Again within the first half of 2023, Ollech & Wajs knowledgeable us {that a} successor to the 1973 OW 8000 was coming. Even renders had been out there, however we love the actual deal and, when doable, like to attend for a manufacturing mannequin earlier than making a judgment. And it’s good that we did this time as a result of, in actual life, the OW 8001 left a unique impression than we’d gotten from the sooner rendered press pictures.
As soon as once more, this reveals that one shouldn’t decide a watch by simply footage or its dimensions on paper. I’d by no means have thought {that a} 39.5 × 12.7mm watch might depart such a tough and hefty impression.
Ollech & Wajs OW 8001
In the meantime, within the watch universe, the integrated-bracelet league is crowded. These (usually) stainless-steel sport-oriented watches are standard amongst watch fans. When speaking about integrated-bracelet sports activities watches, most of us will take into consideration early fashions, such because the smooth Audemars Piguet Royal Oak, Patek Philippe Nautilus, IWC Ingenieur, or Vacheron Constantin 222. However even the more moderen Chopard Alpine Eagle, Czapek Antartique, Parmigiani Tonda PF, Christopher Ward The Twelve, and Tissot PRX all trace on the elegant slimness of their ’70s and ’80s ancestors.
Not the Ollech & Wajs OW 8001. And to be trustworthy, from the images and dimensions on paper, I didn’t see this coming. Its ancestor, the OW 8000, impressed the OW 8001. In all probability, that ought to have rang a bell. The Nineteen Seventies OW 8000 wasn’t a slim or smooth watch. With its tonneau-shaped case in brushed stainless-steel, the OW 8000 was a strong and waterproof chronograph that was fairly cumbersome. The inspiration labored out very nicely for the OW 8001 for that final half.
OW 8001
OW 8000
The way it differs from its ancestor
So, like its ancestor, the OW 8001 (left) is a cumbersome watch with a dial shade similar to that of the OW 8000 (proper). The form and hyperlinks of the built-in bracelet are additionally fairly related. Nevertheless, the principle distinction is fairly obvious: the OW 8001 isn’t a chronograph. As a substitute, this watch homes a chronometer-certified three-hand Soprod Newton Precision P092, providing a 28,800vph frequency and a 44-hour energy reserve. Additionally, moreover missing a chronograph perform and pushers, the dial of the OW 8001 has a a lot cleaner look. Form-wise, the arms are considerably equal, however, for example, the hour markers and minute observe are extra easy and clear. With out the TV-shaped chronograph registers, the dial is neither as cluttered nor as quirky.
However, the OW 8001 provides a hard and fast 60-minute bezel to the design. It could have been good if it had been a Flip-O-Graph-like rotating bezel, however it isn’t; it’s extra of a design-oriented characteristic than a purposeful one. Talking of the design, I actually miss the good beveled edges on high of the case. With out them, the case form is sharper and extra block-like. It feels a bit unfinished and definitely much less elegant.
Ending and feeling
The way in which Ollech & Wajs completed the OW 8001 provides off a sense of ruggedness and indifference. There’s not a touch of magnificence, simply roughness and toughness. “Thick,” “edgy,” and “sturdy” are phrases that come to thoughts — oh, and “sharp.” However “sharp” doesn’t solely come to thoughts; you too can really feel and see the sharpness. Take a look at the corners and sides of the case in addition to the place the bracelet connects to the case and the clasp. Every thing has razor-sharp edges. It’s very technical however, as I mentioned, not very elegant. Class is just not one thing the OW 8001 appears to hassle with and possibly isn’t even trying or meant for.
Bracelet
I’ve talked about the bracelet-to-case building. It seems very very similar to how the bracelet related to the OW 8000, however the first hyperlinks on either side of the bracelet can’t bend down correctly. Because of this, should you don’t have a big wrist, the primary a part of the bracelet will stick out, because it did on my 17.5cm wrist.
With a building like this, there’s no precise lug-to-lug distance, however the equal to this dimension is a minimum of 60mm lengthy. Sadly, this made me unable to put on the Ollech & Wajs OW 8001 comfortably. In fact, I attempted and managed to put on it for a day or two, however with the bulkiness, weight, sharp edges, and uncomfortable match, I ultimately needed to take it off.
One thing else I need to contact upon is the sizing of the bracelet. You’ll discover these well-known little arrows on the clasp aspect of each bracelet elements. They’re pointing within the instructions the bracelet pins should go to take hyperlinks out. Don’t be fooled by the arrows, although. Whereas these sometimes imply that pins should be pushed out by a press or hammer and punch, the OW 8001 bracelet is fitted with screws. The screws, certainly, do come out within the course of the arrows, however it is best to unscrew them with a screwdriver.
Clasp
Final however not least, we have to speak in regards to the clasp. Many can be completely satisfied to be taught that it provides a 22mm extension. Operated with two buttons, this piece slides out. It may possibly then be pushed again in, click on by tiny click on, to suit your wrist. This characteristic is crucial for a heavy watch just like the OW 8001 since you don’t need it to wiggle round your wrist. The clasp closes securely and opens by way of a set of buttons on the edges, the identical type used for the extension mechanism. Initially, you may push the improper set of buttons to open the clasp, and solely the adjustment half will come out. However you received’t make this error so usually after you get used to placing on the watch and shutting and opening the buckle.
Conclusion and pricing
The Ollech & Wajs OW 8001 is just not for everybody, and I like that. It’s a watch with a powerful character that’s not afraid to point out its boldness and sharp ending. It’s not the elegant, slim, sporty, stainless-steel integrated-bracelet watch we discover in lots of iterations these days. However that’s effective; I’m positive there are fans on the market who’re on the lookout for extra substance and robustness. Anyway, I’d advise making an attempt the OW 8001 in your wrist earlier than shopping for it. Solely then will you make sure that the watch fits your wrist and expectations; you’ll be able to’t inform from the specs alone. The Ollech & Wajs is at the moment out there for CHF 1,856 (excluding taxes), which I believe is satisfactory. Calculated in response to Swiss laws, over 75% of the OW 8001 is Swiss made (this proportion doesn’t embody the bracelet or packaging). You could find extra data on the official Ollech & Wajs web site.
What do you suppose? Might this be a look ahead to you? Do you want its robustness, or would you go for a extra elegant watch within the integrated-bracelet style? Please let me know within the feedback under, and don’t hesitate to ask in case you have any questions I didn’t reply within the article.
