Lanco Pilot/Navigator Military Manual Winding Nickel Plated 41mm Glossy Dial 1930

Lanco Vintage Military Pilot Watch – All Original, Untouched, Rare Condition

Lanco, originally known as the Langendorf Watch Company, was founded in the 1870s and became one of Switzerland’s largest watch manufacturers by the mid-20th century. The brand specialized in mass-market and mid-range watches, producing over a million watches annually at its peak. In the 1960s, it was acquired by SSIH (now part of Swatch Group), positioning it as a competitor to Omega and Tissot. However, the quartz crisis in the 1970s led to Lanco’s decline, and the brand was eventually discontinued in the 1980s, with an unsuccessful revival attempt in 1994 under Swatch Group.

The specific Lanco watch model you are looking at is a vintage piece from the 1940s. It features a “tonneau” (barrel-shaped) case, which was a popular design at the time. The dial is typical of the era, with a square small seconds subdial at six o’clock, blued hands, and a glossy black minute track on a cream-colored face. This model embodies classic mid-20th-century Swiss watch design and craftsmanship.

Key Details To Consider

This antique Lanco military pilot watch remains in completely original and unrestored condition, preserving its historical integrity. The nickel-plated case exhibits wear consistent with its military use, a testament to its role in the field.

The black glossy dial has aged remarkably well, retaining its original radium lume, which still glows briefly under UV light. The blued steel hands, also featuring the original lume, match the dial perfectly.

With an impressive 41mm x 45mm case, this watch offers a substantial presence on the wrist. The movement was serviced by the previous owner and continues to keep accurate time.

Paired with a new vintage-style 22mm black leather NATO strap, this rare military timepiece is a significant addition for collectors of wartime aviation history.

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