Best Affordable Flieger for Small Wrists: Laco Karlsruhe Pro 37

Fliegers have always been an interesting genre in the watch community. The Laco Karlsruhe Pro 37 is a perfect mix of history, modern engineering, and value-proposition. And you’ll understand why as this review continues. Now, a quick google search on “Fliegers” returned me a handful of AliExpress “specials” that ranges from AUD$275 to AUD633. Of course we can’t ignore the IWC Mark XX at a whopping AUD$8,400.

Why are fliegers interesting you ask? Are they particularly special? Nope, that’s the point, they all look exactly the same. If I blurred out their logo’s, you’d find it difficult identifying who’s who. Fliegers not only share the same aesthetics, they also pretty much have the exact same level of case finishing. Due to their historical importance and heritage, the finishing on a $8K IWC won’t differ much from a $200 AliX “special”. And if there are any differences? It’s surely not enough to justify a 42x price increase for “IWC” to be on the dial.

Truth is, Fliegers are tool watches to the truest sense of the word. Fliegers, meaning “flier” in German, were made during World War II for pilots to tell time. They were usually 55mm in case diameter, and came in either Type A or Type B dial layout. Back in the 1940s, only five manufacturers were commissioned to make Fliegers for the air force. They were: IWC, A. Lange & Sohne, Laco, Wempe and Stowa. Since then only Lange has stopped producing Fliegers.

Story on Laco & The Karlsruhe Pro 37

Almost a century ago, in 1925, Frieda Lacher and Ludwig Hummel founded Lacher & Co in Pforzheim Germany. Unlike many other watch manufacturers, Laco was manufacturing their own movements and assembled them in their own factory. Ludwig Hummel eventually left and founded Durowe in 1933, a movement manufacturing company which supplied to Laco.

During World War II, most of the German precision instruments that aided the war were produced in Pforzheim. The story was that most of the watch factories and manufacturing plants were converted to produce military equipments. In February of 1945, the RAF (British Air Force) carried out raids that destroyed the city overnight. Safe to say not much was left of the watch factories.

Since then, Laco rebuilt themselves and has stayed true to their roots. They continue to produce Fliegers with historical importance and heritage. As part of their modern twist, the Laco Karlsruhe Pro offers an entirely personalized Flieger experience. You can customize the dial Type, case size, crown position, movement, case material, strap, and engraving. I love that from a heritage brand. You don’t really find this level of personalization anywhere else, especially for this price.

Laco Karlsruhe Pro 37 Dimensions

Case & Bezel

Flieger cases are pretty standard across the board – regardless of how much you’re paying. The Karlsruhe Pro 37 from Laco is no different, but it is slightly more interesting than others I’ve experienced. And it comes down to one thing – the lugs. Most fliegers have long lug-to-lug and often extends straight without much of an angle. What I love about the Karlsruhe Pro is the almost tear-drop lugs than angles down dramatically. Not only does this lead to a much better wearing experience. It also doesn’t leave a gap between the leather strap and your wrists.

The rest of the case is pretty standard, all brushed finishing reflects the utilitarian nature of a flieger. Of course, the large onion crown that was historically made extra large to accommodate pilots’ leather gloves. This one here is easy to grip and smooth to operate. The crown is also screw-down which allows it to have 200m water resistance rating. It’s really got a no nonsense tool watch vibe to it.

This Karlsruhe here is fitted with a sapphire display caseback that showcases a decorated Sellita SW-200. Granted they were both at an additional cost (USD$250), but I’d say it’s well worth the upgrade. Sticking to tradition, the side of the case is engraved with “FL23883”.

Dial & Hands

My Karlsruhe Pro is occupied by a Type B dial, which emerged after the Type A dial was released. The Type B dial has hour indices within a small inner ring, and large minute markers on the outer track. It’s extremely legible even on a 37mm case – the all dial case definitely helps. The large minute markers are packed with superluminova, but I have no idea why Laco alternated the lumed markers. Don’t get me wrong, the lume is fantastic for a flieger, but I’d wish they had filled all the markers with lume.

Classic diamond-shaped handset make up the minute and hour hand, and a stick seconds hand. All of which thermally blued, and are generously filled with lume. The sapphire on mine is AR-coated on the inside and most of the time it feels like the Karlsruhe has no glass.

Strap Options

Laco offers multiple strap options as part of their personalized flieger experience. You can choose from a range of high quality leather straps – with rivets for that classic flieger look. There’s also an option to select their Stainless Steel Engineer-style bracelet for an additional USD$110.

Mine came on a dark brown leather strap with rivets. I must say the leather strap is extremely well-made, supple, thick and extremely soft to the touch. No complaints here from me, expected nothing less of a European leather good.

Comfort & Wearability

I’d had a few fliegers or flieger-style watches in the past. The struggle was always the size and the straight lugs that hung over my wrists. Most fliegers were either 40mm or 39mm, but with an all-dial case, they wore more like a 42mm. Naturally I’ve never been a huge fan of fliegers, but that’s until I came across this Laco Karlsruhe in 37mm. First of all the lugs hug my wrists. Secondly, 37mm is the sweet spot for my 6 inch wrists.

If the Karlsruhe doesn’t scream everyday tool-watch I honestly don’t know what else does. It’s got real historical provenance, that being Laco. A no-date black dial that tells time, and it’s an absolute strap monster. Oh and it has 200m water resistance with it’s screw-down crown. I know Stowa has their 36mm flieger around the same price. But having held one in hand, it just felt dainty and fragile compared to the Karlsruhe.

Who is the Laco Karlsruhe Pro 37mm for?

There’s a few demographic I believe who would really adore the Karlsruhe in 37mm:

1. Smaller wristed folks (6 – 6.5 inches) who want a well proportioned and sized flieger
2. An attainable flieger from the original 5 (IWC, Lange, Stowa, Laco & Wempe)
3. A tool watch that isn’t a diver

Depending on the level of personalization, the Karlsruhe will set you back at least USD$1000, and can reach upwards of $1.5K. Is it worth the money? If we’re looking at it through the “OG 5” lens, then without question, yes. It’s probably the most affordable entry into the German flieger space. But, if you just want a flieger-style watch, and don’t care very much about the history or brand? AliExpress has got you covered in abundance. At the end of the day, all fliegers look pretty much the same.

Laco Karlsruhe: Closing Thoughts

Aesthetics: A classic flieger from a heritage brand that incorporates modern engineering all in a personalizable experience. Choose from a bead-blasted case, 37mm or 40mm case; it’s a flieger that you can customize to your exact liking.

Comfort: The most comfortable flieger I’ve ever had. Sits really nice on my 6 inch wrists without protruding lugs. 37mm case is to die for and the thinness is perfect.

Price: Starting from UD$1000, and being part of the OG Five, it’s hard to beat for this price. Especially with the built quality, and the level of personalization, it’s one of, if not the best affordable flieger out there, for any wrists.

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