The OW C-1000 A, a Tribute to the Famous Ollech & Wajs Caribbean 1000

Watch retail partners Joseph Ollech and Albert Wajs spotted a niche for robust instrument watches in the late 1950s. Appealing to divers, pilots and soldiers, Ollech & Wajs produced impressively resilient tool watches but managed to keep prices in check by outsourcing production. Following Ollech’s death, Wajs renamed the brand OW and sold it in 2017. One of the most famous watches was the 1964 Caribbean 1000, which, as its name indicates, broke all records by fathoming depths of 1,000 metres. Regarded as an icon among the diving community, the Caribbean 1000 resurfaced at OW in a more modern format in 2019. However, to mark its 60^th anniversary, OW releases a more faithful, vintage-inspired edition of the Caribbean 1000, the C-1000 A.

The original Caribbean, which you can see below, was “created for deep sea exploration” with “shock resistant, anti-magnetic” properties and a luminous dial and calendar. Protected by a resilient 702 mono-block steel case, the watch was tested by diving legends Alberto Novelli and Cesare Olgjai and exposed to the extreme cold of the North Pole on Roberto Dei’s 1966 expedition.

Several design features of the original model have been recreated in the new C-1000 A, like the characteristic pointy triangular lugs referred to by collectors as vampire fangs. Accustomed as we are to massive dimensions when it comes to dive watches, the C-1000 A’s 39.5 mm diameter is relatively compact. But don’t be mistaken; this is a tool watch to the core, as attested by the hefty 15.8mm profile of the case.

Recreating the characteristic features of the original, the new model has short triangular lugs with pointy tips and an unprotected screw-down crown and screw-down caseback, ensuring the impressive 1,000m water-resistance. The raised 12-hour bi-directional bezel with its serrated edge has a thin black mineral glass insert with orange markings and white numerals and a 20-minute dive scale. In keeping with its tool watch personality, the stainless steel case is brushed. The domed sapphire crystal protecting the dial accounts for some of the height and is a throwback to the 1964 model’s mineral glass crystal.

The black dial also displays features of the original with its tapering luminescent sword-shaped hour and minute hands and the shape of the rectangular indices. However, the hour markers at 3, 6 and 9 o’clock are triangular and filled with cream-coloured Super-LumiNova. Another difference is the relocation of the date window from 3 to 6 o’clock.

The first 56 watches are numbered crown editions and are equipped with the reliable and fully overhauled ETA 2824-2 automatic movement, the last of OW’s remaining stock. Since the ETA 2824-2 has played an important role in Ollech & Wajs’s history, current CEO Charles Le Menestrel thought it would be a fitting gesture to pair the first 56 anniversary watches with this vintage NOS movement. Following this first batch, the C-1000 A will be powered by a bespoke Soprod Newton Precision P092 automatic movement.

ETA 2824-2 NOS

Soprod Newton Precision P092

Like the yellow trim on the wetsuits worn by scuba divers in the 1960s, the watch comes with a cadmium yellow nylon RAF strap. For an extra CHF 126, it can also be fitted with the brand’s M-Heritage steel mesh bracelet.

Availability & Price

The Ollech & Wajs C-1000 A retails for CHF 1,856. To reserve one of the 56 numbered editions, email [email protected] with your name and contact details. The C-1000 A will be available to purchase at the end of August, with deliveries scheduled for early October 2024. For more information, please visit ow-watch.com.