Laco Erbstuck (artificially aged) Flieger watches

[Siko]

Hi All,

Am considering shelling out for my dream watch and would appreciate anyone else’s experiences with classic Flieger style watches. I’m a massive historic aviation nut and have narrowed down my choice to a Laco Flieger. I’ve got girly small wrists so I’m not sure a classic 55 or 45 would fit me well, but I have found Laco make a replica Flieger with a more practical 39mm case size. (My last watch was a 45, which was ok if a bit clunky).

The standard 39mm Flieger model (Kempten) looks ace and a great if smaller replica of a classic Luftwaffe Beobachtungsuhr, for around £900. Problem is the “erbstuck” version is also available for £1800, which is the same model but artificially aged to look like an 80 year old watch. I must admit I absolutely love the aged look but have seen some scathing reviews from collectors about how wrong it is to be making ‘fake aged” watches.

So, just wondering if anyone has any experience (or handled?) one of these erbstuck watches and what their thoughts were. I’m not an investor and want something that looks authentic but is a little more practical than a real Flieger. Thank Si

https://www.laco.de/amp/en/watches/pilot-watch-ori...

[gregs656]

If you ‘absolutely love’ the look and can afford it, I think that is all that matters.

[Siko]

gregs656 said:

If you ‘absolutely love’ the look and can afford it, I think that is all that matters.

Thank you As happens I’m currently recovering from cancer surgery and hoping to get the watch to pep me up for what (treatment) is coming next. I think I’d like to see one in the flesh first just to see whether they are tacky or tasteful - all the YT reviews are very favourable.

[gregs656]

Siko said:

Thank you As happens I’m currently recovering from cancer surgery and hoping to get the watch to pep me up for what (treatment) is coming next. I think I’d like to see one in the flesh first just to see whether they are tacky or tasteful - all the YT reviews are very favourable.

This is a total no brainer IMO.

Buy online and if you don't like it, return it. It sounds like you know what you like though so I think you will be fine.

[foreright]

gregs656 said:

If you ‘absolutely love’ the look and can afford it, I think that is all that matters.

Yeah that ^ - what a bunch of "collectors" think is irrelevant IMO. You're presumably not going to sell it / buying it as an investment by the sounds of it so if you like it, go for it

[vixen1700]

Stowa do a bronze 'B' Flieger which will age naturally and is slightly cheaper. 40mm too.

Just another option for you.

[foreright]

vixen1700 said:

Stowa do a bronze 'B' Flieger which will age naturally and is slightly cheaper. 40mm too.

Just another option for you.

Wow I really like that - this is a rabbit hole I don't want to be going down for the sake of my bank balance. I just started looking at Sinn's website as they do some similar stuff also albeit a little more expensive I think.

[Lotobear]

I do like a Flieger, but I'm not sure about the distressed look which seems, well, a bit 'fake'. Have your considered Sinn?

https://www.sinn.de/en/Instrument_Chronographs/358...

[vixen1700]

foreright said:

Wow I really like that - this is a rabbit hole I don't want to be going down for the sake of my bank balance. I just started looking at Sinn's website as they do some similar stuff also albeit a little more expensive I think.

Don't look at Guinand then, they have the Sinn connection and are a little rarer.

[Siko]

vixen1700 said:

Stowa do a bronze 'B' Flieger which will age naturally and is slightly cheaper. 40mm too.

Just another option for you.

Thanks - actually I do really like those Stowa, I’d probably lean to the Laco though as the U.K. Laco retailers offer long term interest free finance (or 10% off) which is a really good deal and stowa is online only. Eye nice watch though and definitely on the list now

[Siko]

Lotobear said:

I do like a Flieger, but I'm not sure about the distressed look which seems, well, a bit 'fake'. Have your considered Sinn?

https://www.sinn.de/en/Instrument_Chronographs/358...

Funny but I got talking to a guy at work the other day who had a very nice IWC Flieger and he also recommended Sinn. I am specifically looking for a classic B-uhr Flieger though which excludes Sinn as far as I can see.

[Fitz666]

Really nice watch and love the aged face, but really don't like the aged case. But if you want it got for it!!

[foreright]

vixen1700 said:

foreright said:

Wow I really like that - this is a rabbit hole I don't want to be going down for the sake of my bank balance. I just started looking at Sinn's website as they do some similar stuff also albeit a little more expensive I think.

Don't look at Guinand then, they have the Sinn connection and are a little rarer.

I always REALLY wanted either a Sinn 356 with the copper face or the Arktis with the blue face - almost got my wife to buy me one as a wedding present back in 2012 but went for a Rolex GMTIIc instead. These fleiger watches are really growing on me though.

[Lotobear]

foreright said:

vixen1700 said:

foreright said:

Wow I really like that - this is a rabbit hole I don't want to be going down for the sake of my bank balance. I just started looking at Sinn's website as they do some similar stuff also albeit a little more expensive I think.

Don't look at Guinand then, they have the Sinn connection and are a little rarer.

