aber genau das ist es was ich so gerne mag. Etwas anderes am Handgelenk zu haben als die Große Masse hat doch seinen Reiz. Ich mag die Einfachheit und die Ablesbarkeit der Uhren. Obwohl Heer und nicht Luftwaffe finde ich könnte ich auch eine Laco offen tragen …
Both the classic and new Laco watches are incredible. I would love the feeling of wearing the 100th anniversary model on my wrist.
I’ve been following your Instagram for some time now, never saw you had a dedicated page. Very interesting articles. I also want that Laco Frieda so badly 😛
Lol. Best of luck!
“The third-generation Atacama.3 redefines Laco’s mission-oriented design with mature simplicity. The sub-12 mm case, DLC coating, and flexible lugs give it a confident presence on the wrist, while the strong lume and bevelled chapter ring ensure readability even under challenging conditions. As a collector, I admire this functional elegance. At the same time, I see the special model created in memory of Frieda Lacher and offered only to a lucky few as the finest expression of Laco’s respect for its history, and I would very much love to own it.”
Best of luck!
What a watch!
I love the older ones but this is a great change up from laco
Magnificent watch
Really enjoy the articles I have read so far and the journalism. Thank you for what you do, it’s great to see the amount of insight for those getting into their watch journey.
Thanks so much for the positive feedback!
Beauuutiful
Not usually a fan of ‘bush’ watch faces but this one managed to catch my eye. Also, that lume 🔥
This is an underrated piece👌🏼
The Laco Atacama 3 is simply purpose-built for my outdoor lifestyle, tough, stylish, and reliable. A true nod to Laco’s 100 years of German craftsmanship and strength!
Big kudos to The Calibrated Wrist for shining a light on underrated timepieces like this and sharing them with a wider audience!
Here’s to more timeless creations — and hopefully having the Laco FRIEDA on my wrist! ⌚🔥
Thanks for the positive feedback! Good luck in the draw🙏🏻
I really like the count down timer bezel. It’s not something that you see very often.
There are five brands that I own multiples of their watches. And only two of those do I regularly give as gifts. Laco is one of the two. I have never been disappointed with their watches!
I like everyone I have met in their organization. They strike me as a family more than a business.
I’d love to have one 🫠
What a great design… I have a Laco Aachen 39 and love it but looking forward to get a tool watch as well 🙂
A very tactical aesthetic 👌🏼
I really like Laco. From my point of view, real beauty is functional, simple and not overdone. Laco watches are beautiful.
As a prowed owner of a Laco Pro, I would be happy to wear the Frieda as well 🙂
Both great watches
I love the entire Laco collection. Just beautiful watches.
Love the design of the Laco, great tradition!
This is great!
Great watch blog. I’m reading some articles after having landed here from Laco website.
Glad to have you aboard!
That laco is gorgeous! I had never considered it
This one flies under the radar, but is one of my favourites