Tom Austin Laco has announced a new dial variation of the successful Kiel.2 Chronograph. Finished in deep, purposeful sunray blue, this new dial brings a dressy class touch to the military pilot’s work. The Kiel.2 Blau arrives either in a smooth, dark brown leather strap or a sporty stainless steel multi-link bracelet.
In an age when the technical purpose of a watch is less relevant than ever, one of the watches remains a very popular watch, both among enthusiasts and those who participate in the activities in which it was designed. Like clocks, planes have entered the digital age. There, smart devices dominate, providing more modern and complex information than their mechanical counterparts. However, humble pilot clocks are usually carried by many aviators as mechanical failures, so in the event of a major equipment failure, time and air velocity can be used to calculate the location, flight pedestal and duration. One German brand in particular has a rich heritage in the aviation world and is extremely proud of it as one of the five original license manufacturers of the Luftwaffe Flieger Watches in World War II. Laco celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2025, introducing a new dial variation to its latest production, the popular Flieger-style Kiel.2 Chronograph The Blau.
As you probably know, pilot watches are not usually small. The Kiel.2 is made of heavy-duty stainless steel, brushed on every surface for its functional appeal, in the middle of its close competitors, 43mm in diameter and 14mm thick. The proportions are large, tool-like, with focus on the dial. It is protected by an anti-reflective double dommy sapphire crystal.
This case features two chronograph pushers and a large onion-shaped crown, making it perfect for use while wearing gloves. All of these contribute to admirably 100 meters of water resistance. This results in a functional and practical chronograph. This is a welcome sight at this price range. For more money, you can upgrade the crystals to coat both sides.
The current kiel.2 is available either with a traditional black dial or with an impressive white. Both are great options, but there’s no talent to offer a bit of colour. This new model brings a huge sunburst slab of deep, rich blue tints that change colour when you turn the wrist watch, bringing a touch of class to an otherwise more practical watch. Modern blue contrasts with the luminous Arabian time markers and the giant sword hand, making it almost perfect readability.
Certainly, it has a familiar look and is surprisingly similar to another popular pilot’s watch brand. My only criticism here is that the new blue selection is probably a little too close to the other watches you’re thinking about now. But that’s difficult because the overall look is not a homage to other brands, but rather the overall look about its proximity to traditional pilot chronograph watches. However, especially since Laco has a unique Freeger in the back catalogue, it was at least interesting to see the different colors chosen here rather than actually a direct replica.
One thing that smaller brands outperform much larger competitors is their customization options. The difference in manufacturing scale means that small brands like LACO can offer customers a deeper level of options. The Kiel.2 is equipped with a relatively driving movement based on the Sellita SW500 automatic chronograph. However, this LACO 500 outfit offers improved accuracy with either the Elaboré grade or the upgraded “top grade” version. Customization doesn’t stop as both options come with additional decorations such as Geneva stripes, blue screws and special Laco rotors. This is good for those who want to see something a little more interesting through the large sapphire display case.
Based on the SW500A, this movement is a robust mainstay with a 56-hour power reserve pounding at 28,800VPH, making it a perfectly appropriate chronograph movement at this price level. Still, given the amount of customization available, I can’t help but think that the option to choose an even higher level of COSC certified chronometer movement from the Sellita made sense. Perhaps this will be something that will be seen by the brand in the future.
The final touches of the watch are provided in the form of two wrist grab options. One is a smooth, dark brown leather strap, with a more contemporary style than the usual LACO offer. Another option is an all-brush stainless steel bracelet, which is also a familiar five-link event, featuring a sporty folding clasp and classic hollow end links. Both options are excellent and offer a level of quality at a price, but the bracelet is probably one of the areas where the brand has been able to take a more unique approach.
Laco Kiel.2 Blau Pricing and Availability
Blau with Laco Kiel.2 stainless steel bracelet is now available. Leather straps can be pre-ordered directly from LACO and certified retailers. Price: 2,190 euros (leather), 2,290 euros (bracelet)
Brand LACO Model Kiel.2 Blau Reference 862186 (Leather)
862186MB (Bracelet) Case Dimensions 43mm (d) x 14mm
