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Introducing the Ollech & Wajs M-52B AF: A Modern Tribute to a Vietnam-Era Military Watch

The 2024 Ollech & Wajs M-52B AF pays tribute to the Vietnam-era B-905 with a B-52 dial motif, automatic Soprod movement and 300 m water resistance.
Estimate4–5 min Catalogued SpecialistWatchRanker Team
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The Ollech & Wajs M-52B AF is a 2024 automatic watch inspired by the rare B-905, which specialist coverage describes as a 1966 watch custom-made for US airmen serving in Vietnam. It is a modern tribute, not a documented faithful reissue of the original. Its aircraft silhouette and red-numeral date nod to the B-905, while a B-52-inspired bezel, cream-colored lume and updated layout reinterpret the design.

What is the M-52B AF based on?

Ollech & Wajs’s M-52B AF looks back to the B-905, a watch Monochrome Watches describes as having been custom-made for US airmen in Vietnam and shown in a 1966 print advertisement. Monochrome’s account identifies the original’s B-52 silhouette, luminous markers, rotating bezel and red-numeral date as key design cues. Monochrome’s 2024 launch coverage is the source for that historical description.

The connection is inspiration rather than proof of a faithful reproduction. The current watch keeps the aircraft graphic and red date numerals, but gives them a contemporary setting: the bezel references the B-52, the lume is cream-colored, and the date sits at 6 o’clock rather than the original’s reported 3 o’clock position. The result is best understood as a modern military-style watch with a specific historical reference, not as an original-issue Vietnam watch.

How does the design translate to the modern watch?

The dial’s B-52 silhouette is the most direct visual link to the aircraft theme. The date wheel uses red numerals, while the hour markers and hands combine different lume colors. Monochrome reports cream Super-LumiNova on the central hands and rectangular markers at 12, 3 and 9, with white lume on the other round markers. The manufacturer describes the cream lume and red date as design features on the current M-52B AF product page.

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Timex Men's Expedition Scout 40mm Watch, Black Dial, Green Fabric Strap
  • Black Dial Design: Black dial with full Arabic numerals pairs with a green fabric slip-thru strap that changes in seconds
  • Adjustable Strap: A comfortable band fits securely up to an 8-inch wrist circumference for everyday wear, day in and day out
  • Indiglo Backlight: A push of the button illuminates the dial and luminous hands in the dark, day or night, rain or shine
  • All-Weather Durability: A mineral glass crystal and water resistance to 50 meters keep this field watch ready for daily wear
  • Built to Last: A Timex watch is designed for durability and everyday reliability; every piece reflects our commitment to quality without compromise

The case and bezel keep the watch within familiar tool-watch territory rather than reproducing the original’s details exactly. Ollech & Wajs specifies a bidirectional 60-minute friction bezel with a PVD-coated chamfered edge, a screw-down crown and caseback, and an anti-reflective sapphire crystal. Its listed water resistance is 300 m / 30 ATM.

Ollech & Wajs M-52B AF specifications

Specification Manufacturer listing
Case Brushed 316L stainless steel
Diameter 39.5 mm
Thickness 12.5 mm
Lug-to-lug 48 mm
Bezel Bidirectional 60-minute friction bezel; PVD-coated chamfered edge
Crystal Anti-reflective sapphire
Water resistance 300 m / 30 ATM
Movement Automatic Soprod P024, assembled for OW and adjusted in three positions
Movement details 25 jewels; 28,800 vibrations per hour; 38-hour power reserve; date; stop seconds; Incabloc protection; OW Zurich 1956 rotor
Supplied strap 20 mm black military-grade nylon RAF strap with signed thorn buckle
Optional bracelet 20 mm M-Heritage stainless-steel mesh bracelet

What movement does it use?

The M-52B AF uses an automatic Soprod P024. Ollech & Wajs lists 25 jewels, a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour and a 38-hour power reserve, along with a date display, stop seconds and Incabloc shock protection. The brand says the movement is assembled for OW, adjusted in three positions and fitted with an OW Zurich 1956 rotor. These are the manufacturer’s published specifications; they do not establish a service interval or guarantee an individual watch’s accuracy.

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Timex Men's Expedition Scout 40mm Watch, Cream Dial, Green Fabric Strap
  • Cream Dial Design: Cream dial with full Arabic numerals pairs with an adjustable green fabric strap for a rugged, outdoor look
  • Adjustable Strap: A comfortable band fits securely up to an 8-inch wrist circumference for everyday wear, day in and day out
  • Indiglo Backlight: A push of the button illuminates the dial and luminous hands in the dark, day or night, rain or shine
  • All-Weather Durability: A mineral glass crystal and water resistance to 50 meters keep this field watch ready for daily wear
  • Built to Last: A Timex watch is designed for durability and everyday reliability; every piece reflects our commitment to quality without compromise

What strap comes with it, and can you get a bracelet?

