When Ollech & Wajs launched the C-1000 A, I knew I needed to spend a while with it. This watch is an fascinating one which pays homage to the model’s groundbreaking Caribbean 1000 from 1964.
Ollech & Wajs is a model that doesn’t enter the mainstream dialog a lot, which is a disgrace as a result of there’s a lot to understand. The corporate has a superb historical past of manufacturing device watches that have been usually liked by troopers and adventurers the world over. The model was based in 1956 by Joseph Ollech and Albert Wajs. It’s loopy to suppose that simply eight years later, in 1964, Ollech & Wajs would go on to introduce the Caribbean 1000. This was a watch that had an authorized depth ranking of 1,000 meters.
The Ollech & Wajs Caribbean 1000
The Caribbean 1000 had a monobloc case that was in a position to go 700 meters deeper than the Rolex Submariner or Omega Seamaster 300. After all, each Rolex and Omega would introduce their deep divers not lengthy after with the Sea-Dweller (1967) and PloProf (1971). Doxa additionally launched the Conquistador, which had a helium escape valve, in 1969. Nonetheless, it was fairly a feat by Ollech & Wajs.
It was actually an period for pushing watch manufacturing and industrial tolerances to their limits. It’s truthful to say the unique Ollech & Wajs Caribbean 1000 was a technically superior timepiece for the Nineteen Sixties. Ollech & Wajs introduced the discharge of the brand new 1,000m-rated C-1000 A diver final 12 months to mark the unique’s sixtieth anniversary (which is what the “A” stands for). Nevertheless, supply of those watches solely lately began. Luckily, I had the possibility to spend a number of weeks with one.
The trendy Ollech & Wajs C-1000 A
It’s with this wealthy historical past in thoughts that we transfer to the trendy rendition of this Ollech & Wajs basic. Now underneath new possession, the model has been centered on crafting trendy takes on basic device watches. With a specific emphasis on diving and aviation timepieces, Ollech & Wajs has been a quiet achiever, introducing many new designs which were acquired nicely by model followers and common watch fanatics alike.
With this context in thoughts, maybe you’ll be able to see why I used to be curious about getting some hands-on time when Ollech & Wajs introduced its trendy tackle the 1964 authentic. This was particularly as a result of I might get pleasure from taking it into the ocean after which share my ideas with you right here.
Getting all the way down to brass tacks with this Ollech & Wajs dive watch
Let’s get the important thing specs out of the best way. Until you bought one of many first 56 numbered items, the watch is powered by an computerized Soprod Newton P092. This 23-jewel caliber ticks away at 28,800 vibrations per hour and has a 44-hour energy reserve. By way of dimension and specs, it’s much like an ETA 2824-2 or a Sellita SW200-1, although the parents at Ollech & Wajs say they most popular the P092 over different calibers. Notable variations between its ETA and Sellita counterparts are the P092’s steadiness at 6 o’clock (slightly than close to 12) and the complete steadiness bridge.
The 316L stainless-steel case has brushed surfaces, a screw-in again, a screw-down crown, and a unidirectional bezel. This bezel incorporates a recessed 12-hour insert with a 20-minute diving scale and luminous numerals. The C-1000 A has a 39.5mm diameter and a chunky 15.8mm thickness. Among the latter measurement comes from the domed and antireflective sapphire glass. I observed that the screw-in case again bulges barely outward too. Maybe that is to account for the immense pressures that the watch’s 1,000m depth ranking would convey.
A rugged watch constructed with a objective in thoughts
The crown of the C-1000 A is outsized and feels significantly sturdy. To me, it appears like one thing that has come out of the Tudor manufacturing facility because it has the identical robust really feel with none wobble, which trendy Tudor homeowners will probably be acquainted with. The date complication sits at 6 o’clock on the dial, which additionally has an upright triangle full of luminescent materials at 12 and two inverted triangles at 3 and 9 o’clock. A small rectangular marker with luminescent materials sits beneath the date window.
On the dial, we discover the Ollech & Wajs emblem, with the textual content “Zurich 1956” and “Precision” simply beneath. Simply above the date window is the “C-1000” mannequin title and “1000M” to point the watch’s depth ranking. I believe we might do with out one among these two traces as they appear somewhat redundant and odd. The Ollech & Wajs emblem can also be discovered on the crown.
A brand new case for a brand new mannequin
What Ollech & Wajs has executed prior to now is make the most of the identical case for various fashions within the assortment. This has been problematic as a result of it had a comparatively lengthy 49.5mm lug-to-lug footprint. This new launch, nevertheless, feels way more wearable because of its 45.7mm size. This drastically helps scale back the general feeling of dimension with what’s, admittedly, a chunky watch.
One fascinating factor I observed is that the arms, that are a pleasant pencil form (barring the seconds hand, which ends in an arrow tip), have a barely completely different shade of white lume than the dial. The dial’s lume appears to be like ever-so-slightly creamy, whereas the handset’s lume is stark white. It’s no biggie, however the small particulars can follow you.
A sturdy timepiece constructed for the ocean
The Ollech & Wajs C-1000 A feels extremely sturdy, as one would anticipate from a Swiss-made timepiece with a 1,000m depth ranking. The bezel motion is improbable, with little to no play between clicks. It’s a 120-click bezel, by the best way. Additionally, the grip on the bezel is tactile and wonderful. It looks like it might be comparatively straightforward to show whereas sporting diving gloves.
Utilizing the watch underwater is a breeze. It’s extremely straightforward to learn, in all probability thanks, partially, to the crystal. The handset design makes it straightforward to tell apart key data underwater too. Moreover, the watch feels reassuring on the wrist underwater because of its heft and total rugged impression. I believe this Ollech & Wajs is a wonderful possibility for these in search of a sturdy dive watch that isn’t from one of many bigger manufacturers.
Concluding ideas
I’ve been impressed with the Ollech & Wajs C-1000 A. Certainly, it proved a dependable companion as I ventured into the ocean every day over a number of weeks. Admittedly, I used to be initially involved about its said 15.8mm thickness; that’s a number of watch! In actuality, nevertheless, the C-1000 A wears fairly nicely because of its comparatively compact lug-to-lug and the truth that a few of the thickness is because of the case again, which buries itself into the wrist, or the crystal, which is hardly noticeable. If I have been to re-evaluate what the thickness “feels” like, I might say it wears extra like 13.5–14mm. That is completely manageable. Plus, given the heritage, design chops, and total impression of high quality, the asking value of CHF 1,856 appears cheap.
Admittedly, I do want the colours of lume on the dial and handset matched completely slightly than the slight shade distinction I famous with the evaluation instance. Maybe this was a design determination, however the obsessive a part of me finds it somewhat offputting. That stated, the watch is engaging and a worthy successor to the unique legend of the classic model. I additionally discover the completely different handset design to be an actual boon to this specific mannequin from the model. However what about you, Fratelli? Would you think about the brand new Ollech & Wajs C-1000 A? Let me know within the feedback.
