Ollech & Wajs OW M-110 AS

Zach Blass

You is probably not conversant in the Zurich-based watch model Ollech & Wajs, however it’s one price diving into. Born in 1956, Ollech & Wajs sought to fabricate high-quality watches for professionals from the outset. Lower than a decade later, they have been the primary watch manufacture to provide a watch with a 1,000-metre depth ranking, and among the many first to provide a 200-metre water resistant chronograph. In 1965, they turned probably the most broadly used ‘unissued’ watch model by army personnel within the Vietnam battle, delivering as much as 10,000 items a 12 months by a community of Military and Air Drive Change Service shops, unsolicited mail, and through labeled ads in US army publications. Notably, through the years, their watches have been worn by scientist Wernher Von Braun, NASA Group 6 astronaut Dr Anthony Llewellyn, and Cream bassist Jack Bruce. So, it’s clear that they’ve sturdy ties throughout the realm of army {and professional} watches, and the brand new Ollech & Wajs OW M-110 AS pays tribute to this heritage in its personal distinctive manner.

The 39.5mm stainless-steel case, 12.5mm thick and 45.7mm lug-to-lug, has a utility pushed end with a totally brushed case. Except for a couple of accents of brilliant inexperienced discovered on the dial, arms, and bezel, the 300-metre water resistant diver has a largely monochromatic really feel with its matte gray dial that blends into the case and metal compass bezel. The watch pays additional tribute to its army heritage with minute markers highlighted in inexperienced on the cardinal instructions – indicating intervals of radio silence. Between the squared off lugs, nonetheless, is the place the story of this watch actually begins.

Measuring at 20mm in width, the strap is made out of reclaimed, army grade, double twill hemp canvas procured instantly from the Swiss Military’s surplus provide. It’s a sturdy materials that was initially supposed for a wide range of army functions, with this procured surplus batch manufactured within the ’50s, across the identical time Ollech & Wajs was based. For these involved with the fabric’s age, Ollech & Wajs explains that the Armée suisse twill was constructed to final 100 years within the area. It might be over 60 years later, however it appears clear this strap will final fairly a while earlier than it is advisable swap it out. Ought to the time come up for a brand new strap, if you hand down the watch to the subsequent era maybe, its 20mm lug width will likely be very accommodating.

Inside, beneath a strong caseback, is an computerized Soprod Newton Precision P092 motion that notably features a full steadiness bridge for higher resistance towards shock and 44 hours of energy reserve. It is probably not probably the most glamorous calibre in end, however Ollech & Wajs will not be involved with superficial aesthetics. Regulated inside seven seconds per day, the calibre permits the watch to have sturdy efficiency whereas additionally retaining prices down. At US$1,630, Ollech & Wajs are in a position to ship all of the benchmark specs anticipated with the added attraction of its Armée suisse twill. I additionally respect the truth that, whereas vintage-inspired, its general look doesn’t really feel dated. Color sensible, and with the form of its arms and indices, the dial truly feels quite fashionable, so it isn’t yet one more heritage piece caught up to now.

Ollech & Wajs OW M-110 AS pricing and availability:

The Ollech & Wajs OW M-110 AS is available now here whereas provides final. Worth: A$2,557, US$1,630, CHF 1,456