Watches Of The Dunkirk & The Battle Of Britain Movies - Omega CK2129 & Laco Friedrichshafen Review 

Very informative and enjoyable production TGV. Another example of how our passion for watches, and indeed the watches themselves, transcend time and create an intimate bond with another time and place. Whether it be a futuristic sci-fi association, or as in this case a historical one, these "artifacts" we collect and admire are more than the sum of the parts. Strapping on my Omega Sea Master and instantly having that link to the "Greatest Generation" is a humbling experience.

Cool fact: All the ticking in the music of Dunkirk is from Christopher Nolan's personal watch.

You got me hooked on watches now. I guess its my new hobby now.

Very informative. Putting another movie on my list. I agree it's very odd that Omega has never made a CK2129 reissue. I'm willing to bet it happens eventually. Thanks for the video!

Hi TGV, great video as always. I recently purchased a Laco Dortmund with the hand wound ETA 2801-2 movement. I can highly recommend this time piece for anyone wanting a modern iteration of the classic WW2 flieger. It is a beautifully made and finished watch by one of the original manufacturers that supplied the Luftwaffe in WW2.

Just discovered your channel over the last 2 days and have probably watched 2 dozen of your videos since. Despite owning 17 sub $200.00 watches, I haven't worn one since the advent of the smartphone. I want to congratulate you on single handedly reinvigorating my interest and passion for watches in general. I've longed for an Omega Seamaster for nearly 2 decades, but have never owned one. Thank you for reminding me of this, as I have long set this idea aside. I'd also like to thank you for suggesting various other merchandise from Lacoste, New Balance (my fave) and King and Country Military Soldiers. I've literally spent hours researching timepieces, toys from my youth, shoes, and now NATO watch bands. I may even get my watch band replaced on my decade plus old Seiko automatic! NATO? You might cost me a fortune, but I love it! Fantastic and "robust" channel! Cheers to you mate!

I saw the movie on Sunday past, and my nerves were shot throughout the entire film. Nolan instantly captured the audience's attention and had us locked to the screen from beginning to end. I felt nothing but fear, pride, and sympathy for the characters we were introduced to. I do agree, that I was holding back tears when we watched Ferrier (Tom Hardy) land and abandon his Spitfire (in slow motion), only to meet a sad, uncertain end following his heroic acts. The incorporation of the CK2129 was so well placed and I found it rather exciting to see the great wrist shots in the film. I also love the fact that Tom Hardy was the one wearing it! I loved the review, TGV! So educational and enjoyable to watch. For England! Nathan

One of my favorite intros by far. Dunkirk was fantastic and the bits of horology in it were icing on the cake. And the Laco is gorgeous, though extremely large. Extremely informative and entertaining, as always!

Beautiful presentation. Wonderful history. I now want that Laco. Of course, it would be fantastic to have a WWII Omega pilot watch. I am amazed at the high quality of your narration. The amount of detail/information in this video is astounding. I haven't seen the movie yet, but thanks to you, I want to see it as soon as possible. History and Horology -- what an enlightening combination! Well done, sir!

Visting Laco last month in Phorzheim was a very unique experience as my loved partner bought a very nice watch. Never expected her to be a german Watch fan. Now we both share the experience. BTW it is much nicer than buying shoes or boots. The price value and quality relation is very good!! Having Miyota and ETA movements. Mechanical and quartz options. Cases are really well finished and it came with a leather nato strap and a Miyota automatic movement. On the other hand another supplier ot watches during second world war was Silvana. The made stainless steel watches for the SS.

This video is a masterpiece! No exageration. From the horology and historical perspective. i was engrossed. Stowa type A is my next purchase im saving for. But after that, a Laco type B from seeing this video.Thank you so much. Andy Mcintyre.

TGV, I'm rather new to your channel but in a short time of a couple weeks you have helped me understand why the watch is still relevant and quite essential in today's modern times. This review is a perfect example of how the "timepiece" is a great bridge of our past to our present. Why putting something on your wrist can make you feel connected to something bigger than yourself. Thank you for doing all the research and presenting it to your viewers with passion and with high production value. Your channel is the reason I have started wearing a watch again. Bravo.

The audio mastering on Durkirk is amazing! That's what impressed me the most about the movie.

