Ollech & Wajs (OW) began in Zurich in 1956 and returned under new ownership after a 2017 handover. Its current collection continues the brand’s mechanical tool-watch identity, with pilot, diver and chronograph designs. Prices displayed on OW’s homepage on 8 October 2026 ranged from CHF 1,596 to CHF 2,696; the current diver page listed four models at CHF 1,996 each.
What the “re-birth” of Ollech & Wajs means
The re-birth refers to a change in ownership and the renewed collection that followed, not the creation of an unrelated brand. Ollech & Wajs was founded in Zurich in 1956 by Joseph Ollech and Albert Wajs. The company says it began making watches in 1957, initially using the OWZ name and also producing watches under Helsa and Piz Palu, before concentrating on the OW identity from 1959. Its official history credits Ollech with designing the propeller logo from the letters O and W. OW’s history
The founders initially sold through mail order, advertising directly to workers and shipping watches to customers. OW says the United States became a major market and that, at the height of demand during the Vietnam conflict, it shipped up to 10,000 watches a year. That peak figure is the company’s own historical account; the cited page does not specify the year or provide an independent archival count. OW’s mail-order history
OW’s best-known historical diver is the Caribbean 1000 Precision. The company dates its launch to 1964 and gives it a certified depth rating of 1,000 m (3,300 ft). That figure describes the historical watch, not the current C-1000 MkII or every watch in today’s collection. The company also recounts military, aviation, NASA and expedition connections; those are brand-published historical claims. OW on the Caribbean 1000
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#1 Best Overall
- Stainless steel case 40mm diameter x 14.1mm thick; Exhibition case back; Black dial; Luminous hands.Band Length: 205mm
- NH35A Japanese Automatic movement, 24 jewel; Assembled in Malaysia; Watch weight 155 grams
- Includes gift box, instructions and 3 year limited manufacturer warranty; Invicta Customer Service can be reached at 1-800-327-7682 for questions (re: Additional links, band replacement, band adjustment, warranty questions, etc.)
OW says it scaled back during the quartz era while maintaining mechanical production. Independent watch publication Monochrome Watches reports that after Ollech died in 1992, Wajs formed a new OW company. In 2017, Wajs passed the brand to a long-time collector and former French-market distributor, according to both the company timeline and Monochrome’s account. OW’s timeline · Monochrome Watches’ 2019 relaunch coverage
How the relaunch translated the brand’s tool-watch identity
In its 25 July 2019 coverage, Monochrome described the renewed range as mechanical watches with pilot, diver or military inspiration, utilitarian styling and relatively accessible prices. The launch models, P-101 and P-104, used a shared case platform, but their specifications and launch prices are historical details for those references—not a specification sheet for today’s collection.
Rank #2
- Seiko 5 Automatic Black Arabic Dial Men's Watch SNKP21J1
P-101 and P-104 at launch
| 2019 launch model | Design | Reported specifications | Launch price |
|---|---|---|---|
| P-101 | Pilot/military-inspired | 39.56 mm stainless-steel case, screw-down crown and caseback, 300 m water resistance, domed sapphire crystal, ETA 2824-2 movement, bidirectional 12-hour bezel and date | CHF 956 |
| P-104 Selectron | Selectron-inspired pilot watch | 39.56 mm stainless-steel case, screw-down crown and caseback, 300 m water resistance, domed sapphire crystal and ETA 2824-2 movement | CHF 1,056 |
These case and price details were reported by Monochrome in 2019 and should not be read as current pricing or as specifications shared by all OW models. Monochrome Watches’ P-101 and P-104 specifications
Current collection and prices
OW’s homepage displayed the following CHF prices when reviewed on 8 October 2026. They are a dated snapshot of the official listings, not a guarantee of stock, future pricing, local taxes or final landed cost.
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Rank #3
- [Luxurious Mechanical Watch] High quality hollow mechanical watch appearance retro gorgeous, exquisite carving and design of the golden appearance of the European nobility more highlight your noble identity extraordinary taste, to bring you a pleasant luxury experience
- [Mechanical Movement] This watch has manual self-winding. Please consider that mechanical watches that require manual winding can only keep time for a short time after winding. To prevent running or inaccurate time, it is advised that you verify the time periodically and wind up the chain 15–20 times.
- [Waterproof] Water resistant to 50m (165ft) -suitable for short periods of recreational swimming and showering, but not diving or snorkeling
- [Ideal as a Gift] This beautiful retro-style watch can be worn on any occasion or given as a gift to your father, brother, partner, or boyfriend. At weddings and any holiday gatherings, it can be a really appreciated and elegant gift.
