If you ask me, one of the most intriguing brand revivals we’ve seen recently came from Ollech & Wajs. Although their history seems a little fuzzy, the brand released a ton of interesting and quirky tool watches that are ripe for the picking, if you consider the neverending popularity of vintage reissue watches. After introducing their new OW P-101 and OW P-104 models, Ollech & Wajs is now announcing the availability of the OW C-1000—a reissue of the Ollech & Wajs Caribbean 1000 from the 1960s.
The Carribean 1000 itself was a collaboration between Ollech & Wajs and the Jenny Watch Company back in the 1960s. And if you consider the 60s tool watch vibes found within the OW P-101 and OW P-104 models, it’s no surprise that OW chose that very same platform as a starting point for the new OW C-1000. The first reissues brought forth their very own separate “pilot” style points, and this third installment makes for a 100% diving-inspired instrument.
To me, there’s a little bit of Doxa, Jenny, and OW mixed into the watch’s design. It’s brushed top to bottom, features a fully-graduated rotating dive bezel, and boasts an impressive 1,000m of water resistance—something I was not expecting as I started digging through the spec sheet. Another design point that I’m loving is the set of triangular hour markers at 12, 3, and 9. Together with the 6 o’clock date window, they bring a nice degree of symmetry to the dial that goes well with the handset. However, I could’ve done without the additional “3300 ft” text just above the date window—it’s just redundant and makes things feel a little more crowded toward the bottom of the dial.
Like the original Carribean 1000, the OW C-1000 comes with an ETA movement, the ETA 2824-2 automatic. You can also opt for a brushed beads-of-rice bracelet, or stick with the straightforward black nylon RAF strap. I think the 39.5mm case size will work fine with either option, but just know that this beefy boy is 15mm thick if you count the domed sapphire crystal.
Ollech & Wajs OW C-1000 Specs:
- 39.5mm Diameter x 15mm Thickness x 49.5mm Lug-to-Lug
- 20mm Lug Width
- Dome Sapphire Crystal
- Nylon RAF Strap or Stainless Steel Beads-of-Rice
- 1000m Water Resistance
- ETA 2824-2 Automatic Movement
- Price: 1,456 CHF – 1,596 CHF
As another cool and relatively affordable offering from Ollech & Wajs, I’m excited to see if this straightforward diver will help inject some much-needed momentum into the brand’s recent revival. I’ve always loved their designs, but never really wanted to sink cash into the vintage models. It’s available now and you can learn more by visiting the official Ollech & Wajs website.
Co-Founder & Senior Editor
Michael Peñate is an American writer, photographer, and podcaster based in Seattle, Washington. His work typically focuses on the passage of time and the tools we use to connect with that very journey. From aviation to music and travel, his interests span a multitude of disciplines that often intersect with the world of watches – and the obsessive culture behind collecting them.
Hi,
There’s a small mistake in the article, the collaboration between Ollech & Wajs and the Jenny Watch Company started in the 60’s, not 1946. The Jenny cie was established in 1963, and the Caribean was issued in 1964.
Edited. Thanks for the help! -Mike