Laco introduces their next evolution of their most rugged watch – the Atacama 3.
Press Release details with commentary in italics.
New: Laco Atacama 3
The Laco Atacama 3 Ref. 861632.3 is priced at €1,130 with a rubber strap and €1,230 with a metal bracelet. Both versions come in a water- and dust-resistant protective case and will be will be available starting August 7, 2025.
Commentary
Laco is one of the original producers of the German flight watches, and have continued their portfolio focusing on accessible watches for the masses. Their strength in flieger watches remain. We covered the München Erbstück and the Leipzig in 2021, detailing some of this rich military history.
The pride of the brand is in meeting the demands of field use. Meaning it needed to be tough, strongly constructed and ready for anything the owner might be doing. But being just tough is not enough. These days, the collector demand not only the do-anything ruggedness but also refinement and attention to detail.
This novelty seems to meet these requirements. The watch is rather large at 46mm diameter, but the case is conical, tapering from the bezel to a much smaller case-back. This also allows the bezel to be manipulated easier, especially with gloved hands. Together with articulating lugs, it allows the watch to be worn comfortably on smaller wrists.
The look is black DLC, which gives it the tough-guy looks while retaining the refinement of the nicely knurled bezel edge. And with interesting visual details like the orange triangle ont he bezel matching the stem of the crown.
The movement is the Laco 200, which is the Sellita SW200 in Elaboré grade, but the aesthetics of the movement is nothing to write home about. It works well. It is rugged and fit for the purpose. That’s it.
Release details
Built for the field. Ready for everyday. Refined down to the details.
Mission ready in its third generation: Laco introduces the Atacama.3
Pforzheim, August 2025 – For years, the Laco Atacama has stood out as one of the most distinctive models in the German-based watchmaker’s portfolio, built to meet the highest demands in the field. With the Atacama.3, Laco now introduces a thoroughly refined evolution of the proven Atacama.2: tougher, more ergonomic, and engineered with even greater attention to detail. At first glance, much remains familiar — the bold design, the signature case shape, and the prominent countdown bezel continue to define the third generation. Yet, a closer look reveals a series of thoughtful enhancements that make the watch even more mission-ready — for everyday wear and extreme conditions alike.
Slimmer profile, sharper design
Inspired by the flat quartz version, the case height has been noticeably reduced compared to the previous model and now measures less than 12 millimeters. Combined with flexible lugs, this results in a significantly improved wearing experience – without compromising the watch’s rugged character. Despite its striking 46 mm diameter, the conical case sits comfortably on the wrist, even during extended use. The signature crown at 12 o’clock remains part of the design but now features a practical update: a bright orange indicator clearly shows whether the crown is securely screwed down, essential for maintaining the water resistance of up to 50 ATM. This useful feature was introduced in the Atacama Quartz UTC and is now included in the mechanical Atacama.3.
The dial has also been reworked. A newly beveled chapter ring adds visual depth and improves legibility even from shallow angles. Generous use of Superluminova ensures reliable visibility in darkness and low-light conditions. The two-tone hand design further enhances orientation at a glance.
New finish. Same mission.
For the first time, Laco equips the Atacama.3 with a DLC coating. This diamond-like carbon layer, typically used in high-end timepieces, is harder, more scratch-resistant, and longer-lasting than the previously applied PVD coating – already known for its durability. The deep black finish emphasizes the watch’s functional character and stands up to the toughest conditions. In response to strong demand from professionals and demanding wearers, the Atacama.3 is now also available with a solid stainless steel bracelet in addition to the rubber strap. Of course, it is also finished with the new DLC coating. A sturdy folding clasp with safety catch prevents accidental opening, while quick-release spring bars allow easy strap changes. This makes the watch even more versatile – on duty or off.
A sapphire crystal case back offers a view of the Laco 200 automatic movement, which is based on the Swiss Sellita SW200 in the Elaboré grade. It features hacking seconds, a date display, and proven precision. For those seeking even greater accuracy, an upgrade to the Top grade is optionally available. On the front, a flat, scratch-resistant sapphire crystal ensures maximum durability for everyday wear.
Laco Atacama 3 specifications
Ref. 861632.3
Case: Stainless steel case, black DLC plating, conical case shape, turnable countdown bezel, ø 46 mm, height 12 mm, lug width 22 mm, flexible end pieces, water resistant up to 50 ATM, sapphire crystal, screwed case back with sapphire crystal, protected screw crown at position 12 H
Movement: Automatic movement Laco 200, Basic movement: Sellita SW 200-1 (Elaboré), 26 Jewels, 3 hands, date, second hand stop
Dial: Black mat, arabic figures and indexes with luminous material Superluminova C3, white minute track, date at 6H
Hands: Hour with luminous material Superluminova C3, minute with Superluminova orange, second white with Superluminova C3
Strap: Black robust rubber strap, stainless steel buckle, lug width: 22 mm
Weight: Approx. 117 g (with rubber strap)
Packaging: Robust water- and dust protected box
