Langendorf Watch Company was a watchmaker located in Langendorf, Switzerland. The company was founded by Colonel Johann Viktor Kottmann, first as Uhrenfabrik Langendorf S.A. in 1873 to produce ebauches -part of movements for watches- for other watchmaker companies. The factory remained in the hands of his family until 1964.
Around 1880, the company almost suffered an economic collapse, after that, the factory began organizing housing and training of their workers, and it gained a reputation for being socially responsible. "It built schools, a hydrant system and financed the installation of electric light in Langendorf. Also, the Kottmann family founded a society for community work that is still active." It was around the same time when Johann's son, Karl Kottmann took over and brought specialist from westerm Switzerland and helped turn the company around. Karl implemented a rational and mechanized production line. Also, he was the person behind the socially responsible initiatives taken by the company.
From 1887 and onwards, with order flowing in, and production expanded strongly, the factory was deepened, and the company became largely independent of suppliers. By 1890, with around 1,000 employees, the company was probably the largest producer of watches in the world. In 1890, Karl died and the technical director, Lucien Tieche, took over the company and the name was changed to Langendorf Watch Company.
In 1902, Ernst Kottman became manager of the company until 1942. In 1916, the factory employed 1,500 workers and produced 3,000 time-pieces daily. By 1920, the company was also producing alarm clocks. In the same decade, the firm expanded and opened a branch at Lommiswil in 1924 and the following year in La Cahux-de-Fonds. Before his resign, in 1942, Ernst made the change from steam-powered production to electricity.
His brother, Rudolf Kottmann took the position until 1964. In 1959, a new factory would be completed and produced Lanco (an abbreviation of Langendorf Watch Company) watches, the most famous brand of the company. Lanco was discontinued in the late 1960's and revived again from 1971 to around 1980.
Hass Kottmann took over in 1964, but he died in the same year. Then, the company was led by Guido Kottmann and a committe of family members, but due to challenging business conditions, in 1964, the firm joined a conglomerate of watchmakers called "Schweizerischen Gessellschaft fur Uhrenindustrie AG" (SGU). The following year, the company was bought by "Societe Suisse pour l'Industrie Horlogere SA" (SSIH). "The Langendorf Watch Company was attractive for the Lanco brand and its highly sophisticated and semi-automated production line with modern manufacturing equipment. With the acquisition, SSIH managed to broad its product range and got the machinery needed to produce quality products at lower cost than before."
In 1973, the production ceased at the Langendorf factory, and the Lanco brand relegated to the Aetos Watch Company (another sub-branch of SSIH). For a century -1873 to 1973- Langendorf Watch Company was well known for its fine craftsmanship and great attention to detail.
LANCO 17 Jewels Incabloc 14K GOLD
An incredible timepiece, this is an IMMACULATE vintage Lanco wristwatch dated from the mid 1960's.
It is a manual wind watch with an original Langendorf Watch Co. movement, caliber Peseux 330, 17 jewels, Swiss made.
Cased in 33mm round case and fancy lug design, all in 14K solid yellow GOLD! - 7.6 grams.
Very elegant, it has still the original gold textured dial (showing some patina) with gold hour markers and gold matching hands. The dial is also signed with the Lanco name and 17 Jewels INCABLOC.
This watch is coming with a brand-new black Genuine Leather two-pieces strap. Also, this watch is coming in a Lanco display box.
This watch is in LOVELY condition! Running very well and keeping good time.
Thank you for looking! Please feel free to contact us with any questions, or respectful offers.
Measures (mm): Case Diameter 33 Case Lug to Lug 37 Case Thickness 8 Lug Width 18 Band Width 18
Vintage watches are traditionally smaller than today's watches. Men's watches typically measure between 29-36mm (some larger, some smaller) wide excluding the crown. In the listing details we typically try to do our best to list all pertinent dimensions of a watch. If you don't see it, or we failed to do so, please reach out to us. Women's watches from the 1900s-1970s were also somewhat smaller than today’s offerings in many cases. Please also feel free to ask any questions you have pertaining to size.
We prefer to shoot photographs outside when weather is permitting. However, when we shoot indoors, please be aware that we shoot our photographs inside of lightboxes that are lit with 360 LED bulbs. This indeed magnifies any flaws. Usually, they are much less obvious to the naked eye. Having said that, we never photoshop any of our photography, remove blemishes, etc. We adjust light, when necessary, but what you see is what you are getting, and we take pride in that.
The condition is pre-owned. The item may have some signs of cosmetic wear, but is fully operational and functions as intended. See all the photos, feel free to ask questions if you have any.
It will be carefully packed.
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