- [Professional After-Sale Service] Please contact us if you need any additional details about our watches. We will be happy to answer and help you anytime.
| Model | Displayed price (CHF) |
|---|---|
| OW MK-102 | 1,596 |
| OW MV-82 | 1,596 |
| OW M-52 AU | 1,596 |
| OW P-104 Selectron | 1,796 |
| OW C-1000 Y | 1,996 |
| OW Ocean Graph MkII | 1,996 |
| OW 8001 Tundra | 1,996 |
| OW C-1000 FAGN | 1,996 |
| OW C-1000 MkII | 1,996 |
| OW Rallye de Paris | 2,696 |
| OW Coupe des Alpes | 2,696 |
| OW Rallychron | 2,696 |
The official homepage is the source for these displayed prices. OW’s diver collection separately listed the C-1000 MkII, C-1000 FAGN, Ocean Graph MkII and C-1000 Y at CHF 1,996 apiece at the same review date.
What is established about current specifications
OW says its watches are “Designed in Zurich, and individually assembled and adjusted by hand in Haute-Sorne in the Swiss Jura.” Its collection overview names ETA 2824-2, Valjoux 7753 and Soprod Newton P092 among the movements used across the brand. It does not map every movement to every current model, so those names alone do not establish the calibre inside a particular watch. OW’s collection overview
Rank #4
- [Luxurious Mechanical Watch] High quality hollow mechanical watch appearance retro gorgeous, exquisite carving and design of the golden appearance of the European nobility more highlight your noble identity extraordinary taste, to bring you a pleasant luxury experience
- [Mechanical Movement] There's no need to worry if the battery is dead because this watch has manual self-winding. Please consider that mechanical watches that require manual winding can only keep time for a short time after winding. To prevent running or inaccurate time, it is advised that you verify the time periodically and wind up the chain 15–20 times.
- [Waterproof] Water resistant to 30m (98FT) -suitable for daily water resistance, withstands splashes and light rain. Not for swimming, showering or diving
- [Ideal as a Gift] This beautiful retro-style watch can be worn on any occasion or given as a gift to your father, brother, partner, or boyfriend. At weddings and any holiday gatherings, it can be a really appreciated and elegant gift.
- [Professional After-Sale Service] Please contact us if you need any additional details about our watches. We will be happy to answer and help you anytime.
The overview likewise is not a complete model-by-model technical matrix. For a specific watch, check its live product page for case dimensions, movement, water resistance, crystal, strap or bracelet, and power reserve. The 2019 P-101/P-104 case specifications should not be applied to current models without confirmation on their individual pages.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Is OW an accessible tool-watch brand?
“Accessible” is relative, but OW’s present prices make the term understandable as a description of its positioning rather than a claim that the watches are inexpensive. OW says the founders’ retail idea was to offer “fine-quality Swiss watches accessible to everyone.” On the homepage reviewed on 8 October 2026, current listed prices ran from CHF 1,596 to CHF 2,696. Those prices give a concrete current reference point, while the company’s founding phrase is its own description of its original aim. OW’s official collection overview
Best Value
- Sleek & Functional Design: This sophisticated titanium men's watch showcases a distinctive dial layout with dedicated markers for minutes, 12-hour, and 24-hour time displays. Arabic numerals ensure optimal legibility, while the bold red-tipped second hand injects a subtle yet striking accent. The inclusion of a practical date window further elevates its everyday versatility.
- Lightweight & Durable Titanium Construction: Crafted from premium titanium, the case combines brushed and polished finishes for a refined yet rugged aesthetic. Renowned for its featherlight weight and exceptional resilience, titanium offers superior corrosion resistance. The screw-down case back enhances durability.
- Clear AR Coated Sapphire Lens & Super Luminous: Fitted with an anti-reflective sapphire crystal, this automatic watch delivers unmatched clarity and scratch resistance. The watch hands coated with super-luminous material for easy readability even in low-light conditions.
- Precision Japanese Movement & 10ATM Water-Resistant: Powered by a precise Miyota 8215 automatic movement, this timepiece ensures accurate timekeeping and long-term reliability. With a 10ATM water resistance rating, it’s built to accompany you on outdoor adventures without compromise.
- Quick-Release Nylon Strap for Comfort: The lightweight nylon strap prioritizes comfort for all-day wear, while the quick-release mechanism allows for effortless strap changes to suit any occasion. Low-maintenance and durable, it’s designed for convenience.
For a buyer, the useful distinction is between the collection’s broad identity and each model’s verified specification. OW’s history and the 2019 launch coverage support the brand’s association with mechanical pilot, dive and military-inspired watches; choosing a watch for a particular use still requires checking the exact live model page rather than inferring performance from its design family or a historic reference.
Quick Recap
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.
