OLLECH & WAJS OW Ocean Graph

Rebirth of a Legend

For more than five decades, an almost forgotten watch lay dormant in the archives of Ollech & Wajs before now returning in a modernized form: the OW MK-82. Originally made for airborne units of the U.S. Army during the Vietnam era, it bears the distinctive "Jump Wings" badge of the paratroopers – a symbol of discipline and the elite status of military-trained parachutists. Like the historic original, the new edition also displays the words "Airborne" and "All The Way," a greeting inseparably linked to the famous 82nd Airborne Division.

Historical Roots Reinterpreted

The original designed in 1970 served as the template for the MK-82, whose design closely follows the first operational models. Nevertheless, the re-edition does not feel museum-like: it transfers the military spirit into a contemporary design language without losing the original character. The first 56 pieces come with a numbered crown – a small but exclusive nod to collectors – while later models carry the iconic OW 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 date adjustment, and about 38 hours of power reserve, it meets the highest standards of precision. The OW-engraved plate and specially crafted rotor add extra individuality to the movement – a sign 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 about 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 angle scale, giving the MK-82 a functional, almost tactical touch. Sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating, a screwed case back, and a screw-down crown guarantee durability up to 300 meters – values that then and now stand for true tool watches.

Legibility and Practical Details

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

Strap Options and Everyday Suitability

The MK-82 is delivered standard with a gray RAF strap made of military-grade nylon, manufactured in Switzerland and notable for its robustness. Those who prefer a more elegant look can choose the optional M-Heritage mesh strap made of stainless steel. Both variants emphasize different aspects of the watch, yet they share the same claim: to be versatile, durable, and still comfortable.

Craftsmanship Origin and Significance

Each MK-82 piece is handcrafted with care 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 historic pieces are extremely rare, making their modern reissue all the more valuable.

Final 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 classic tool watch that respects its origins while meeting today’s quality standards. Anyone looking for a watch that unites authenticity, functionality, and character will find an exceptional companion in the MK-82 — powerful, precise, and uncompromisingly independent.

Specifications OLLECH & WAJS OW Ocean Graph

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