Laco Atacama.3

The German watchmaker Laco has introduced a significant evolution in its line of rugged, mission-oriented timepieces with the release of the new Atacama.3 series. This third-generation model builds upon the established foundation of its predecessors, incorporating a series of purposeful refinements aimed at enhancing durability, ergonomics, and overall functionality. The Atacama has long been recognized as a formidable tool watch, and this latest iteration seeks to sharpen that identity while improving its everyday wearability.



Founded in 1925, Laco Uhrenmanufaktur has a history deeply embedded in the production of functional and precise instruments. As the company approaches its centennial, its legacy is most famously tied to the Second World War era, when it was one of a handful of companies tasked with producing the large observation watches, or "Beobachtungsuhren," for the German air force. These 55mm behemoths were not fashion accessories; they were critical navigational tools prized for their accuracy and immediate legibility. This heritage of function over form continues to inform the brand's design philosophy today, bridging its historical significance with contemporary watchmaking.



The Atacama series represents a modern interpretation of this functionalist ethos, translated from the cockpit to the field. Developed with input from emergency services, military personnel, and special units, the Atacama line was conceived to withstand the harshest conditions where reliability is non-negotiable. The Atacama.3 continues this tradition, refining the formula rather than rewriting it. It maintains the core DNA that defined the collection while introducing enhancements that reflect user feedback and advancements in material science.



One of the most immediately noticeable improvements in the Atacama.3 is its case profile. While retaining its formidable 46 mm diameter, the watch now presents a surprisingly sleek silhouette, with a total height of under 12 mm. This represents a reduction of nearly 2 mm from its predecessor, a significant change that directly impacts how the watch feels on the wrist. For a robust automatic watch engineered for extreme durability, this slimmer profile is a remarkable achievement in engineering, moving it away from being purely a specialized tool to a more versatile daily companion.



The case itself is a study in purposeful design. Machined from stainless steel, it features a distinctive conical shape that helps it wear smaller than its dimensions might suggest. For this new generation, Laco has opted for a Diamond-Like Carbon (DLC) coating. This advanced surface treatment creates a layer of carbon with properties similar to natural diamond, resulting in a finish that is substantially harder and more scratch-resistant than the previously used PVD coatings. The result is a deep, matte black surface that minimizes reflections and reinforces the watch’s utilitarian character, ready to endure the rigors of any mission or daily challenge.



A hallmark of the Atacama design is the unconventional placement of the screw-down crown at the 12 o’clock position. This is not merely a stylistic quirk; it is a highly practical design choice. By integrating the crown between the lugs, it is shielded from impacts and, crucially, cannot dig into the back of the wearer's wrist during strenuous activity. This positioning is made possible by a double-jointed, flexible lug system that allows the strap to articulate freely, ensuring the large case conforms snugly and comfortably to the wrist.



Laco has introduced a critical safety feature to this crown system, first proven in their Atacama Quartz UTC model. A small but highly visible orange tube is now present on the crown assembly. When the crown is fully screwed down, this orange ring is concealed, providing immediate visual confirmation that the watch is sealed. If the orange is visible, the user knows the crown is not secured. This simple, color-coded indicator is a significant enhancement for a watch boasting a water resistance rating of up to 50 ATM, equivalent to 500 meters.



Legibility remains a paramount concern, and the dial of the Atacama.3 has been redesigned to maximize clarity. The matte black dial serves as a high-contrast background for the bold Arabic numerals and indices. A new, beveled chapter ring has been added to the outer edge of the dial, creating a sense of visual depth and improving readability from oblique angles. This subtle enhancement makes the dial appear flatter and more focused, drawing the eye to the critical time-telling elements without distraction.



To ensure performance in any lighting condition, the hands, numerals, and indices are generously coated with Super-LumiNova C3. Laco employs a two-tone lume application to aid in intuitive, at-a-glance reading in the dark. The hour and second hands, along with the dial markers, glow with a vibrant green light. In contrast, the minute hand—often the most critical for timing specific durations—glows in a distinct orange. This color differentiation is a hallmark of Laco's mission watches, designed for maximum function when every second counts.



The unidirectional rotating bezel is another key functional component. Unlike the dive timers found on most watches, the Atacama.3 features a countdown bezel. The markings are arranged to count down backwards, in an anti-clockwise direction. This is particularly useful for coordinating deployments or missions, allowing a user to set a specific duration and easily track the remaining time until an event.



Powering the automatic versions of the Atacama.3 is the Laco 200 movement, which is based on the robust and reliable Swiss Sellita SW 200 calibre. This workhorse movement operates at 28,800 vibrations per hour and features 26 jewels, hacking seconds for precise time-setting, and a date complication conveniently located at the 6 o'clock position. Laco offers the movement in the Elaboré grade as standard, with an optional upgrade to the higher-spec Top grade available for those seeking enhanced precision. A sapphire crystal on the screwed-down case back offers a view of the decorated movement.



Responding to demand from professional users, Laco now offers the Atacama.3 with a solid stainless steel bracelet, in addition to the traditional rubber strap. The bracelet is fully DLC-coated to match the case, creating a unified and exceptionally durable package. It features a folding clasp with a safety lock to prevent accidental opening and is equipped with quick-release spring bars, allowing for easy, tool-free strap changes. This versatility enhances the watch's ability to transition between different environments and applications. The standard rubber strap option remains available, providing a comfortable and resilient alternative suited for wet conditions.