The watch is supplied on a 20 mm black nylon RAF-style strap with a signed thorn buckle. Ollech & Wajs also lists an optional 20 mm M-Heritage stainless-steel mesh bracelet. The manufacturer displayed the bracelet at CHF 126 when its product page was accessed in 2026; check the current listing for availability and price.

How much does the M-52B AF cost now?

Ollech & Wajs displayed the M-52B AF at CHF 1,596, marked it “AVAILABLE NOW,” estimated delivery at 8–10 weeks, and listed a three-year warranty when its product page was accessed in 2026. Price, stock status and delivery estimates can change, so confirm the terms on the manufacturer’s current listing before ordering.

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LN LENQIN Mens Watches Military Sport Analog Quartz Watch for Men
  • ⌚ MENS WATCHES ANALOG: Mens military watches made with shock-resistant stainless steel case and anti-scratch mineral window, exquisitely crafted and durable. Men's watch strap width: 22mm / 0.86 inches, stainless steel case: 42mm / 1.65 inches.
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  • ⌚ EASY TO READ TIME: 12 / 24 hrs military time and luminous dial. The mens watches equipped with date calendar can tell you the time quickly and accurately. Come with luminous function, easy to read the time even in the dark.
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Those current terms differ from the launch details. Monochrome reported a CHF 1,256 launch price in January 2024 for an initial numbered edition of 56 pieces, with later small non-numbered annual production planned. That historical launch price is not the current listed price.

What is the Vietnam-era connection—and what should not be overstated?

The historical context has two parts, and the sources describe them differently. Monochrome’s account connects the B-905 to US airmen in Vietnam and a 1966 advertisement. Separately, Ollech & Wajs says Joseph Ollech and Albert Wajs founded the company in Zurich in 1956 and dates shipments of OW watches to US troops in Vietnam to 1965. That chronology is the brand’s own account, published on its company history page.

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  • PRECISION 12/24H MILITARY TIME: Designed for mission-critical clarity. This analog watch features the Miyota 2105 Japanese Movement,a dual-dial display (12H and 24H military time) and a quick-read Day-Date calendar (English/Spanish). It’s an essential tool for EMS, security professionals, and night-shift workers who need instant, error-free timekeeping.
  • REINFORCED FOR DAILY WORK: Engineered as a reliable "beater watch" for the worksite. Protected by a tough stainless steel case back and an anti-scratch mineral window, this field watch is built to withstand the rigors of construction, industrial work, and outdoor sports. The red-tipped second hand provides precise tracking for tactical needs.
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  • 5ATM WATER RESISTANT (LIFE-PROOF): Rated for 50M (5ATM) resistance, it easily handles rain, sweat, and hand-washing. To ensure longevity and prevent fogging, avoid exposure to hot water, steam, or high-pressure swimming. Comes in an original box, making it a high-value gift for birthdays, veterans, or any man who appreciates a functional, rugged timepiece.

Neither connection makes the M-52B AF itself a Vietnam-era watch: it is a 2024 model. Nor do the sources establish that every detail of the modern watch duplicates the B-905. The strongest supported claim is that the newer design deliberately references the older model and its aircraft imagery.

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Who might consider the M-52B AF?

The listed 39.5 mm diameter and 48 mm lug-to-lug provide useful sizing figures, but wrist fit is personal; thickness, strap choice and the shape of the case matter too. The watch pairs a relatively compact diameter with 300 m / 30 ATM water resistance, a screw-down crown and caseback, and a friction bezel. Its pilot-watch identity is unusually specific: the B-52 graphic and red date numerals will be central to whether the dial appeals.

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Best Value
Sale
LN LENQIN Mens Watches Military Sport Analog Quartz Watch for Men
  • ⌚ MENS WATCHES ANALOG: Mens military watches made with shock-resistant stainless steel case and anti-scratch mineral window, exquisitely crafted and durable. Men's watch strap width: 22mm / 0.86 inches, stainless steel case: 42mm / 1.65 inches.
  • ⌚ MILITARY WATCHES FOR MEN: This mens field watch is very suitable for active lifestyles, with a comfortable double nylon strap, will suitable for personal use and good for anniversary, graduation, business, birthday , the father's day , Christmas .
  • ⌚3 ATM WATERPROOF MILITARY WATCHES: 30M waterproof, sweat-proof, rain-proof and hand-washing for daily life, no problem. But NOT suitable for swimming, bathing, diving or touch hot water. Perfect for most of indoor / outdoor sports.
  • ⌚ EASY TO READ TIME: 12 / 24 hrs military time and luminous dial. The mens watches equipped with date calendar can tell you the time quickly and accurately. Come with luminous function, easy to read the time even in the dark.
  • ⌚ PURCHASE WITHOUT WORRY: Japan imported quartz analog movement and battery, long-term operation. for 1 years,24-hour customer service is at your service.

When weighing it against other pilot or military-style automatics, compare the dimensions, water resistance and case construction, movement specifications and service support, dial legibility, included strap, optional bracelet cost, current price, availability and warranty. The specifications alone do not establish how it performs in use or how it compares with a particular alternative.

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

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