The legendary B-52 bomber celebrates the seventieth anniversary of its manufacturing mannequin’s maiden flight in 2024. Ollech & Wajs has launched the OW M-52B AF to honor this unimaginable airplane and those that have contributed to its extremely lengthy lifespan. As somebody deeply on this machine, I requested a pattern piece for a hands-on assessment.
The B-52 Stratofortress is a marvel of a airplane that turns 70 this 12 months. Whereas over 700 had been constructed and used extensively throughout the Chilly Conflict, greater than 70 stay in energetic service right this moment. Relying on the stories one reads, america Air Power plans on preserving these mighty giants within the arsenal till they’re roughly 100 years previous. That’s an unimaginable feat! So sure, the “BUFF” (Large Ugly Fats F*****) deserves a celebration just like the Ollech & Wajs OW M-52B AF.
The B-52 Stratofortress
If you happen to’ve by no means heard of the Boeing B-52, please take a look at this Wikipedia article for some background. It’s a large airplane that has taken half in conflicts and has possible helped preserve some from beginning. It’s a shock-and-awe bomber with a gargantuan payload and spectacular vary. I’m lucky sufficient to have a detailed relative who piloted B-52s. The shareable tales had been at all times attention-grabbing — sure, these previous beasts every have a character! I even had the chance to stroll round and below one after being mildly scolded for snapping photos with my Blackberry! A B-52 might not have the intercourse attraction of an SR-71 Blackbird, however it’s a tireless employee recognized for getting the job completed.
The Ollech & Wajs OW M-52B AF design has a historical past
The watch world is rife with fashions that declare to be impressed by a well-known automobile or airplane. Nevertheless, the OW M-52B AF has an overhead profile of the B-52 immediately on the dial. Is that this too “in your face”? Truly, the design deserves some context. In 1966, Ollech & Wajs created the B-905 for US Airmen serving in Vietnam. The watch featured a Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker, nicknamed the “flying gasoline station.” The one recognized instance resides within the Ollech & Wajs archive. Most significantly, although, the KC-135 was the mid-air fueling airplane for the B-52.
A have a look at the present mannequin
The Ollech & Wajs OW M-52B AF is a 39.5mm × 47.5mm stainless-steel watch with a 300m water resistance ranking. It is available in at roughly 14mm thick together with the domed sapphire crystal. A black pull-through RAF strap with a signed pin buckle is customary on this mannequin, however a mesh bracelet/strap with a pin buckle can also be obtainable for CHF 126.
Ollech & Wajs selected a bidirectional friction-fit 60-minute bezel. It makes use of a black PVD coating and is supposed to resemble the nostril cone of the B-52. From the facet, we see that the watch has drilled lug holes and a signed screw-down crown. The case design is much like different fashions from the model and jogs my memory of a barely softer classic pores and skin diver.
A Soprod automated inside
The OW M-52B AF homes a Soprod P024 automated motion beneath its stainless-steel screw-in case again. Primarily, that is an ETA 2824-2 clone, which interprets to a frequency of 28,800vph and 38 hours of energy reserve. The caliber hacks and provides a quick-set date operate.
The dial
Subsequent, let’s take a more in-depth have a look at the dial. That is the calling card of the OW M-52B AF, and after spending a number of weeks with the watch, I prefer it. Upon receiving the watch, I instantly discovered it vivid. The define of the B-52 dominates the dial, and, admittedly, it could actually obscure the fingers at sure instances. After some sporting, although, I started to take pleasure in how totally different this watch is from something I personal. Furthermore, it offers off a tactical vibe.
There are key particulars value mentioning. First, the dial is matte black with white printed particulars, such because the airplane and spherical indexes. The oblong indexes at 3, 9, and 12 o’clock are utilized and have a creamier tone of Tremendous-LumiNova. Curiously, the massive fingers use white luminous materials. Second, the dial has diagonal wording emanating from the middle that evokes the unique B-905. Lastly, observe the red-numeral date wheel, which references the unique B-905 mannequin.
The OW M-52B AF on the wrist
Final October, I reviewed the Ollech & Wajs OW M-110 AS. I loved that watch, however it was massive on my wrist. Oddly, it wasn’t so long as right this moment’s OW M-52B AF, however the distinction maker right here is the non-compulsory mesh bracelet. Whereas the black nylon strap is ok, it struggles to handle the load of this hefty watch. The mesh, nonetheless, feels nice and wears comfortably. For me, the bracelet wouldn’t be an choice however a should.
Remaining ideas and pricing
The Ollech & Wajs OW M-52B AF is at present on sale for CHF 1,256 and features a three-year guarantee. Earlier this 12 months, the model provided a restricted run of 56 numbered items that bought out instantly. Fortunately, O&W will proceed producing a serial mannequin in small numbers yearly. The B-52 is a particular airplane, and it deserves the proper watch. The OW M-52B AF looks like the proper transfer as a result of model’s historical past with its gasoline tanker associate. Let’s see what occurs when the BUFF turns 100!
For extra data on the OW M-52B AF, go to the official Ollech & Wajs web site.
