A production journey that started decades ago concludes with the new — but not so new — Ollech & Wajs 56 M. Not just inspired by history, but a piece of history itself.
A watch that combines vintage new old stock parts with contemporary parts. The 38 mm case is upcycled from unused stock, originally acquired by Ollech & Wajs in the late 90s but manufactured several years earlier. Its classic silhouette is a throwback to the military pilot watches of the late 1940s, and collectors of vintage OW will recognize it from historic models such as the Valjoux 7733 Flieger and the MP series.
In reference to OW’s long military heritage, Morse code dots and dashes have been incorporated into the bezel and dial, with a combination of white and beige Super-LumiNova®.
The 56 M utilizes OW’s last remaining stock of ETA 2824 automatic movements, which have been fully serviced and reconditioned after many years in the vault. Other parts upcycled from the OW historic inventory include the traditional plexiglass crystal and the admiralty-grey dial.
One detail that breaks with tradition are the words ‘Ollech & Wajs’ printed on the dial. The 56 M is only the second watch in OW’s 67-year history to bear the founders’ names on a dial. Our watches usually only carry the company initials, framed by the famous propellor monogram.
This deviation is to ensure that years from now the 56 M will be easily identified as a vintage/new stock hybrid and will not be confused with earlier OW models sharing the same parts.
The watch is presented on a rugged, heavy-gauge, stainless steel mesh bracelet, with ‘OWZ 1956’ engraved on a thorn buckle.
Given the finite availability of parts, the OW 56 M will be limited to only 56 numbered pieces. The price is 1,356 CHF, inclusive of shipping and all import taxes. To secure your place on the reserve list, send an email to shop@ow-watch.ch, including your full name, postal address, phone number, and email address. One reservation per person. We will contact the successful reserves to request a deposit once the list is closed. Shipping is expected to commence in late 2023.
Photo by Ollech & Wajs.
