Ollech & Wajs continues its legacy of creating rugged, military-grade timepieces with the introduction of the M-52 All Units (AU), a model that draws from the brand’s rich history of producing watches for U.S. military personnel in the 1960s. Built for soldiers, pilots, sailors, and divers, the M-52 AU combines elements of field, pilot, and dive watches into a single, versatile tool watch. Priced at 1,356 CHF, this Swiss-made watch is designed to meet the needs of both military professionals and civilians who require reliability in harsh conditions.
Honoring Two Eras of Military Watchmaking
The M-52 All Units pays tribute to two distinct periods of Ollech & Wajs’ history. It takes inspiration from the vintage OW watches worn by U.S. Airborne troops during the Vietnam War, while also drawing from the recent M-52B Air Force (AF) model, which was released in 2024 to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the B-52 Stratofortress. The M-52 AU blends the practicality of a field watch with the functionality of a pilot’s watch and the robust water resistance of a dive watch—hence the designation “All Units.”
The watch features the 12-hour world time bezel, a nod to the vintage models favored by Vietnam-era U.S. military personnel. It also includes a distinctive red numeral date wheel, another reference to Ollech & Wajs’ military heritage. The indices, a combination of dots and dashes, are designed to resemble Morse code, a subtle homage to the brand’s ties to the military.
Robust Design and Technical Specifications
The M-52 AU is housed in a 39.5mm brushed stainless steel case, built to minimize glare in tactical environments. The watch is equipped with a bespoke Soprod P024 automatic movement, featuring a 38-hour power reserve and adjusted in three positions for accuracy. The sapphire crystal is treated with anti-reflective coating, and the watch is water-resistant to 300 meters (30 ATM), making it capable of withstanding underwater missions.
The bezel is bidirectional and allows for quick adjustments of the 12-hour world time function, a practical feature for anyone needing to track multiple time zones. The Super-LumiNova®-coated hands and indices ensure legibility in low-light conditions, whether on land, in the air, or underwater.
Straps and Accessories
The M-52 AU comes standard on a 20mm military-grade grey nylon RAF strap, known for its durability and comfort. Customers can also choose from two optional accessories: a brown Italian leather strap with natural linen backing (96 CHF) or the M-Heritage stainless steel mesh bracelet (126 CHF). Each strap is hand-finished in Switzerland and fitted with a brushed stainless steel buckle engraved with the brand’s signature OWZ 1956.
Conclusion
The Ollech & Wajs M-52 All Units exemplifies the brand’s commitment to building reliable, Swiss-made watches that serve both military and civilian customers. By blending the aesthetics and utility of field, pilot, and dive watches, the M-52 AU stands as a versatile tool watch ready for any mission. Whether you’re in the military or a civilian working in challenging environments, the M-52 AU is designed to perform under pressure.
For more information, visit Ollech & Wajs’ official website.
