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The Ollech & Wajs OW C-1000 MkII is OW’s bestseller. The watch is based on a historically significant model whose genes the C-1000 has definitely inherited. But how much Caribbean 1000 is really in the diver’s watch? I tested my first model from Ollech & Wajs…
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Ollech & Wajs can look back on an eventful history – with models that have not only shaped the traditional, family-run company from Zurich, but the watch industry in general. The best example is the subject of today’s watch review. As I will be stocking the brand in my shop from now on, it practically goes without saying that I will be presenting the most important references in detail and giving you my opinion.
I’ll start strategically with a highlight. The watch I am presenting to you today is nothing less than the descendant of perhaps the most important watch from Ollech & Wajs. Allow me to present: the Ollech & Wajs OW C-1000 MkII. 1000 meters maximum diving depth, timeless design and an eventful history are behind this watch. I would like to tell you about it before this extensive review.
How the Caribbean 1000 revolutionized diving
In 1964, around 8 years after its foundation by Joseph Ollech and Albert Wajs in a small store in Stockerstrasse in Zurich, OW was already one of the leading Swiss watch companies. The two business partners had earned a reputation for building reliable and versatile timepieces. Not only for well-known customers such as Omega and Breitling, but also for their own brand. Around the same time, a competition had broken out for the watch with the greatest diving depth. Numerous watches that are still known today were created in this era. Blancpain was one of the pioneers with the Fifty Fathoms. The model developed for the French Navy dived to a depth of 300 feet, or around 9 meters. Rolex soon launched the Submariner, a revised version of which broke the 200-meter mark. These early days of diving watches were particularly innovative, thanks in part to the emergence of diving sports.
The year 1964 marked an important point in the history of Ollech & Wajs. Water resistance was significantly increased with a stainless steel case that was milled from a single block and dispensed with conventional seals. The idea for the monobloc case came from the family-run company Jenny Watches. It was implemented with the expertise of Ollech & Wajs. The Caribbean 1000 was born. It easily surpassed the record holders of the time (with a maximum diving depth of around 300 meters). According to OW, many of the watches produced back then are still in use today.
Two years after its market launch, the Caribbean 1000 even survived an expedition to the North Pole, on which it was taken by an Italian team.
How much Caribbean 1000 is still in the Ollech & Wajs OW C-1000 MkII?
So, the Ollech & Wajs OW C-1000 MkII has a heavy legacy to follow in the footsteps of the original. Can such an icon still be achieved today? Visually, the C-1000 MkII is based on the Caribbean 1000. The parallels between the two silhouettes cannot be overlooked. Nevertheless, and I would like to give the C-1000 credit for this, this watch does not attempt to copy the original. Even at second glance, one recognizes serious differences. Ollech & Wajs’ most famous model is up to date, even though it bears the clear signature of the traditional Swiss company.
The name-giving feature of the current diver’s watch is still its water resistance to a maximum depth of 1000 meters. This means that the C-1000 MkII also outperforms today’s competition. In this respect, little has changed even 60 years after the Caribbean 1000 was launched.
The Ollech & Wajs OW C-1000 MkII on the wrist
The same applies to the compact dimensions. The current model measures 39.5 millimeters. The small diameter is a typical feature of historical diver’s watches. This is also the point on which both I and my community are divided. On the one hand, I understand the choice of diameter. You want to capture the spirit and charm of the original, and also set yourself apart from the masses who opt for 42 millimetres. However, many of my customers and followers want exactly that: “It’s a great watch, if it only were a little bigger,” I often hear watch enthusiasts sigh. The advantages of the larger diameter are obvious (or rather on the wrist). Wearers appreciate the improved readability and ease of use. So, Ollech & Wajs: how about two diameters? Medium and Large, so to speak, between which you can choose. It would be worth considering.
The case of the Ollech & Wajs OW C-1000 MkII
The compact case is made of 316L stainless steel, which was manufactured on site in the Swiss Jura. The brushed surfaces give it its toolwatch character. To ensure water resistance, Ollech & Wajs have additionally reinforced the case back. The sapphire crystal is also extra thick and beautifully curved. A quadruple seal also protects the crown area. Swiss SuperLuminova, with which the hands and indices are coated, ensures excellent legibility even in the dark.
Soprod’s Newton Precision P092 – the best caliber in an OW watch?
Ollech & Wajs has been relying on movements from the Swiss manufacturer Soprod for some time now, and the Ollech & Wajs OW C-1000 MkII is powered by a Newton Precision P092 caliber. The initial feedback from loyal OW customers sounded promising. After several days of testing on the wrist, I can say for myself that the ‘Precision’ suffix to the name says it all. With a rate accuracy of +/- 5 seconds, the automatic movement achieves very good values. At the same time, a power reserve of up to 44 hours ensures good endurance. The fact that the Newton Precision P092 achieves such values on the test bench is due to the strict standards according to which it is tested by the Laboratoire Dubois in Chaux-de-Fonds. In addition to hours, minutes and seconds, the automatic movement also drives a date function.
Ollech & Wajs modifies the movement before installing it in the OW C-1000 MkII. The nickel-plated case back now bears the lettering “OW Zurich 1956”. The rotor is also reminiscent of the OW logo. It looks outstanding!
Three straps, three stories
The Ollech & Wajs OW C-1000 MkII comes with a choice of three different straps. Each one tells its own story. The chic stainless steel bracelet is strongly reminiscent of the bracelets on which the legendary Caribbean 1000 was worn. The double folding clasp ensures easy handling.
Rubber watch straps have not only been around for a few years. The Arctic explorers who took the Caribbean 1000 with them on their expeditions already appreciated the flexible, heat-resistant and durable material. Ollech & Wajs has come up with some ingenious ways of using the bracelet as a useful source of information. On the outside, you can read the centimeter and inch rulers and on the back there is a conversion table for meters, yards and feet as well as the Morse alphabet. You think you’ve seen it all, only to be amazed again – awesome!
Last but not least, there is the so-called freediver wristband, which is a classic nylon strap. Its thin white line symbolizes the line that freedivers use to find their way in the dark. Hence the name.
My conclusion on the Ollech & Wajs OW C-1000 MkII
It is not easy to inherit the legacy of an icon that used to be able to use advanced technologies to outshine competitors from Blancpain and Rolex. Moreover, 1000 meters of water resistance no longer has the same appeal as it did 60 years ago, when this mark seemed unattainable. The same applies to diving watches in general, whose functions have largely been taken over by dive computers.
As a watch brand, you have to know how to convey a feeling of value, craftsmanship, tradition and good design to the customer (who in most cases rarely or never dives). In my opinion, the Ollech & Wajs OW C-1000 MkII certainly achieves this. Visually alone, the diver’s watch knows how to stand out. The design clearly sets itself apart from the competition, is memorable and yet does not simply copy the original – well done! The quality of the case, the movement and the bracelets is outstanding – there is nothing to complain about.
If I have anything to criticize, it’s the diameter. At 39 millimetres, it is very compact. You have to like that and not all men like this compactness.
Prices and availability
You can buy the Ollech & Wajs OW C-1000 MkII in my store. You can configure your personal C-1000 as you wish. With the RAF Freediver nylon strap, the model costs 1,979.00 euros. If you opt for the sporty and functional Expedition strap made of rubber, the price is 1,999.00 euros. I also think the stainless steel bracelet is really stylish. That costs 2,199.00 euros.
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More about Ollech & Wajs and the OW C-1000 MkII
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