Ollech & Wajs are celebrating a big milestone in dive watch history with the C-1000 A, a special edition for the 60th anniversary of the Precision Caribbean 1000. Launched in 1964, the Caribbean 1000 was a game changer, the first watch to have a depth rating of 1,000 meters (3,300 feet). The 702 mono-block case with pointed lugs made it a favorite among commercial and military divers and ocean explorers in some of the toughest environments on the planet.
Not unlike the C-1000 from 2020, the new C-1000 A anniversary edition honors its legendary predecessor with several design elements that will be familiar to some. The watch has the shorter triangular lugs, affectionately known as ‘Vampire fangs’ by collectors. It also has the tapered hour and minute hands and the 12-hour bi-directional bezel with a 20-minute diver’s scale, same as the original Caribbean 1000.
Thanks to modern materials and manufacturing, the C-1000 A has the same level of water resistance as the original but with the convenience of a screw-down case back. This modern re-interpretation makes the watch a collector’s piece but also a tool watch, if you’re brave enough to dive with it.
Adding to the retro vibe the C-1000 A comes on a cadmium yellow nylon RAF-style strap, a nod to the yellow trim wetsuits worn by scuba divers of the 1960s, including Ollech & Wajs test divers Alberto Novelli and Cesare Olgjai. The strap not only looks cool but I’m sure it’s also durable and comfortable. I’m testing a different OW watch at the moment and have been really pleased with how comfy the nylon is.
Ollech & Wajs C-1000 A Specifications
| Case Size | 39.5mm (diameter) x 15.8mm (thickness) |
| Water Resistance | 1,000m |
| Movement | ETA 2824-2 or Soprod Newton Precision P092 |
| Power Reserve | 38 – 44 hours |
| Case Material | Stainless steel |
| Crystal | Sapphire |
| Strap | Nylon RAF or M-Heritage stainless steel mesh bracelet |
| Price | 1,856 CHF |
The first 56 units of the Ollech & Wajs C-1000 A will be numbered crown editions with the ETA 2824-2 automatic movement, using the last of OW’s stock. After that the C-1000 A will be powered by the Soprod Newton Precision movement, a collaboration between Ollech & Wajs and the movement maker.
For those who want to own a piece of horological heritage, this special edition perfectly combines classic and modern. Pricing is 1,856 CHF on RAF-style cadmium yellow strap. The M-Heritage stainless steel mesh bracelet is available as an additional 126 CHF. Each watch has a handmade soft black leather travel pouch with OW logo.
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.
In terms of materials used, including for the hairspring, and all that goes with it, including accuracy and reliability and shock absorption, what is the better movement here, the NOS ETA 2824-2 or the Soprod Precision Newton P092?