The new collection is comprised of three distinct models. The first is the Atacama.3, product number 861632.3, which features the automatic Laco 200 movement and is fitted with the black robust rubber strap. This model serves as the baseline for the new generation, offering all the core upgrades in the most straightforward configuration.



The second model is the Atacama.3 MB, product number 861632.3.MB. This variant is mechanically identical to the standard model, featuring the same automatic Laco 200 movement, 46 mm DLC case, and 50 ATM water resistance. The key difference is the inclusion of the new, fully DLC-coated solid stainless steel bracelet, offering a more substantial and integrated look and feel on the wrist.



The third model in the lineup is the Atacama Quarz UTC MB, product number 862163.MB. This version is powered by a Swiss Ronda 515.24 quartz movement, which offers the added functionality of a second time zone, or UTC (Coordinated Universal Time). The time in the second time zone is indicated by an orange, skeletonized arrowhead hand that points to a 24-hour scale printed on the dial. This model has a slightly slimmer case at 10.5 mm and a water resistance of 20 ATM (200 meters). It comes standard on the DLC-coated metal bracelet.



The overall wrist presence of the Atacama.3 is undeniable, yet its design is carefully considered to maximize comfort. While the 46 mm diameter and 63 mm lug-to-lug measurement sound imposing, the flexible lug system is the key to its wearability. The lugs pivot to wrap around the wrist, mitigating the length and allowing the watch to sit securely. The weight, at 195 grams for the automatic version on the bracelet, is substantial and reassuring, befitting a watch of this caliber.



Each Atacama.3 watch is delivered in a robust, water- and dust-protected box, further underscoring its identity as a piece of serious equipment designed to be deployed in challenging environments right out of the box. This attention to detail in the packaging complements the watch itself, signaling that it is more than just an accessory but a reliable tool.



Laco's commitment to quality is evident throughout the watch. The use of hard sapphire crystal on both the front and the exhibition case back (on automatic models) ensures a high degree of scratch resistance, protecting the watch's face and its mechanical heart from the rigors of daily use.



The new Laco Atacama.3 collection is available for purchase directly from Laco and its authorized dealers. The Atacama.3 on a rubber strap is priced at $1,350.00 USD. The Atacama.3 MB on the new DLC-coated steel bracelet is priced at $1,450.00 USD. The quartz-powered Atacama Quarz UTC MB is available for $760.00 USD. These prices position the collection as a competitive option for those seeking a German-engineered tool watch with a unique design and a robust feature set.



Atacama.3 MB



Case: Stainless steel with black DLC plating, 46 mm diameter, 12 mm height, 63 mm lug-to-lug. Features a turnable countdown bezel, flexible lugs, sapphire crystal front and back, and 50 ATM water resistance. Protected screw-down crown at 12 o'clock.

Movement: Automatic Laco 200, based on the Swiss Sellita SW 200 calibre, 26 jewels.

Dial: Matte black with Arabic numerals and indices coated in Super-LumiNova C3. Date at 6 o'clock. Hour and second hands feature green C3 lume, minute hand features orange lume.

Strap: Black DLC-plated stainless steel bracelet with a folding clasp and safety clip. 22 mm lug width with quick-release spring bars.

Price: US $1,450.00

Reference Number: 861632.3.MB

Notes: Unique crown placement at 12 o'clock features a visible orange indicator to confirm it is screwed down. The combination of flexible lugs and a slimmer sub-12mm case height improves ergonomics on the wrist.





Atacama.3



Case: Stainless steel with black DLC plating, 46 mm diameter, 12 mm height, 63 mm lug-to-lug. Features a turnable countdown bezel, flexible lugs, sapphire crystal front and back, and 50 ATM water resistance. Protected screw-down crown at 12 o'clock.

Movement: Automatic Laco 200, based on the Swiss Sellita SW 200 calibre, 26 jewels.

Dial: Matte black with Arabic numerals and indices coated in Super-LumiNova C3. Date at 6 o'clock. Hour and second hands feature green C3 lume, minute hand features orange lume.

Strap: Black robust rubber strap with a black-plated stainless steel buckle. 22 mm lug width.

Price: US $1,350.00

Reference Number: 861632.3

Notes: The rubber strap is available in two lengths to accommodate different wrist sizes. Features a visible orange indicator on the crown to confirm it is screwed down for water resistance.





Atacama Quarz UTC MB



Case: Stainless steel with black PVD plating, 46 mm diameter, 10.5 mm height, 63 mm lug-to-lug. Features a unidirectional rotating countdown bezel, flexible lugs, flat sapphire crystal, and 20 ATM water resistance. Screwed stainless steel case back.

Movement: Swiss Quartz movement Ronda 515.24.

Dial: Matte black with indices coated in Super-LumiNova C3. Features an inner 24-hour track in orange for the second time zone.

Strap: Black metal bracelet with black DLC plating, a folding clasp and safety clip. 22 mm lug width with quick-release spring bars.

Price: US $760.00

Reference Number: 862163.MB

Notes: Quartz model with a UTC (Coordinated Universal Time) complication, indicated by a fourth, orange skeletonized hand. Thinner case profile at 10.5 mm.