In the tight-knit world of German horology, Pforzheim has long been celebrated as the “Golden City,” a historic hub where precision and craftsmanship are woven into the very fabric of the local culture. It is fitting, then, that two of the city’s most respected independent names—Laco and Circula—have joined forces to create the ProLab series.
This collaboration marks a significant milestone, representing the first time two independent German brands from this legendary region have co-developed a project of this scale. The ProLab is more than a simple commemorative release; it is a shared laboratory of ideas, celebrating a combined 170 years of watchmaking heritage—Laco’s centenary and Circula’s 70th anniversary.
Strictly limited to just 170 sets worldwide, the ProLab collection arrives as a matched pair of tool watches that exchange design DNA like a well-rehearsed conversation. Priced at €2,390 for the set, each box contains two distinct timepieces that share identical serial numbers, linking them forever as a singular collector’s item.
The ProLab Sand takes the iconic, sandblasted 40mm case of the Laco PRO series and pairs it with a dial inspired by Circula’s rugged field-watch sensibilities. Its warm, sand-colored surface features a sophisticated circular texture at the center, surrounded by a matte outer ring coated in Old Radium Super-LumiNova.
With thermally blued hands and an impressive 20 ATM water resistance, it is a contemporary interpretation of a field watch that feels both inviting and indestructible.
Conversely, the ProLab Schwarz serves as the aesthetic mirror. It utilizes Circula’s ProTrail case—specially hardened to 1,200 Vickers for exceptional scratch resistance—and infuses it with Laco’s legendary aviation history. The deep black dial reinterprets the classic Type B pilot layout, prioritizing the outer minute track for split-second legibility.
Despite its traditional roots, the watch feels modern, featuring crisp Circula typography and a soft-iron cage that provides anti-magnetic protection up to 80,000 A/m. Both watches are powered by the Swiss Sellita SW200-1 Elaboré movement, ensuring that beneath their Pforzheim-built exteriors beats a heart of chronometric precision.
What truly elevates the ProLab set is the subtle, symbolic detailing that connects the duo. The solid casebacks are engraved with a map of Pforzheim, featuring two gold dots that pinpoint the exact historical locations of the two manufactures. This sense of unity is rounded out by a custom-stamped gold coin that reflects the set’s limitation number.
By swapping cases and dial philosophies, Laco and Circula have created a partnership that transcends brand boundaries, offering a rare glimpse into the collaborative spirit of modern German watchmaking. It is a dual-natured tribute to a city’s legacy, built for those who appreciate that the strongest designs often emerge when great minds meet in the middle.
