A Massive Stainless Steel Aviator's Wristwatch with Black Dial and Sweep Seconds, Laco, No. 1379, Circa 1940

gilt lever movement, 22 jewels, Guillaume balance, black matte dial, luminescent triangular, baton and Arabic numerals, large luminescent hands, sweep seconds, massive satin-finished case with snap back, case signed Lacher & Co, Pforzheim and movement signed Laco.

During World War II, many watch companies began making massive-sized aviator's watches, similar to the present lot, to answer the increased demand for such pieces. A. Lange & Sohne, Vacheron Constantin, Wempe and IWC also produced similar models for both sides of the conflict.

The black dial, dull luminescent numerals and hands, satin-finished case and the long leather strap, big enough to wear on the outside of a flight jacket, all point to the military intentions for this model.