Laco Venedig Erbstuck review

This is my first attempt at a review. I plan on doing more reviews, so I would appreciate feedback.

This is the watch that got me started in this hobby so there is quite a bit of sentimental value tied to it. I’ve had it for almost three years so I have plenty of experiences with it. I will try to put my sentiment aside in order to give an honest review. 
 

Specs (from the manufacturer)

Movement:

Laco 24 Elabore = ETA 2824.2

-5/+10 seconds per day (mine is running at -3 seconds per day)

The movement has a date wheel, but Laco disables the 2nd crown position so there is no “ghost date”.

Case:
Stainless steel case, elaborately hand-finished in an antique look with lateral engraving FL23883 and engraved stainless steel back. Every case is absolutely unique. Domed and anti-reflective sapphire crystal, solid case back with engraving, Crown execution like original Beobachtungsuhr
Dial:
Completely filled with luminous material Superluminova C3, arabic figures and indexes black, execution according B-Uhr Baumuster A, like the case in antique look, aged manually
Hands:
Thermally blued steel hands with Superluminova coating, elaborate hand-finishing ages each watch individually 
Strap:
Closed loop pilot's brown calf leather strap with rivets
The used vintage leather makes every watch strap unique. Being a product of nature, it can present itself with color and structure variations.

diameter:
42,0 mm
height:
12,8 mm
lug width:
20,0 mm
lug to lug:
50,0 mm
waterproof:
up to 5 ATM
weight:
100,6 g (incl. strap)

POSITIVES

• Legibility- The type A flieger dial is no-nonsense. It puts function over form. There is no text on the dial, not even a logo. It is a truly sterile dial. The thermally blued leaf hands draw your eyes to the most important thing…the time.
• Full lume dial- The lume is fantastic and long lasting. It uses C3 Superluminova. Just take a look at the lume shot.
• Badass beater watch- (as long as you don’t plan on swimming). A non-issue for me as a pilots watch does not need a lot of water resistance. This watch will only look more cool with every scratch and dent it acquires. I won’t even be able to tell if it was me that caused the damage or if it came from the factory that way. 
• Unique- each watch goes through its own aging process by hand. No two watches will be exactly the same.
• Vintage look with modern benefits- If you like the look of a vintage watch but worry about its reliability/fragility, perhaps these Erbstuck models are for you. They definitely give the look of an old watch, but you have the peace of mind of a new watch with a two year manufacturers warranty.

The movement has been very reliable. When it eventually does need to be serviced, it will be affordable as the parts will be easily sourced.

NEGATIVES

• The strap is too long- I do have a small wrist, so this won’t be an issue for everyone. I had to use a leather hole punch to get a decent fit, but now the end of the strap extends all the way to the top lug tip. Laco now offers shorter straps, but I haven’t gotten around to purchasing a replacement yet. Had the strap fit properly this would be in my positive section. The closed loop pilot style strap with rivets is the perfect style choice for this watch.  Each strap is also unique due to the use of vintage leather for their Erbstuck straps. Other than the caseback, the strap is also the only place you’ll find the Laco branding (see photo).
• Retail price- at $2,350 USD it’s not a value prop that many look for in a watch. You can likely find a discount though. I got mine at a 25% discount brand new with box, papers and full warranty. 
   
• Fauxtina to the max- Fauxtina is polarizing, and I understand why. Laco is charging a premium to essentially damage the watch before you ever get your hands on it. Most people will likely think this concept is completely backwards. However, I find it to be a brilliant “outside the box” idea. I’m on the side that finds the design absolutely charming. The design is the only category I give the watch 5 stars because I find this level of hand aging fascinating. For many this concept will be a deal breaker and why I put this in the negatives section.

I’d be very interested to hear the community’s thoughts, questions and opinions on the watch and this review. Thanks for reading!