The Ollech & Wajs OW M-110 AS pairs a 300 m-rated, skin-diver-style steel watch with a bidirectional compass bezel and an infantry-green strap described as reclaimed Swiss Army surplus hemp canvas. Its appeal is the combination: a dive-watch specification and a field-oriented bezel, finished with fabric that looks and wears differently from a conventional rubber or leather strap. The trade-offs are a strap that may fray by design and conflicting published case-thickness measurements.
What is the OW M-110 AS?
The OW M-110 AS is a stainless-steel watch from Ollech & Wajs. Fratello’s October 2023 hands-on review describes it as a skin-diver-style model, with a bidirectional friction compass bezel, screw-down crown and case back, and stated water resistance of 300 m (30 ATM). WatchReport also reports the 300 m specification. These are published product specifications, not results of an independent water-resistance test.
The AS version is distinguished by its green canvas strap. Reviews describe it as reclaimed Swiss Army surplus hemp canvas, backed with leather. That material gives the watch a military-inspired character; it is not simply a standard dive-watch strap in a different color.
Case, dimensions and wear
Fratello lists a 39.56 mm case diameter, 45.7 mm lug-to-lug length and 20 mm strap width. Its review describes a 316L stainless-steel case and sapphire crystal with antireflective treatment. Those figures make the published diameter relatively compact on paper, but they do not establish how the watch will fit every wrist; case shape, thickness and strap stiffness also matter.
#1 Best Overall
- CLASSIC FIELD WATCH DESIGN: Clean white dial with bold Arabic numerals and a compass bezel for excellent readability and everyday outdoor style.
- AUTOMATIC MECHANICAL MOVEMENT: Reliable Seiko automatic movement with a 41-hour power reserve delivers smooth, battery-free performance.
- DURABLE STAINLESS STEEL BUILD: Constructed with a stainless steel case and solid link bracelet, featuring a Hardlex crystal and see-through case back.
- DAY-DATE DISPLAY: Easy-to-read day and date window with luminous hands and markers for quick timekeeping in various lighting conditions.
- EVERYDAY COMFORT: Designed for work, travel, hiking, and casual wear with 100M water resistance and a secure deployment clasp.
Case thickness is not consistent across the available reviews: Fratello lists 14 mm, The Calibrated Wrist lists 12.5 mm, and WatchReport lists 12.65 mm. The difference could reflect measurement methods, samples or product information. Treat thickness as unresolved rather than choosing one figure as definitive; check Ollech & Wajs’ current specification before relying on it.
Compass bezel and radio-silence markings
Bidirectional compass bezel
The friction bezel has a compass scale and is intended to support basic direction-finding with the sun, as explained in Fratello’s review. It is a field-oriented feature on a watch otherwise presented with dive-watch water resistance. A watch bezel is not a replacement for a map, compass or dedicated navigation equipment, and the cited review material does not provide a manufacturer’s operating manual or detailed instructions.
Rank #2
- BUILT FOR EVERYDAY ADVENTURES: Classic Seiko 5 Sports Field watch with a bold black dial and compass bezel, designed for outdoor activities and daily wear.
- RELIABLE AUTOMATIC MOVEMENT: Powered by Seiko's automatic mechanical movement with a 41-hour power reserve for dependable performance without a battery.
- DURABLE STAINLESS STEEL DESIGN: Crafted with a stainless steel case and solid link bracelet, featuring a see-through case back and Hardlex crystal for lasting durability.
- EASY DAY-DATE READABILITY: Large luminous Arabic numerals and a convenient day-date display provide excellent visibility in various lighting conditions.
- COMFORTABLE & VERSATILE: Ideal for work, travel, hiking, casual wear, and everyday adventures with 100M water resistance and a secure deployment clasp.
Quarter-hour radio-silence markers
The dial includes markings for three-minute radio-silence periods after each quarter hour. Fratello describes these as periods reserved in military practice for distress calls. They are a military-inspired dial detail; the reviews do not establish that the watch itself provides or monitors any radio function.
