OLLECH & WAJS OW EARLY BIRD

In 1964, the Ollech & Wajs Precision Caribbean 1000 set the standard by which all other dive watches had to be measured, with a certified record-setting deep diving capability of 1,000m (3,300ft). The greatest advance in the development of the dive watch was due in part to the revolutionary 702 monocoque case with its distinctive pointed lugs.

It was worn by commercial and military divers, and tested by oceanographers in the Red Sea, the North Atlantic, and beneath the frozen Arctic ice. For the 60th anniversary of the Caribbean 1000, which made history in dive watches, we have created a special C-1000 edition that reinterprets several design elements of the iconic original reference.

The C-1000 A anniversary edition recalls the distinctive, truncated triangular lugs, affectionately dubbed ‘vampire teeth’ by collectors. Caribbean 1000 enthusiasts will also appreciate the familiar tapered hour and minute hands, and the 12-hour bi-directional bezel with a 20-minute dive scale, also inspired by the original. The C-1000 A is as water-resistant as its predecessor, but achieves this with the convenience of a screwed-down case back, thanks to advances in materials and manufacturing.

The C-1000 A is presented on a striking RAF nylon strap in cadmium yellow, reminiscent of the yellow trim of the 60s diving suits worn by daring divers such as Ollech & Wajs test divers Alberto Novelli and Cesare Olgjai.

The first 56 watches will be numbered crown editions and will also be equipped with the always reliable ETA 2824-2 automatic movement, OW's last remaining stock.

After that, the C-1000 A will be powered by the groundbreaking Soprod Newton Precision, the result of close collaboration between OW and the Jura-based movement manufacturer.

The M-Heritage stainless steel mesh bracelet can be purchased as an additional accessory for 126 CHF (= €132.13). The watch also comes with a handcrafted, soft black leather travel case embossed with the OW logo.

Specifications

Dimensions: 39.5 mm × 15.8 mm

Case:

• Brushed 316L stainless steel
• Screwed-down case back
• Screwed-down crown
• Rotating 12-hour bezel
• Origin: crafted in the Jura, Switzerland

Glass: Sapphire crystal with anti-reflective treatment

Dial:

• Hands and indices in pale green and cream Super-LumiNova®

Water resistance: 1000 m / 100 atm

Movement:

• Automatic, custom Soprod Newton Precision P092
• Date display, semi-quick change and quick setting via crown
• Hacking seconds
• 4 Hz, 28,800 vibrations per hour
• 23 jewels
• 44 hours power reserve
• Independently tested at Laboratoire Dubois, Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland
• Chronofiable® certification

Average accuracy: ±5 seconds per day, adjusted in five positions

M-Heritage bracelet:

• 20 mm medium density stainless steel mesh bracelet
• Hand-brushed
• Reinforced ends
• With engraved pin buckle

Rubber Expedition Strap:

• 20 mm abrasion-, deformation-, heat- and oil-resistant rubber strap
• Toxin-free
• Engraved centimeter and inch scale, 1:25000 map scale
• Morse code alphabet, conversion table for meters, yards and feet
• Made by Italian rubber specialist, handcrafted in Switzerland
• With two brushed stainless steel loops and pin buckle, signed "OWZ 1956"

Nylon 'Freediver' RAF Strap:

• 20 mm premium quality, highly durable black nylon single strap
• Made in Great Britain, handcrafted in Switzerland
• With two brushed stainless steel loops and pin buckle, signed "OWZ 1956"

Origin: Handmade in the Swiss Jura