Ochs und Junior Anno Sandblasted, Annual Calendar Minimalism at its Best

Traditionally, watchmakers solve horological problems by adding components. Dr Ludwig Oechslin famously does the opposite, stripping mechanisms down to their absolute essentials. It is a philosophy that has defined Ochs und Junior since its inception and one that reaches one of its purest expressions in the Anno annual calendar.

The foundational model, the brand’s annual calendar, is not new; we have presented it here as far back as 2013, and it also returned in a more accessible form three years ago, in 42mm titanium cases and as a serial-production piece. For 2026, the independent Swiss brand introduces a new version of this remarkable watch, the Anno Sandblasted. The mechanics are unchanged, but the aesthetic has been reworked. As we have learned in the past, a new dial version often brings a totally different character to the watch. Forget the coloured executions seen on earlier serial-production anno models, the new version welcomes a monochromatic appearance. The sandblasted surface is rhodium-plated for a subtle silvery finish. The only touch of contrast is the central seconds hand, finished with a small piece of yellow gold leaf.

In typical Ochs und Junior fashion, there is no printed text, no branding and no unnecessary decoration. The perforations around the periphery indicate the date (doubling as minutes track, as each dot is 2 minutes), while smaller circles of holes above and below the centre display the month and the weekday (both in counterclockwise rotation, important). Indices are for even hours only, with a double index at 12 o’clock. There’s even a day/night indicator via the weekday dots: when one is visible, it’s day, and two are for night. What initially appears abstract quickly becomes very logical once understood. All calendar functions can be adjusted directly through the crown.

The watch is available in 39mm and 42mm diameter cases, each in grade 5 titanium. The case is deliberately industrial in character, showing visible machining marks and avoiding excessive refinement. The two-part titanium construction keeps weight exceptionally low, with the 39mm version weighing just 45 grams and the 42mm model only 51 grams before strap and buckle. The screw-down crown ensures 100m of water resistance.

The watch is powered by the familiar ETA 2824-2 automatic movement with a 38-hour power reserve, though the watch’s appeal lies not in the base movement but in Oechslin’s calendar module. The new Anno Sandblasted are worn on a handmade black Ecopell calfskin strap, produced by Sabina Brägger, available in four sizes. As with other watches in the Ochs line collection, customisation is intentionally absent. The watch is offered as a complete and coherent design object, as conceived by Oechslin.

The new Ochs und Junior Anno Sandblasted annual calendar can be ordered directly from the brand at ochsundjunior.swiss, with delivery expected within approximately 12 weeks after a 50% deposit. The price is CHF 5,177 excl. taxes or CHF 5,596 incl. 8.1% Swiss VAT.