Great stuff TGV. I really wish that omega would release some re issues of their military watches. Perhaps we need to get a 'Military (watch) Monday' thing happening, similar to the Speed Tuesday, to whet their appetite for some re issues!

Fun fact, the ticking used in much of Dunkirk's soundtrack was recorded from a WWII vintage watch in Nolan's collection (don't know which model).

Hi TGV. Great video ! I'm French and I grew up on the border with Germany. The German culture always had a big influence in my life, and maybe that's the reason why I leave in Berlin today. Concerning the term "Replica", some people use it because it's the name given by Laco to one of their 45mm Model and thus written " Replika 45". I can't afford it yet, but I'm sure the Friedrichshafen will be in my collection one day. The meaning of this watch fits in a great way to what I am and where I'm coming from. And of top of that, I lived 3 years in Lindau, right beside Friedrichshafen. I'm glad I discovered this show few months ago and I highly believe that the few pieces in my collections have been bought thanks to you. Have a great day !

Christopher Nolan is so awesome. True story, my father-in-law went to high school with Nolan's mom here in Rocky River(Cleveland, Ohio). When I found that out after his 50th year reunion I had a fanboygasim!! I married well, lol.

I wish my Father was still with us TGV, he'd have loved this video and would have appreciated your time and enthusiasm here buddy. Thank you.

the best intro by far

World War II and watches, my two favorite subjects in one video. I concur with the others, outstanding intro.

Lovely watches! Laco are very under rated, if you want a flieger then Laco make some of the best available and they are good value. Their entry level flieger watches are also much better than some might expect from the modern price.

Sir, I admit I might be a bit biased (as I also am a fan of Nolan's films) but I think that intro was your finest work yet. While I've always loved your use of Wagner for the title card, I think this was the most appropriate transition yet! Excellent review of yet another beautiful watch and some more fascinating Omega brand history; I loved them before this video I think I love them more now. Looking forward to the next one. Cheers!

One of my favorite videos of yours! Loved the history covered in the video and, my God, that intro! I would love to see more horological history incorporated in future videos like this one! Also I must see Dunkirk now, thanks for the recommendation!

I've been watching your channel for a few years now because i really enjoy your videos. Watching Dunkirk a few weeks ago actually got me rewatching a lot of your videos because I really want a watch after seeing the significant role it played in the movie. And now you are reviewing the actual watch. Great video. Thank you. Cheers!

Maybe "reissue" is a better term. It's not nearly as pejorative as "replica," but still conveys the idea of an extremely faithful rendition.

Perhaps your best yet! I thoroughly enjoyed the historical perspective along with the review. Thanks for continuously stepping up the quality of your content. Cheers!

One more great production TGV! This Laco Fliegeruhr is a really stunning timepiece. It's definitely part of my wishlist. Regards from Brazil, Phelipe

A great watch and I appreciate the flieger watches.. Although not popular today I think they will make a come back especially with watch geeks. Love the shows and enjoy watching

The best review on Omega WW2 and fleiger watches I have seen. Ever since watching Dunkirk I have been trying to find information on this. TGV has addressed my curiosity on the subject. Thanks. Love the intro and the great narrative. Now I feel like I want to get a WW2 era Omega and a Laco. You should be paid royalties from these watch companies. The only downside is you have just helped make these watches in more demand and they will become even more expensive !!

My grandfather did the WW2 and after he returned home the first watch that he bought was an Omega that now I proudly wear.

I discovered your channel a couple of weeks ago and been catching up with your videos but this is BY FAR my favorite episode! The amount of design and engineering considerations put on these watches are astounding and changed my perspective. I never knew I needed this new hobby but now here I am. Congratulations on your channel!

Supermarine Spitfire. My favourite WW2 plane of all time. Kept drawing them as a kid back in school. Good evening to you sir.

Omega really should do a re-issue....imagine a Poppy emblem on the crown in Red..

Very nice this watch .... I now work near Friedrihshafen and I have to go there to see the watch.

Looking back at this video (which I'd missed before) I thought I'd link to a useful article on the 1940 RAF watches. thespringbar.com/blogs/guides/6b-159-weems/#MOVADO_6B_159_WEEMS Omega was one of several producers of the RAF mk VIIa. I'm lucky enough to have one of the rarer Movado watches which my father acquired as military surplus in the late 1940's.

