This curiosity landed in my lap recently. A post war (WWII) German made Laco with a caliber Durowe 422 movement in it. Laco and the movement manufacturer Durowe were associated.

In 1925, Frieda Lacher and Ludwig Hummel founded a watch company in Pforzheim, Germany. At this time, many German watch companies were importing Swiss watch movements. Durowe (Deutsche Uhrenrohwerke) was founded in 1933, in Pforzheim, Germany, for production of watch movements for domestic use. During WWII, there were a number of German watch manufacturers supplying watches and chronographs for the German military. Laco was one of them. The Laco name originated with the LAcher name, and Co., hence Laco.

The subject watch is (by some definitions) a bit pedestrian. Manual winder, 17-jewels, shock resistant. It interested me because I liked the dial, the condition was decent (needed work), and compared to main stream watch brands which seem to prevail, this one is a bit of an oddity. It has typical European solid lugs, so the bracelet will do until I find an alternate that I like better. Chrome plated case is decent.

If you look closely, you will see that the movement is stamped FOREIGN, which is frequently seen on post war German watches and clocks. Was this because of post war ill feelings toward Germany? I once heard an explanation, but I’ve forgotten what it was.

Laco and Durowe were acquired by Timex in 1959. The first Timex Electric watch movements from the early 1960s were made by Durowe. Eta subsequently acquired the two firms circa 1965.

 

Hardly a “pedestrian” watch. Love the dial and especially the lugs!

 

Interesting I thought the current Laco went back to the original roots.

 

That one looks very nice, can´t help with the movement bot hope everyhing will go as expected

 

Looks fantastic, love the dial. The case, even though is chrome, is in great shape.

 

Neither Laco or Durowe are listed under the current Swatch Group umbrella. The Swatch name wasn’t around in 1965. Back then, ASUAG and SSIH merged to form SMH which became Swatch.

 

I love your Laco

Here a couple of mine

 

So there are a few around. I notice that neither movement or dial on your two are marked FOREIGN. Both movement and dial on mine are marked that way. Might it be that yours were sold domestically (in Germany), thereby the country of origin was omitted. Or they might be pre-war? Mine (I suspect) might have been post-war, and meant for export. Hence the marking? Anyone know?

 

The first is pre-war for sure, maybe the second too.
Some other details

Krupp case

 

My humble Laco-Sport that i used to own

 

I have several watches in my stash of donors and project watches that have he Durowe automatic that you show in your post. This was a good, reliable, easily serviced movement of the era, and it was extensively used in private label watches. One that I have has a dial name of Tourneau, which I believe to be a prominent watch dealer in New York City. The rotor on yours clearly indicates the Laco-Durowe connection.

 

The case back on my Laco is marked the same as your rectangular Laco. It has a chrome plated bezel and case, with stainless steel back.