Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteThe Laco Augsburg Polar 42 and Aachen Polar 42 share a polar-white dial, blue accents, a 42 mm case and the same automatic movement basis. The choice comes down chiefly to dial layout: Augsburg uses the Type A layout, while Aachen uses Type B. Laco lists both as discontinued, so current availability depends on a separately verified seller or pre-owned listing.
How the Augsburg and Aachen Polar 42 differ
The key difference is the arrangement of the dial’s hour and minute markings, not the case size or overall color scheme.
| Model | Dial layout | Reference | Crystal detail listed by Laco |
|---|---|---|---|
| Augsburg Polar 42 | Type A: hour markers, minute markers and central seconds | 862156 | Sapphire crystal |
| Aachen Polar 42 | Type B: hour circle inside, minute scale outside | 862157 | Flat sapphire crystal |
Both designs use a polar-white dial with shimmering blue indexes and thermally blued hands filled with Super-LumiNova C3 Blue Line. Laco describes the lume as light green in daylight and turquoise-blue in darkness; that is the manufacturer’s description, not an independent test result. The Aachen’s brown leather strap has decorative rivets, and Laco notes that its vintage leather can vary in color and structure.
Shared specifications and wrist fit
Laco’s current product pages list the same principal dimensions and movement basis for both watches. These are manufacturer-listed specifications, not measurements taken independently.
#1 Best Overall
![[rako] Laco Watch Pilot Automatic Movement 5 ATM Waterproof Men's 861688 Augsburg Men's [Regular Import Goods]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41gCXMAkFfL._SL160_.jpg)
- Set Includes: Watch, box, instruction manual (English language not guaranteed)
- Water resistant for everyday use: 5 bar
- Country of Origin: Germany
- Superluminova treatment
| Specification | Augsburg Polar 42 (862156) | Aachen Polar 42 (862157) |
|---|---|---|
| Movement | Automatic Laco 2S, based on Miyota 82S0 | Automatic Laco 2S, based on Miyota 82S0 |
| Seconds function | Hacking seconds | Hacking seconds |
| Case material | Stainless steel | Stainless steel |
| Diameter | 42.0 mm | 42.0 mm |
| Height | 11.7 mm | 11.7 mm |
| Lug width | 20.0 mm | 20.0 mm |
| Lug-to-lug | 50.0 mm | 50.0 mm |
| Water resistance | Up to 5 ATM | Up to 5 ATM |
| Weight | 91 g with strap | Not stated on the cited individual product page |
| Strap | Brown riveted leather | Brown leather with rivets; leather color and structure vary |
The 50 mm lug-to-lug measurement is useful to consider alongside the 42 mm diameter when assessing fit, but those figures alone do not establish comfort on a particular wrist. No wear testing is available here.
Limited edition and current availability
Laco describes these as the third limited editions of its Augsburg and Aachen models and states that each was limited to 250 pieces, with an individual serial number engraved on the case back. The original announcement’s “available now” wording is historical: Laco’s current product pages and archive mark both references discontinued and unavailable from the brand. See Laco’s Augsburg product page, Aachen product page and archive for the current status.
Rank #2
- Automatic movement
- Case diameter: 42 mm
- Pilot automatic watch, stainless steel
- Sapphire crystal protects watch from scratches
- Water-resistant to 50 M (165 feet)
Monochrome Watches reported launch-era pricing in 2023 of EUR 440, or EUR 495 with an optional movement upgrade, with availability planned for mid-February. Those are historical launch details, not current retail prices or an indication of resale value. No current retailer stock or resale price is established; verify the exact reference and seller before buying. The launch coverage is available from Monochrome Watches.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Which Polar 42 should you choose?
- Choose the Augsburg if you prefer the Type A layout, with hour markers and a minute track organized around the central hands.
- Choose the Aachen if you prefer the Type B layout, with the hour circle inside the outer minute scale.
- Compare fit by dimensions using the listed 42 mm diameter, 50 mm lug-to-lug and 11.7 mm height; these do not substitute for trying a watch on.
- Check condition and provenance on a pre-owned example. Confirm the reference number (862156 for Augsburg, 862157 for Aachen), serial-number engraving, condition, and whether the listing’s details match the watch.
Neither model has an established performance or accuracy figure in the sources cited here, so there is no evidence-based basis to rank one above the other on timekeeping. For a discontinued watch, purchase decisions should turn on the specific example’s verified condition and seller terms as well as the dial layout you prefer.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Lacoste reinvents the Lacoste.12.12 for a new generation as it reinterprets the brand’s signature watch in a sleek and minimalist design. With a new rounded and faceted case and matt-finish bezel, the three-hand timepiece is offered in a choice of monochrome colors including the classic Lacoste green. Inspired by the iconic polo shirt, the timepiece features a crocodile at 3 o’clock, and a petit piqué pattern at the center of the silicone strap and the outer of the bold curved dial.
- Quality Materials: Men's Lacoste.12.12, white TR90 composite material case, white dial with index, white silicone strap.
- Quartz Accuracy: Quartz movement provides precise timekeeping and minimal maintenance for a reliable and worry-free timepiece.
- Durable Mineral Crystal: Made from glass and protects watch from scratches.
- Caring for your Timepiece: Your Lacoste watch has been developed with meticulous attention to quality, function and detail. A maintenance interval of 3 to 5 years is recommended, in addition to any required battery replacement. Never open the watch yourself.
Rank #4
- Lacoste refreshes its iconic Lacoste.12.12 watch in warm seasonal tones. Featuring a lightweight TR90 case in 42mm or 36mm, this monochrome design includes an applied crocodile at 3 o’clock and a fading petit piqué pattern on the dial and strap.
- Lacoste Men's Lacoste.12.12 42mm TR90 Green Case with Green and Yellow Gold Dial and Green Silicone Strap 3 Hand Watch.
- Quartz Accuracy: Quartz movement provides precise timekeeping and minimal maintenance for a reliable and worry-free timepiece.
- Water Resistant: Up to 50m (165ft): Wearable for short periods of recreational swimming and showering, but not diving or snorkeling; 5 ATM.
- Caring for your timepiece: Your Lacoste watch has been crafted with exceptional attention to quality, function, and detail. We recommend a maintenance interval of 3 to 5 years to ensure optimal performance. Avoid opening the watch yourself for any adjustments.
Rank #3
- Lacoste revamps its iconic Lacoste.12.12 watch with vivid monochrome hues from apparel. Minimalist design, silicone strap with timeless pattern, crocodile detail at 3 o'clock, and unique crocodile-shaped hands in one version.
- Quality Materials: Men's Lacoste.12.12, white TR90 composite material case, white logo design dial, white silicone strap.
- Quartz Accuracy: Quartz movement provides precise timekeeping and minimal maintenance for a reliable and worry-free timepiece.
- Durable Mineral Crystal: Made from glass and protects watch from scratches.
- Caring for your Timepiece: Your Lacoste watch has been developed with meticulous attention to quality, function and detail. A maintenance interval of 3 to 5 years is recommended, in addition to any required battery replacement. Never open the watch yourself.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