Movement and published performance figures
Fratello identifies the movement as a Soprod Newton Precision P092. The review lists 23 jewels, a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour, a 44-hour power reserve, adjustment in five positions and stated accuracy of ±5 seconds per day. These are specifications reported in that October 2023 review, not measurements independently verified here.
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- Inspired by vintage American field watches, the men's Caravelle Field watch is a purpose-built timepiece meant for adventure.
- Made from 316L stainless steel, the case features a compass bezel and angled lugs.
- Bold numerals and a day and date display offer utility and exceptional legibility against the black dial, which lights up with the push of a button.
- Paired with a durable black nylon pass-through strap for added comfort and security, the men'sCaravelle Field watch won't break a sweat, even when you do.
The surplus hemp strap: distinctive, but not for everyone
Fratello describes a handmade 20 mm Italian strap made from 1950s surplus Swiss military canvas, with a leather backing, suede keepers and signed pin buckle. Its reviewer said it conformed to his wrist after minutes of wear; that is his experience, not a comfort guarantee for every wearer.
Grimoldi describes the material as dual-ply, military-grade double-twill hemp canvas reclaimed from unused Swiss Army surplus, and says the canvas was originally used for items such as backpacks and all-weather vehicle skins. Those historical and material details are retailer claims, rather than independently established facts here.
Rank #4
- Inspired by vintage American field watches, the men's Caravelle Field watch is a purpose-built timepiece meant for adventure.
- Made from antique gold-tone 316L stainless steel, the case features a compass bezel and angled lugs.
- Bold numerals and a day and date display offer utility and exceptional legibility against the earthy taupe dial, which lights up with the push of a button.
- Paired with a durable tan nylon pass-through strap for added comfort and security, the men'sCaravelle Field watch won't break a sweat, even when you do.
WatchReport notes that the canvas is intentionally frayed and may fray further. Its reviewer also reports that some people find this appearance can make the watch feel less refined. That reaction is subjective, but the practical point is clear: buyers who want a consistently crisp, conventional strap finish may prefer another option. The 20 mm width is useful when considering alternatives, though buckle and spring-bar compatibility should be checked before buying a replacement.
What to weigh before choosing it
- Choose it for the mix: the compass bezel, radio-silence dial markings and stated 300 m water resistance combine field-watch cues with a dive-watch specification.
- Consider the strap carefully: reclaimed hemp canvas is the defining AS detail, but its deliberately worn appearance and potential further fraying will not suit every preference.
- Do not assume the thickness: published figures range from 12.5 mm to 14 mm, so confirm the current manufacturer specification if that dimension affects fit.
- Check current buying details directly: the cited reviews do not establish current stock, price or warranty terms. Fratello reported CHF 1,456 in October 2023, a dated retail figure rather than a current quote.
Verdict
The OW M-110 AS is most compelling for someone who wants a tool-watch look with more personality than a conventional diver: the compass bezel and military-inspired dial details are paired with an unusually specific surplus-canvas strap. Its reported movement figures and water-resistance specification are strong on paper, while the strap is likely to divide opinion. Fratello contributor Michael Stockton captured the strap’s appeal in his October 2023 hands-on review: “A strap alone isn’t a reason to buy a watch, but this one is truly fantastic and beautifully made.” That is an enthusiast’s judgment, not a universal verdict; inspect the strap and confirm the current specifications if you are considering a purchase.
Best Value
- Inspired by vintage American field watches, the men's Caravelle Field watch is a purpose-built timepiece meant for adventure.
- Made from 316L stainless steel, the case features a compass bezel and angled lugs.
- Bold numerals and a day and date display offer utility and exceptional legibility against the matte blue dial, which lights up with the push of a button.
- Paired with a durable blue nylon pass-through strap for added comfort and security, the men'sCaravelle Field watch won't break a sweat, even when you do.
Sources: Fratello’s October 2023 hands-on review; Grimoldi product description; WatchReport review.
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