Timeless Tales: Augsburg vs Aachen — Choosing the Right Pilot Watch

Posted by Legend of Time on 30th Jan 2026

Timeless Tales: Augsburg vs Aachen — Choosing the Right Pilot Watch

Choosing a pilot watch often comes down to details. At first glance, many flieger watches look similar — clear numerals, bold hands, highly legible layouts. But within that simplicity, small differences matter.

Two of Laco’s most recognizable pilot models, the Augsburg and the Aachen, share the same aviation DNA. Yet each offers a distinct character. Understanding the difference makes choosing the right one far easier.

A Brief Look at Pilot Watch Design

Traditional pilot watches were designed for maximum readability in the cockpit. Distractions were removed. Everything served a purpose.

Over time, two classic dial layouts emerged:

  • Type A (Baumuster A) — simple hour numerals from 1 to 11 with a triangle at 12

  • Type B (Baumuster B) — outer minute track with smaller inner hour numerals

The Augsburg and Aachen are modern expressions of these historic designs.

The Augsburg: Pure and Minimal

The Laco Augsburg uses the Type A dial layout — the most iconic and immediately recognizable pilot watch design.

Key characteristics:

  • Large, clean Arabic hour numerals

  • Uncluttered dial

  • Instant readability

  • Balanced, timeless appearance

The Augsburg feels natural on the wrist. It’s often favored by those who want a watch that disappears into daily wear while still carrying strong heritage.

If you’re looking for a pilot watch that feels familiar, versatile, and effortless, the Augsburg is an easy choice.

The Aachen: Instrument-Like Precision

The Laco Aachen features the Type B dial — a more technical layout originally developed for navigation timing.

Key characteristics:

  • Prominent outer minute track

  • Smaller inner hour numerals

  • Strong instrument-panel aesthetic

  • Slightly more visual depth

The Aachen appeals to those who enjoy purposeful design and historical accuracy. It feels a bit more technical, a bit more distinctive, while still remaining clean and wearable.

For enthusiasts who appreciate functional design details, the Aachen offers something slightly different.

Wearing Experience: Same Roots, Different Feel

Both models share core pilot watch principles:

  • Excellent legibility

  • Balanced proportions

  • Mechanical movements

  • Comfortable cases suited for daily wear

The difference lies in personality:

  • Augsburg feels calm, minimal, and versatile

  • Aachen feels technical, focused, and instrument-driven

Neither is better — they simply suit different tastes.

Size Considerations: 39mm vs 42mm

Laco offers both Augsburg and Aachen models in multiple sizes, most commonly 39mm and 42mm.

  • 39mm offers classic proportions and comfort, ideal for everyday wear

  • 42mm provides stronger presence while staying true to aviation heritage

Wrist size and personal preference matter more than trends. A pilot watch should feel balanced, not oversized.

Choosing Between Augsburg and Aachen

Ask yourself a few simple questions:

  • Do you prefer simplicity or instrument detail?

  • Do you want the most iconic flieger look, or something slightly more technical?

  • Will this be your daily watch or part of a rotation?

If you value restraint and timelessness, the Augsburg is hard to beat.
If you enjoy technical layouts and historical nuance, the Aachen may speak to you more.

Available from Legend of Time

At Legend of Time, we carry a curated selection of Laco Augsburg and Aachen pilot watches, including limited editions and classic configurations. As an authorized Laco dealer, we focus on watches that combine heritage, mechanical integrity, and everyday wearability.

Explore the collection and choose the pilot watch that fits your wrist — and your way of wearing time.

Legend of Time
Authorized Dealer · Mechanical Watches