Laco × Circula ProLab: A Two-Watch Collaboration Marking 170 Years of Pforzheim Watchmaking

By Brent Robillard

A Collaborative Set Marking 170 Years of Pforzheim Watchmaking

In 2025, two Pforzheim-based watchmakers reach significant milestones: Laco celebrates 100 years, and Circula marks its 70th anniversary. Both brands trace their roots to the German city long known as the “Golden City” for its history in jewelry and watch production. Rather than commemorate the occasion independently, Laco and Circula chose to develop a shared project—one that reflects the closeness of their histories and the ongoing dialogue between the two companies. The result is ProLab, a two-watch set limited to 170 pieces, created to mark the combined anniversaries.

ProLab, a two-watch set limited to 170 pieces from Laco and Circula

The idea emerged naturally. Over the years, the teams behind Laco and Circula—particularly Uwe Rücker and Cornelius Huber—found themselves in frequent conversation at fairs, events, and throughout their local industry network. These exchanges gradually formed the basis for a deliberate collaboration. The name ProLab references both brands’ existing lines (Laco’s PRO and Circula’s ProTrail) as well as the workshop-like environment in which the project took shape. It also hints at “collab,” an intentional nod to the cooperative spirit behind the release.

Two Watches, One Concept

Rather than merging their approaches into a single reference, the brands decided that a pair of watches would more accurately express their identities. The Laco model is built on the PRO case and features a sand-coloured dial with a field-watch sensibility, drawing design cues from the durability and clarity associated with Circula’s ProTrail line. The Circula model reverses the exchange: using the ProTrail case, it introduces a black Type-B-inspired dial shaped by the clean, pared-back language present in Laco’s PRO series.

Seen together, the watches reflect a shared design conversation. Proportions, finishes, and subtle colour treatments were aligned to ensure consistency without diminishing the distinctiveness of either maker.

A dial close up of Circula's half of the ProLab collaboration

A dial close up of Laco's half of the ProLab collaboration

A Quiet Tribute to Shared Origins

Two understated details connect the watches directly to their home city: a pair of small gold dots on the caseback marking Pforzheim itself, and the inscription “Made in Pforzheim” on both dial and caseback. Each set also includes a gold-coloured coin engraved with the same limitation number as the watches, acting as a unifying element. Only 170 sets will be produced—one for each year represented by the brands’ combined anniversaries.

A discussion between Cornelius Huber and Uwe Rücker — Historic collaboration

Check out the Isotope Wall Return and Exit Clock

Circula and Laco produce the ProLab two-watch set — One half of Prolab

About Laco

Founded in 1925, Laco is known for mechanical watches defined by clear functionality and purposeful design. Its history includes the production of observation watches in the 1940s, a lineage that continues to influence the brand’s modern pilot’s watches, tool watches, and chronographs. Many models remain configurable, reflecting Laco’s interest in personal expression within traditional design frameworks. Though distributed internationally, the company maintains its manufacturing roots in Pforzheim.

About Circula

Established in 1955 by Heinz Huber and now led by his grandson Cornelius Huber, Circula is an independent Pforzheim manufacturer focused on robust mechanical tool watches. The brand combines German assembly with Swiss movements from Sellita and La Joux-Perret. Its name refers to the continuous motion of gears within a mechanical movement—a symbol of the company’s commitment to reliability, craftsmanship, and functional design.

A portrait of Cornelius Huber and Uwe Rücker in Pforzheim — Cornelius Huber and Uwe Rücker

Availability

The full set, including both models, is priced at 2 990 USD. Sales begin today, December 11, 2025, with deliveries scheduled to start at the end of January 2026. You can find them here.

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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