Laco vs Stowa Baumuster B

[Slow Lane]

I searched the threads and didn't see anything on head to head with these 2 so appreciate any owner thoughts as you can't try before you buy. I have 2 Rolex Subs, 114060 and 14060 - not planned just happened and given the increasing value and profile of Rolex I want a less expensive weekend / travel watch and have sort of settled on this style. The Stowa seems better appointed, looks more comfortable and like for like seems to be a little less money than the Paderborn Laco variant (I would specify the ETA movement for a comparable quality watch). However, the Laco has a tool appearance that it attractive, while on the negative side also having a more confusing overall product offering which turns me off a bit. I think I will likely go with the Stowa in the 44mm size but interested in real world experiences. Also, I have 7 1/2 " wrists with a pretty flat top and my Subs both fit great but looking to see if I should stick with 40mm.

Lastly while it is considerably more $$ and refined the IWC Pilot Mark XVIII is also a possibility in the historic pilot vein, if the consensus is that is a better "investment" in terms of holding value I might be swayed but then I would have another rather pricey watch which may defeat the purpose of this whole exercise. I can always wear my old plastic Swiss Army from the 90's if need be.

[stevedssd]

I can't comment on Stowa but I had a Laco Paderborn and just didn't gel with it. For me the very long lug-to-lug and straight lugs meant it sat awkwardly in my 7 1/4 inch wrist. I think the Stowa has a more shape lug around the wrist but can't be sure. Also the design of the flieger means it's all dial and looks larger on the wrist than the same size divers watch with a bezel. Just my personal experience of the Laco, it's a nice watch, just not for me

[Slow Lane]

Thanks - very helpful and a strong argument for sticking with 40mm. I did find some informative You Tube videos also which have helped me lean towards the Stowa while liking the Laco for its unapologetic homage to the original.

[ajw45]

You should try to see them in person. Feel in the hand and build quality are hard to get online. For me, stowa all day over the laco and IWC over the stowa if you can swing it. I would get a pre-owned IWC over a new stowa if it's in the budget.

[Slow Lane]

I ordered the Stowa, 40mm, B dial, no date and hand-wound. I am looking forward to it but it will be 4 weeks, only possible remorse is whether the larger dial would have worked on my 7.5" wrist. As I said in the original post I want a watch that will not break my heart if lost or stolen so this should fit the bill. An IWC may be in my future but depends on whether my AD can come through on other Rolex pieces I have expressed interest in. I will update this with a mini-review when it comes in!

[calieng]

I came across this thread and checked out the website. Ended up ordering a couple of the bronze Stowa. They look really nice fore the price.

Also have the 4 week wait. Looking forward to it.

[Slow Lane]

Mine shipped from the works midway through the 4th week pretty much just like they said (3-4 weeks). Early the next day, right after midnight, it landed in Memphis then unaccountably sat there for 4 days before finally resuming its journey to me. Just letting you know LOL...