I want to start by saying that I generally like this Laco watch a lot. Also, I am not exactly sure what to call it, as its precise name appears to be somewhat ambiguous. Also, even though this is a very competent black-colored sports watch, I am not sure if Laco knows what else it is. There is a reassuring level of utilitarian competency to this watch, but it lacks… dare I say, imagination. The most interesting parts of the Laco Scorpion Himalaya Black DLC design are the cursive Laco logo on the dial and the seemingly random (though Laco does mention wanting to suggest a shared penchant for toughness and survivability between the creature and the creation) scorpion arthropod produced in three-dimensional relief on the steel caseback.

As I said, I like this tool watch very much, but since this timepiece is a tough ol’ chap, I also feel the need to poke a bit of fun at its almost entire lack of trying to use “design” or serious storytelling as a means of appealing to consumers. A watch like this is far more comfortable keeping water out of the case and stalwartly telling the hours, minutes, and seconds… rather than warming up to anyone who might actually be reading it. No flattery or charm here, just humorless hardcore Teutonic timekeeping in a well-priced package. What’s not to love?

Fans of Laco have seen these watch designs on their website for a few years. So what’s changed? Black as a case color option is what is novel. The larger line of Laco “Sport” watches that includes both a 39 and 42mm-wide case size with various dial color executions, are now mostly all available with this handsome matte black DLC-coated steel case. There is even a matching black DLC bracelet available. Laco just seems to refer to this collection as its “Sport” watches and these models as its “Black Sport Watches.” I’m not really sure if or how “scorpion” fits into the official name. The uncreative introduction to these pieces is, “Black, sporty, and extremely robust.” Laco currently makes four different dial color accent styles, which include the pictured “Himalaya,” as well as the even more orange-themed Mojave, blue-accented Atlantik, and the green-accented Amazonas. Each is decent enough, and I think the choice of names is Laco’s attempt to suggest the variety of places a watch like this is meant to go, though only one of those places is where a scorpion could actually survive. (I need to check and see if there are jungle scorpions….)

Nearly five years ago, aBlogtoWatch reviewed a different version of this Laco Sport watch when looking at the Laco Sport Amazonas with the green accents in the natural steel case. You can see that, at the time, we struggled to give the watch a proper name, but Rob Nudds, who wrote the review, was equally delighted by the focus on functionality and level of options that Laco makes available in such a watch. The options I am referring to when ordering a Laco Black Sport watch actually go above and beyond choosing the case size, dial color, and strap options. Laco continues to offer its buyers a deep level of customization in each build that includes the buyer’s choice of movement decoration and if they wish for a sapphire crystal that has AR (anti-reflective) coating on just the inside or on the outside, as well. I believe this review unit has the AR coating on the inside only, which is more common. I wouldn’t call the glare an issue, even though the crystal is domed, but I can see how the dial would be even clearer to read with double-sided AR coating. Why not coat both sides of the crystal all the time? That’s because AR coatings are fragile and can scratch or wear off, looking ugly in the process. So for daily wearing situations where someone can manage without top-applied AR-coating, it can lead to a better long-term wearing experience unless you want to send your watch back for crystal placements on a regular basis (depending on how rough you are on your watches, of course).

Aside from visual wearing proportions and the actual diameter, there is little difference between the 39mm and 42mm wide versions of these Laco Black Sport watches. Both are water resistant to 300 meters with a screw-down crown, both are 13mm thick, both have 20mm wide lugs, and both have the same Swiss Made Sellita SW200 automatic movement inside of them (Laco offers the option to upgrade from elaboré to top level, bringing accuracy from 0/+14 seconds per day to 0/+8 seconds). The reviewed model is the 42mm size and I like its legibility and heft very much. The watch came on a black rubber strap but I put it on an orange rubber strap from Laco because I liked the looks of that a bit better (buyers can choose the strap of their choice, including NATO, rubber, or a bracelet). However, the more orange text and markings on the Mojave model were a bit too much for me. I really need to compliment Laco on the wearing comfort of these watches. There is really little to complain about in the wearing and operating department. The uni-directional rotating diver’s style timing bezel has a black aluminum insert and is secure. So secure that some might argue it may require just a bit too much force to actually turn the bezel.

The weirdest part of the dial, in my opinion, is some of the maximalized proportions. Everything on the Laco Sport watch dial is effective and well-sized, but it also seems to lack a deeper level of sophistication or style. It looks like a wall clock hung in a place where active professionals work. I wouldn’t call it “minimalist” but rather straightforward and unimaginative. It is as though the designer of this product took the functional part of the creative exercise a bit too literally and wasn’t able to include anything creative or imagination-fuelled here. I don’t really say it as a criticism as much of as an observation, but this Laco watch is one of the most literally-designed (“make a durable sports watch with an analog dial”) items I’ve ever seen in the luxury timepiece space and lacks what you might call an imaginative creative touch. Some people will love this watch for its practical design and lack of flourish, but it is important to identify exactly what it is.

In black, with scratch-resistant DLC coating on the steel case, the Laco Scorpion Black Sport DLC 42 watches (or whatever they are called), are more handsome and tactical looking than their naked steel cousins. It gives them an upgraded look and improves their ability to deliver a modern, masculine personality. Even though the marketing and product positioning are confusing and lack serious depth, Laco delivers where it matters, offering great horological performance in a cost-effective package. As long as there are enough nerdy tool watch lovers out there, Laco can probably continue to skimp on marketing spending, but eventually, it will need to clarify and streamline the presentation of these watches to appeal to a wider group of buyers. Price for the Laco Scorpion Himalaya Black DLC product as reviewed is $1,195 USD. Learn more at the Laco website.

Necessary Information:
>Brand: Laco
>Model:Scorpion Himalaya Black DLC
>Price: $1,195 USD (as reviewed)
>Size: 42mm wide, 13mm thick, 50.5mm long lug-to-lug distance
>When reviewer would personally wear it: As a daily wear or adventure sport watch when something traditional (if not generic) makes sense.
>Friend we’d recommend it to first: German tool watch lover who enjoys black-colored cases and wants a serious watch for a fair price without any flourish.
>Best characteristic of watch: Highly competent affordable mechanical sports watch from most angles, also very comfortable on the wrist. A lack of deep personality doesn’t affect its suitability.
>Worst characteristic of watch: Lacks imagination or much personality. Unclear what the product name is. Perhaps too many options for consumers when purchasing can add to choice paralysis.