Though I have purchased the phenomenally beautiful Stowa Flieger Klassik 40 Automatic Baumuster B (B-Dial) Vintage 90th Anniversary Limited Edition timepiece with date (being built now and delivered mid-September), I totally agree with you regarding Laco and it's far more historically accurate Flieger timepieces. Laco Flieger style timepieces are stunning in their own right, and have far more variations from movement, styles, sizes and dial types, than almost any other Flieger maker. Like Stowa, they are one of the original five Flieger makers and both make dials as they once did (the others three not so much). A shoutout to both Steinhart and Archimede is also necessary as, though both are much newer to the Flieger game (and don't have the big five Flieger historical background), both make excellent alternative Flieger's with very similiar Baumuster dials too, and interesting case designs or case backs. Here is a link to my Stowa Flieger B-Dial Date 90th Annie watch: www.stowa.de/en/Flieger+Klassik+40+Baumuster+B+limited+90+years+automatic.htm For those who don't know, these Flieger watches with Baumuster designs are called Beobachtungs-uhren, also known as B-Uhr (plural is B-Uhren). Please read Monochrome-Watches amazing article about the history of Pilot Flieger watches for more info: monochrome-watches.com/the-history-of-the-pilot-watch-part-five-b-uhr/ I prefer the Flieger B-Dial (central Arabic hour makings, outer Arabic minute miniute markings) types over A-Dial (outer Arabic hour markings), only because these are far more unique looking pilot watches and dials, and many watches are in sorta of A-Dial configuration anyway. Moreso, B-Dial's are by far the easiest watches to read time, I dare say THE best for reading time over any design created over the long history of watch making! For me, a nice dress watch (perhaps Stowa Klassik Marine Silver Dial?) fit the A-Dial look better. Yet, it is nice that people can choose either variation. Secondly, a sterile dial is just as unique on watch faces, especially Flieger one's, and adds that extra mystery; they can add as a great conversation piece to onlookers. As much as having a name on a watch makes it easier to identify, I like the sterile dials for ultra percision time-reading and unique look. Laco and Stova allow you to choose logo or sterile A or B-Dials too, which is awesome. Both Stova and Laco have real, heat-blue steel hands too, which is a major advantage over blue painted Flieger watches. These hands are mesmerising when light catches the dial at the right moment. I chose Stova over Laco for my watch because I wanted to have a contempary piece (case design, limited edition numbered run, unique SuperLuminova 'Old Radium' Colour similar to C1, FL23883 engraved as standard, etc) that marries the old world Flieger dial and modern world semi-dress case/design look. The case finishing on Stova Klassik Flieger's are just dizzingly beautiful, and because Stova sell direct, watches are affordable (Stova watches ought to cost more otherwise!). Stova also allow you to choose between automatic (ETA 2824-2 TOP, blue screws) or handwould (ETA ETA 2804-2, blue screws. Occasionally UNITAS 6498-1). My Stowa Flieger B-Dial 90th Annie is unique as it is one of the super rare B-Dial Fliger's with a date window complication. Personally, I love exhibitaion caseback display windows to show-off the beautiful movements, so another win for Stova for me. A detriment to Stowa is that, outside of the 90th Anniversary watches Limited Edition runs (many types, go have a looksee), you will need to pay extra to have the historically accurate side case engraving on the normal Klassik Flieger lines: FL23883 However, if I wanted a proper, almost historically accurate, Flieger, Laco is my choice. They even have the engraved FL23883 as standard on all of their Flieger's, from the cheap and accurate quartz to their more expensive offerings, but none have an exhibition display case back. The Laco Friedrichshafen that you have in your video is one of my highest recommendations to anyone interested in accurate Flieger watch. Alternatively, if you want the same design look but weathered, go for the Laco Paderborn Erbstück, which is deliberatley aged too look used and vintage: www.laco.de/en/watches/pilot-watches-original/pilot-watch-paderborn-erbstueck Hope more Flieger watches are covered in the future too!

Excellent research TGV! Speaking of Michael Caine - he reprised his 'Battle of Britain' role in 'Dunkirk'...he does the voice-over of the wing-leader of the 3 spitfires. You hear him, but never see him. And then they see his wreakage in the sea. I don't think many people have noticed his small role in the movie! I suspected it was his voice, and noticed 'Sir Michael Caine' buried in the credits near the end. A bit of trivia for you!

