Ollech & Wajs Unveils the OW C-1000 MkII: A Modern Dive Watch Masterpiece
The OW C-1000 MkII is the contemporary successor to the renowned Ollech & Wajs Precision ‘Caribbean 1000’. This watch, revered by record-breaking skin divers, elite deep-water commercial divers, and ocean explorers, continues its legacy with a new generation of diving professionals.
A Legacy of Excellence
In the 1960s, as scuba diving surged in popularity, the standards for dive watches shifted from mere precision in seconds and minutes to resilience measured in feet and meters. A watch that could function safely at 300 meters (984 feet) was an exceptional feat. However, in 1964, the Ollech & Wajs Precision ‘Caribbean 1000’ set a new benchmark, achieving a certified depth rating of 1,000 meters (3,300 feet). This remarkable achievement etched its name into dive-watch folklore. The C-1000 MkII honors this legacy, serving the needs of today’s elite professionals and sports enthusiasts.
Advanced Swiss Craftsmanship
The OW C-1000 MkII exemplifies modern Swiss watchmaking. It is powered by the OW bespoke Soprod Newton Precision P092 automatic caliber. This movement, independently tested at the esteemed Laboratoire Dubois in Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland, is acclaimed for its reliability and durability. Customers have praised it as “the most accurate movement they have ever owned.” Modified to OW’s specifications and adjusted in five positions, the movement is encased in a rugged design, with ‘OW Zurich 1956’ engraved on the nickel-plated base, featuring a custom rotor shaped like the OW marque.
Robust and Reliable Construction
The movement is protected by a 39.56 mm, 316L stainless steel case, offering water resistance up to 1,000 meters. This case is meticulously stamped, machined, and brushed in Jura, Switzerland. It boasts a reinforced case back, an extra-strong domed sapphire crystal, and a quadruple gasket screw-down crown. The watch also includes a stainless steel rotating bezel with a mineral insert to measure dive times, and Super-LumiNova®-coated indexes and hands for enhanced readability at extreme depths.
Versatile Strap Options
The OW C-1000 MkII comes with three strap options:
- OW S-type Mark II Beads-of-Rice Bracelet: Inspired by the 1960s Precision line, this bracelet is crafted from solid 316L stainless steel blocks, ensuring durability and comfort. The double-lock deployant clasp prevents accidental opening, making it ideal for divers.
- Rubber Expedition Strap: Honoring the ocean and Arctic explorers, this strap is made from premium-quality, toxin-free rubber. It remains flexible in low temperatures and is resistant to abrasion, distortion, heat, and oil. The strap features embossed measurement scales and the Morse code alphabet, providing practical tools for divers.
- ‘Freediver’ RAF Style Nylon Band: This monochromatic band features a thin white line symbolizing the static line used by free-divers. It includes an engraved OWZ thorn-style buckle and two stainless steel keepers. This band comes complimentary with the Rubber Expedition strap and the S-type bracelet.
Technical Specifications
- Year: 2024
- Dimensions: 39.5 mm x 15.8 mm
- Case: Brushed 316L stainless steel, screwed back, screw-down crown, rotating bezel 12H, made in Jura, Switzerland
- Glass: Sapphire with anti-glare treatment
- Dial: Hands and indexes with pale green and cream Super-LumiNova®
- Water Resistance: 1,000 meters / 100 atm
- Movement: Automatic Soprod Newton Precision P092, date-only calendar, 4Hz 28,800 vibrations per hour, 23 jewels, 44-hour power reserve, Chronofiable® certified
- Average Accuracy: +/- 5 seconds per day, adjusted in five positions
- Straps:
- S bracelet: 20 mm 316L stainless steel, beads-of-rice OW S-type Mark II, with double-lock deployant clasp
- Rubber Expedition strap: 20 mm abrasion-, distortion-, heat-, and oil-resistant, toxin-free rubber, with measurement scales and Morse code alphabet
- Nylon ‘Freediver’ RAF band: 20 mm premium-quality black nylon, made in Great Britain, hand-finished in Switzerland
The OW C-1000 MkII is a testament to Ollech & Wajs’ dedication to creating timepieces that combine historical significance with modern innovation. This watch is a worthy companion for the most demanding diving adventures, providing reliability and style in one exceptional package.
For more information, visit the Ollech & Wajs website.
