OLLECH & WAJS OW MV-82

Rebirth of a Legend

For more than five decades, an almost forgotten watch lay dormant in the archives of Ollech & Wajs before making its return in a modernized form: the OW MK-82. Originally made for U.S. Army Airborne units during the Vietnam era, it bears the distinctive "Jump Wings" badge of the paratroopers – a symbol of discipline and the elite status of militarily trained paratroopers. Like its historical predecessor, the new edition also features the words "Airborne" and "All The Way," a salute inextricably linked to the famous 82nd Airborne Division.

Historical Roots Reinterpreted

Designed in 1970, the original served as the template for the MK-82, whose design is closely based on the first operational models. Nevertheless, the re-edition is by no means museum-like: it translates the military spirit into a contemporary design language without losing its original character. The first 56 pieces are released with a numbered crown – a small but exclusive homage to collectors – while later models feature OW's iconic propeller logo.

Modern Watchmaking with Military DNA

At the heart of the MK-82 beats the refined Soprod P024 automatic caliber, specially tuned for OW. With 4 Hz, hacking seconds, quick-set date, and approximately 38 hours of power reserve, it meets the highest standards of precision. The OW-engraved main plate and specially crafted rotor bring additional individuality to the movement – an indication that this re-edition was not simply copied but further developed.

Robustness for Demanding Missions

The 39.5 mm case made of brushed 316L stainless steel combines stability and wearing comfort in a remarkable way. With a height of approximately 12.5 mm and a 48 mm lug-to-lug measurement, the watch sits comfortably on the wrist. Particularly striking is the rotatable 360-degree compass bezel with an angular scale, which gives the MK-82 a functional, almost tactical touch. Sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating, a screw-down case back, and a screw-down crown guarantee durability up to 300 meters – values that then, as now, stand for true mission watches.

Legibility and Practical Details

The hands and indices are coated with Super-LumiNova, ensuring that the MK-82 remains clearly legible even in poor lighting conditions. Its entire design follows the principle of quick orientation – a crucial advantage for paratroopers and pilots, but equally welcome in everyday life. The watch always remains pleasantly functional without being stylistically obtrusive, which gives it a timeless character.

Strap Options and Everyday Suitability

The MK-82 comes standard with a gray RAF strap made of military-grade nylon, manufactured in Switzerland and known for its robustness. For those who prefer a more elegant look, the optional M-Heritage stainless steel mesh bracelet is available. Both variants emphasize different sides of the watch, but they share the same aspiration: to be versatile, durable, and yet comfortable.

Craftsmanship and Significance

Each MK-82 is meticulously handcrafted in the Swiss Jura region, where OW has been producing its military-inspired timepieces for decades. The watch is part of the M-Series Heritage Collection, a tribute to those models worn by soldiers in Southeast Asia in the late 1960s and early 1970s. Today, these historical pieces are extremely rare, which makes their modern re-edition all the more valuable.

Concluding Thought: Tradition with Attitude

The OW MK-82 combines military history, Swiss watchmaking, and modern technology into a timepiece that is much more than a nostalgic keepsake. It is a thoughtful reinterpretation of a mission classic that respects its origins while meeting today's quality standards. Anyone looking for a watch that combines authenticity, functionality, and character will find an exceptional companion in the MK-82 – powerful, precise, and uncompromisingly distinctive.

Specifications OLLECH & WAJS OW Ocean Graph

• Case
• 39.5 mm × 12.5 mm; 48 mm lug-to-lug, brushed 316L stainless steel, screw-down case back, screw-down crown, rotating steel bezel; manufactured in the Swiss Jura
• Bezel
• 360-degree compass bezel with angular scale / PVD-coated
• Crystal
• Sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating
• Dial
• Hands and indices with Super-LumiNova® coating
• Water Resistance
• 300 m / 30 ATM
• Movement
• Automatic movement, customized Soprod P024; calendar with date display only, with semi-instantaneous change and quick-set via the crown; hacking seconds; 4 Hz, 28,800 vibrations per hour; 25 jewels; 38 hours power reserve; Incabloc. Custom OW Zurich 1956 rotor, OW-engraved main plate, custom screws, assembled and adjusted in three positions for OW
• Grey RAF Strap
• 20 mm military-grade grey nylon; made in Switzerland; with a brushed stainless steel pin buckle, signed "OWZ 1956"
• M-Heritage Bracelet (optional)
• 20 mm medium-weight stainless steel mesh bracelet, hand-brushed, reinforced ends, with a pin buckle engraved with OW
• Origin
• Handcrafted in the Swiss Jura