Overwhelming, TGV, the amount of information you supply to your viewers about Omega and other watch companies (i.e. Longines, JLC, Laco) that played a dominant role during the time of the Second World War. These early Omega watches were very attractive timepieces. Not only have I learned a whole lot about several watches of this era, particularly military style watches, but you've given me a big appetite for an Omega watch. And I ask, what other watch channel supplies the kind of information and quality photos that you provide? By the way, you give a very good movie review.

I had actually requested a review of a modern B-Uhr Type B flieger from you a few weeks ago in the comments, so thank you very much for this sir! As an avid fan of military aviation and the Supermarine Spitfire in particular, Dunkirk really hit the spot for me. Definitely another win for Christopher Nolan. And of course for Tom Hardy, the man who can act with just his eyeballs.

TGV, now that you mention, I have to agree that one of Christopher Nolan's unique themes is Time. I also think he has a quite dark way of filming which is very appealing to me. Can't wait to watch this movie.

Wonderful video TGV; thank you for sharing. Omega really deserves some credit for their efforts in the wars. There is one thing I'd differ with you on. In WW1 radio was in it's infancy and very unreliable. In order to coordinate multi-step attacks across long fronts watches were used along with other things like flares. Artillery bombardments needed to end at the right time so infantry could advance and not be hit for instance. I recommend Storm of Steel by Ernst Jünger for a grounds eye view of WW1. Thanks again for your wonderful work.

A new pinnacle on your marvellous channel! Superb work of tremendous interest Sincere thanks once again,raise a glass Sir !

Never thought I'd hear Basil's Conan score over Zimmer's Dunkirk! Love it lol.

5 years later still coming back to this

Very informative my late grandfather was in the Commando’s during WW2 so timing was very important especially due to raids eg Navarone , St Nazaire , Norway and various raids on Germany

Oh that intro in the beginning just fucking amazing

I saw Dunkirk the day after it came out and I have been waiting since then for your Dunkirk watches video

Another Fantastic vlog TGV, so much history revealed. I did not know the nomenclature for B type till I watch this. *B for *Beobachtung. I am glad this video sort of validated my purchase of the Laco Flieger Baumuster Beobachtung. Cheers 🍻

I have the laco paderborn and I absolutely love it. The case of the laco fliegers are the most closest to those of the original fleiger watches from ww2. This is one watch that looks better the more beat up it gets

Fantastic review and FUCKING AWESOME INTRO!!!

I did it I bought the tissot v8 as my first watch at 16 for a great price. Thank you for getting me into this fantastic hobby. Great video as usual tgv.

Well now I have to watch Dunkirk

The Omega you initially referenced is a fantastic design. I would think if Omega reproduced it today it would be a massive seller. Great report!

Beautiful intro! Haven't watched this movie yet, but it's a Christoper Nolan movie, what's not to like?! Heard also a lot about it and the watches that are included in the movie. Can't wait! 👍

That was a great review! - I bought the Laco Paderborn (42mm) and love it. It was actually a replacement of sorts for my old Seiko SNK809 - outside of my Sub, it was my favorite watch. The Beadblasted case is beautiful and resists fingerprints! You’d be proud, as I put it on a blue-grey nato from ADPT straps. I enjoyed listening to the history of Omega - they really should reissue that watch.

TGV thank you so very much for a brilliantly researched and accurate review of a watch that l was issued with so many years ago when l was a Spitfire Pilot. I have been a reader of your channel for many months and have bought several of your recommended watches. Many thanks for 'stirring' my old memory into action of a time when we really did have a 'GREAT' in front of 'BRITAIN' Dr Barrie Penhaligan Ph.D United Kingdom

What an excellent and comprehensive review - I can't wait to see the movie now. Those were some beautiful pictures you presented as well!

