The German brand LACO (aka Lacher & Co.) has recently introduced its the Laco Squad 1000 meter automatic diving ref. 861704 watch.Although that is not exactly the best time to shop for a diving watch (at least, not in the Northern hemisphere) the new German timepiece still deserves some attention.The Laco Squad is available in two versions: one in a black PVD case (Ref. 861703) and the other in a plain satin-finished stainless steel (Ref. 861704.)

If you are not a combat diver and simply shop for an affordable tool watch with a serious water resistance rating, then the Ref. 861704 is, perhaps, the best for you. It is inevitable that the model in a PVD-treated case will get its fair share of scratches and it will happen, probably, sooner than later.

If you are into serious diving, you probably already have a decent diving computer for your right wrist, but it is still pleasant to know that the Laco Squad 1000M is powered by a robust and reliable ETA 2824-2 automatic movement.

By the way, the movement is encased in an antimagnetic cage, a very useful feature, which is not very common in this price range.

The self-winding engine is covered inside a 45 mm case that comes equipped with a helium escape valve, which is located 4 o’clock.

The oversized setting crown has been transferred from the standard place at 3 o’clock to a more unusual position between 9 and 10 o’clock. The matt black dial features raised indexes and eight Arabic numerals, all of them covered with C3 Superluminova.

The hands are also covered with the same luminescent substance with the minute hand featuring orange Superluminova, which is not only a nice touch but also a serious bump in legibility.

Designed by the standards of the German Bundeswehr, the Laco Squad 1000M is surely one of the best divers that you can get in a sub-€2000 range.

Laco Squad 1000 Meter Automatic diving watch (Ref. 861704) specification

Price: €1748 (€1798 for a PVD version)

Movement: ETA 2824-2, automatic, 28,800 vph, Swiss Made

Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds, date

Power reserve: 42 hours

Case material: Stainless steel

Bezel material: Stainless steel

Case shape: Round

Bezel shape: Round

Case size: 45.00 mm

Lug width: N/A

Case height: N/A

Dial: Black

Numerals: Arabic

Hands: Steel

Water resistance: 1000 meters

Strap: Rubber with stainless steel buckle. Screwed lugs

Crystal: Sapphire

Case back: Solid

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