California dials have been around for the better part of a century, though they’ve had a particular resurgence in the last few years. While historically there are some debates over the history of the term and its true meaning, it is generally used to describe watches with dials that are half Roman numerals, and half Arabic numerals. It’s a unique look that imparts a certain obscure, but vintage military charm. For the first time, Laco has applied this treatment to their iconic fliegers for a pair of US exclusive limited editions, available now at the Windup Watch Shop. 

Now, some California dials are more severe in their execution. The result is stoic, reserved. A look that has an “insider” feel. But, for the Laco California dial limited editions, the brand embraced the “California” attitude to create a duo of watches that might look more at home in a Woody parked at a bluff overlooking a sunset. Both featuring wide set typefaces with a mid-century style, and white dials with blue accents, these are California dials for the chill flieger fan.

There are two flavors of the Laco California dials, the Napa and the Santa Ynes, which correspond to the Type A and Type B layouts accordingly. The Napa features a the more classic take on the California dial of the two, with Roman numerals from 10 - 2 and Arabic numerals from 4 - 6. A triangle at 12 and rectangles at 3, 6, and 9 complete the index while a railroad index wraps around the dial. The Santa Ynes is decidedly more complex, but equally stylish, with the Roman/Arabic numerals limited to the inner hour dial.

Both watches feature Laco’s 42mm case with clean, brushed surfaces, numbered display case-backs, and onion crowns. They are also both mounted to gorgeous distressed nubuck leather in a pale tan color, building on the laidback vibe. The Laco Napa and Santa Ynes are limited to 100 units each, and available now for $540.