Hi TGV Wonderful historic watch indeed... Personally I like the RAF "Dirty Dozen" watches just as well, but the Luftwaffe watches is truly interesting too. Really on the edge when it comes to inventing devices dedicated for a certain purpose. Typical clever German ingeneering, isn't it - in times of war as well as in times of peace. Thumbs up for for the German inventious spirit (-and for my beautiful BMW car, by the way...)... The 1969 "Battle of Britain" movie is largely historical correct, but it suffers from a opportunistic grounded choice of planes from the period. There were indeed other bombers than Heinkel 111's over Britain at the time - and other fighter aircrafts than the Messersmith 109. The case is, that these were the only ones available at the time of the filming. (The last were borrowed from the Spanish Airforce, who were still using them in 69'...). When it comes to the RAF planes they seem to have been more well equipped. Well; a case for WW2 geeks, I guess 🙄 I haven't watched (!) the film"Dunkirk" yet, but I'm looking forward to it.... Keep up the good work👍

Great vid! Didn't realize the full extent of support Omega gave to the allied forces during the two World Wars. The second I left from watching a 70mm presentation of Dunkirk, I started looking into the Omega Weems and, with all their James Bond watches they've been releasing lately, had figured maybe I missed something that coincided with the movie release, but couldn't even find a normal reissue of the style after all these years, which was kind of disappointing. I guess the modern Seamaster does kind of overlap with it in terms of function and maybe they don't think a screw down crown would sell well in this era, but Dunkirk (film) has got me interested in the Glycine Airman of all things because of it, lol

Excellent! Movies and watches are my 2 greatest passions and you always deliver in style!

The Omega ref#CK2129 looks very similar to the VOSTOK AMPHIBIAN #658 which was first made around the same time period and is still available. An interesting presentation/review as usual Tristano.

Excellent presentation. Thanks for yet another informative and interesting video. And, I suppose, for growing my want list even longer, the Laco being close to the top. I agree that Omega should reprise that beauty. I'd sign up for one of the first ones.

Thanks for finally being able to articulate, exactly what watch I want for a long time. Really appreciate it

Great edition , nice f91w , I have a f105w pretty similar to f91w. nice vintage watches. Thanks

I'd love to see this watch come back. With so many damn reissues of the speedmaster, let's get some awesome WWII era watches back out here

Great intro and well researched. My opinion of Omega has just gone right up. Yep it does beg the question as to why Omega hasn,t re issued some of the models

Was hoping you'd make a video on this while I was watching the movie last week. :D

What an outstanding review,You have just blown the competition into the sea,Now im off to search laco,my friend.

Thanks TGV, now I have the perfect watch to give to my father. I just need to save enough...I checked the basic pilot, half the price but too many small differences that I don't think I like.

Thanks TGV. Very nice video. I got to see some authentic 1930s Lange fliegers in the Glashuette watch museum this year. The largest one I saw was at least 75mm! Looked like a wall clock with a leather belt attached.

Your video presentation is spectacular, TGV. I have owned the Stowa Flieger, A dial, sterile, and no date for years now, and it's still one of my favorite watches. Easy to read! I would be interested in you covering American pilot watches. I haven't looked into these before, but it would be great too see a video like this about them. Cheers, A.E.

Tommy flowers was the main man responsible for the Colossus computer, it had nothing to do with the enigma code machines, it was used to help break the far far more complex Lorenz teleprinter codes.

The Kurosawa invocation really got my attention. Indeed.

Excellent video. Loved Dunkirk - it and Interstellar are my 2 favorite Nolan movies. Would be wonderful if Omega brought back something like the CK2129 today - esp with those blued poire style hands! Ciao, John

Dunkirk was such an emotional movie! I cried like a baby! If you didn't, you're not human. Love those Spitfires!

Excellent video. I recently saw a limited edition re-issue of the 1938 Omega pilot's watch. Instead of manual wind movement it had that very complicated co-axial movement in it. I can't remember exact price of that watch but it was very expensive. Longines also recently did a re-issue of the 1940 Angle Hour model but it had the automatic movement and I believe a see through back. These watches should have been re-issued with manual wind movements to be more true to the originals.

For all fan of pilot watch, that one (the B version ) is a must have compare to all the orhers flieger. And, to finish the collection of True aviation watch (original): a breguet type XX and zenith rainbow flyback.

Love that Laco, thank you so much!

Christopher Nolan and Omega......He has got to direct the next James Bond now! I loved the reference to the 1969 film Battle of Britain. As a life long aviation nut this movie coming on television (Pre days of home video) was a major event in my house in the 70's. Except for one moment: watching the movie as a 3 year old I was always horrified at the scene where blood sprays all over the Heinkel gunner's goggles, always sent me running out of the room. To calm me down my mother said it was only oil, as it was a common convention in those movies to have oil gushing over a pilot's goggles when his aircraft was shot up. "You could teach............MONKEYS to fly better than that!" As always your technical knowledge just goes from strength to strength. Bravo!