I always REALLY wanted either a Sinn 356 with the copper face or the Arktis with the blue face - almost got my wife to buy me one as a wedding present back in 2012 but went for a Rolex GMTIIc instead. These fleiger watches are really growing on me though.

I recall vaccilating over a Sinn 356 copper face for weeks when they were not much more than a grand and seemed to be a complete bargain. They seems to be getting on for 3k now, bugger!!

[robbiekhan]

Personally not a fan of the artificially beaten up cases but they do look nice. I have both Stowa and Laco Fliegers (Stowa Bronze 36 Type-A and Laco Flieger Pro B-Uhr 37mm). Both are truly fantastic watches and trade blows in attention to detail. The Stowa Bronze is treated to not age with the rubbish white/green patina but instead over time, slowly shift and remain properly bronze at the same time. A very slow process.

My Laco though is sandblasted matte grey as I really like that aesthetic on a B-Uhr dial.

I didn't go for a Sinn because I wanted the OG brands that did Fliegers and as such historical significance trumped it for me. Plus I really liked the 1 to 1 communication and support both Laco and Stowa gave me when buying my watches from them.

[Siko]

robbiekhan said:

Personally not a fan of the artificially beaten up cases but they do look nice. I have both Stowa and Laco Fliegers (Stowa Bronze 36 Type-A and Laco Flieger Pro B-Uhr 37mm). Both are truly fantastic watches and trade blows in attention to detail. The Stowa Bronze is treated to not age with the rubbish white/green patina but instead over time, slowly shift and remain properly bronze at the same time. A very slow process.

My Laco though is sandblasted matte grey as I really like that aesthetic on a B-Uhr dial.

I didn't go for a Sinn because I wanted the OG brands that did Fliegers and as such historical significance trumped it for me. Plus I really liked the 1 to 1 communication and support both Laco and Stowa gave me when buying my watches from them.

Thanks that’s really useful - I love the bronze patina, think it looks just fantastic. I see Laco also did an ‘Oliv’ Flieger which is also really good but now unavailable. I agree with you on the sandblasted finish for the B-Uhr as it is of course the authentic finish. I very nearly ordered one online last night but I think I’m going to try on a variety of sizes and finishes first; luckily two main uk dealers (Jura and First class watches) both have outlets not too far away from me. Thanks everyone

[r1ch]

There is something really interesting to me about that Erbstuck, kind of draws you in. Very well executed if that photograph in the link is anything to go by.

[Spice_Weasel]

Siko said:

robbiekhan said:

Personally not a fan of the artificially beaten up cases but they do look nice. I have both Stowa and Laco Fliegers (Stowa Bronze 36 Type-A and Laco Flieger Pro B-Uhr 37mm). Both are truly fantastic watches and trade blows in attention to detail. The Stowa Bronze is treated to not age with the rubbish white/green patina but instead over time, slowly shift and remain properly bronze at the same time. A very slow process.

My Laco though is sandblasted matte grey as I really like that aesthetic on a B-Uhr dial.

I didn't go for a Sinn because I wanted the OG brands that did Fliegers and as such historical significance trumped it for me. Plus I really liked the 1 to 1 communication and support both Laco and Stowa gave me when buying my watches from them.

Thanks that’s really useful - I love the bronze patina, think it looks just fantastic. I see Laco also did an ‘Oliv’ Flieger which is also really good but now unavailable. I agree with you on the sandblasted finish for the B-Uhr as it is of course the authentic finish. I very nearly ordered one online last night but I think I’m going to try on a variety of sizes and finishes first; luckily two main uk dealers (Jura and First class watches) both have outlets not too far away from me. Thanks everyone

I can recommend First Class Watches. I’ve bought a couple of watches from them and discount codes work in their site. You should get 10% as a first time buyer but may get more with honey or other voucher plug ins.

[Barchettaman]

The Erbstück Range is specifically designed for Laco to cash in on the absolutely booming market for genuine WW2 Flieger watches, which regardless of brand (I think 5 brands made the original Flieger/Beibachtungsuhren for the Luftwaffe) seem to sell for €4K+ over here.

I agree, it’s a well-executed ageing process and the end result is pretty authentic-looking, BUT it’s a ridiculous price hike up from the standard model (in my opinion).

There are Laco Fliegers available here for half price, so you get into one for £189:

https://www.secretsales.com/6244396bbce3a-victoria...

And if you really want to scratch the ‘distressed watch’ itch, get a used Spinnaker Wreck dive watch on eBay, where they’re typically going for about £90/£100. See photo below.

Best of luck whatever you decide, and of course all the best with the ongoing treatment.

[gregs656]

Siko said:

Thanks that’s really useful - I love the bronze patina, think it looks just fantastic. I see Laco also did an ‘Oliv’ Flieger which is also really good but now unavailable. I agree with you on the sandblasted finish for the B-Uhr as it is of course the authentic finish. I very nearly ordered one online last night but I think I’m going to try on a variety of sizes and finishes first; luckily two main uk dealers (Jura and First class watches) both have outlets not too far away from me. Thanks everyone

Let us know how you get on.