Amazing video! I love when you include watches and history!

Totally in love with the intro music! Conan the Barbarian is legend.

Right when I saw the omega watch in the movie I knew I would be seeing a video on this channel about it! Thanks TGV!

Hi TGV, Once again, another enjoyable and informative video. I love how you always give balanced and objective reviews on watches. I've read a few magazines articles on military watches and there is a real affinity between the British military with Omega and Rolex. Such wonderful history in which, time and again, the British military have relied on these two brands to supply timepieces that are essential tools for operations to be successful due to their robustness and precision. Those watches supplied to the British military have literally save lives. I have two Laco watches and I am extremely happy with the look, feel and performance of both watches. One is a 45mm Luftwaffe with the Type B dial and the other is a contemporary pilot's chronograph. I would love to see you review one of Laco's contemporary pilot's watches. EIther the Spirit of St Louis or the JU model. Cheers.

the best intro with the soundtrack from "Conan the Barbarian", wow

I have not seen the movie yet. Looks really good. Now I can look forward to the watch scenes too. Love the pictures you include of the military leaders of the cause. Wonderful editing as usual. Great review of the Laco!

I was so intrigued by his watch that in the theatre I googled to find out what kind of watch he had on haha, so glad you did this video.

I love your vids that touch on how watches played important parts in different historical events. thrilling stuff!

Like always,an amazing video.The funny thing is, many people think the B Uhr was worn by pilots, although it was only worn by navigators. The real pilot watch, fighter pilot watch, was the Hanhart and Tutima Urofa chronograph.Hanhart did a great reissue of this watch some years ago, which is very true to the detail. Also Tutima did a reissue, but it is less good.Could you do a review of the Hanhart Chrono someday?:)

Oh boy! You stepped up your game... AGAIN!!! The intro was fantabulous. I love the Fliegers in general. I have one myself and I'm aiming at a Fortis Flieger Professional. That second hand and all... Gorgeous if you ask me.

Another exquisite episode TGV, thank you! After having watched Dunkirk myself, the first thing I did when I got home was browse WWII horology for a good hour or two, and this video has still taught me so much more. My only hope is that you didn't take it to heart when some comments on previous episodes critiqued the louder background music. Music is a wonderful touch to your channel; and sadly for me at least, it was difficult to clearly hear on this video, even through my studio headphones. Turning up the knobs just a smidgen might again enliven the Pavarotti-esque dimensions to your narration. :D Thanks again, and looking forward to the next one.

Great review .You could buy the 55 mm Laco and hang it on the wall .Interesting they were still going for the pocket watch with added lugs look that late .

Hi TGV! Have you ever heard of the brand Hurlingham ? If so what are your thoughts ?

I watched Dunkirk several days ago and I knew you're going to review the watch soon. I just love that Nolan actually spend several previous seconds to show how the pilot use the watch's bezel. It's always about details. Also regarding why Omega never re-released their WW2 flight watches I believe that Omega execs are out of touch with current trend. They felt so comfortable with their master series sales they never try to communicate with their fans more or reaching out to younger generations. Also Long Island Watch just released a new video for Seiko Presage series that's pretty much American version of Seiko SARB cocktail. Any plan to review it?

Excellent show Tristano! Love the Laco. I have the "A" dial and it's amazing.

Definitely great intro. After watching the moving a couple of weeks ago with my daughter knew that you will make a video about it. Awesome !!!!

The new Omega 'Airmaster', a 39mm version of the CK2129. Ooooh, I'd pay good money for that.

I thought you'd post something about the Air Ministry Omega in Dunkirk. When I went to the cinema to see this awesome film, one of the trailers was for Kingsman 2. I couldn't clock what the chap was wearing but I'm pretty sure it wasn't a BREMONT (never heard you mention these fantastic watches - and they offer military discount!) it looked more like a SUUNTO - any ideas?

Wow The best of Best intro !!!

I love how Hans Zimmer incorporates a ticking watch into a lot of those film scores for the aforementioned movies

Such a beautiful watch, the Laco. I didn't know this one, but i'm a fan thanks to you TGV 😊👍🏼 Best regards