The must-have Macro Loupe for all watch lovers

Iconic watch art prints. Made in Switzerland, lifetime guarantee

Acquired somewhat miraculously at auction, the surprise of my autumn was this old gold-plated Navitimer Twin Jet. A perfect size, ideal proportions, a very endearing vintage piece. Often a little dulled, the dial is quite clear despite being in its original condition. The Hesalite crystal, the slim and crisp pushers, the aged but still beautiful hands—I'm truly a fan of my first Breitling. A beautiful watch story in the end.

Twin Jet Gold

This little vintage Omega from the 70s caught my eye during an auction and has just joined me. She's doing well, the granny! 36 by 41, "TV" shaped dial, champagne background and her good old caliber 1012 which is a bit messed up anyway. The bracelet which is attached right in the middle of the case is very reduced at the clip which already had the fine adjustment. On the wrist it has a small integrated bracelet style, is very light and its champagne dial stands out well. We won't go diving or playing sports with this granny who prefers dinners in town or slow walks. Well she's from the 70s, she's more "middle-aged"...

A vintage TV style granny

The equivalent of the Great White but in black. I stumbled upon it by chance in a shop window in Geneva, and I swapped its slightly weak rubber with its original "Speed" strap. A killer that accompanies me everywhere in the world. I really like its oddity of being a 3-time GMT on a diver's watch, its sword hands, its aluminum bezel and its resolutely 90s style! The only flaw is the crown protector, which does its job too well and makes it difficult to unscrew the crown. I love this watch!

GMT 50th Anniversary black - strong character!

The Breitling brand, an emblematic figure in Swiss watchmaking, became known for her pioneering role in the field of chronographs. Founded in 1884 by L&eacute;on Breitling, the brand Breitling quickly gained a reputation for its precision instruments, designed specifically for aviators and motorsports enthusiasts.
<h2 dir="ltr">History of the Breitling brand</h2>
Since 1950, the history of Breitling is dotted with successes and innovations. In 1952, the brand launched the Navitimer collection, equipped with a slide rule allowing pilots to calculate essential data in flight. This model quickly became the official watch of AOPA (Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association), a prestigious recognition in aviation.
In 1969, Breitling participated in the development of the first automatic chronograph movement, the famous Caliber 11, marking a milestone in watchmaking. In the 1980s, under the leadership of Ernest Schneider, Breitling strengthened its commitment to aviation and adventure sports, launching models such as the Chronomat, which redefined the modern chronograph.
The 2000s saw the creation of the Breitling Caliber 01 manufactured movement, another milestone in the brand's history. The brand's desire to guarantee the highest quality has been affirmed by obtaining COSC certification for its movements, a rare distinction in the industry.
<h2 dir="ltr">What are the emblematic models of the Breitling brand?</h2>
<h3 dir="ltr"><a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/breitling/navitimer">Breitling Navitimer</a></h3>
A true icon in the world of aviation, the Breitling Navitimer was launched in 1952. Its steel case of at least 40 mm going up to 46 mm, with a water resistance of 30 meters, is equipped with a leather or steel strap. Powered by the Breitling Caliber 01, it features a distinctive dial with chronograph subdials and a rotating slide rule for flight calculations. This model has been adopted by pilots around the world and was even worn by astronaut Scott Carpenter during his space mission. The Breitling Navitimer has been worn by many personalities, particularly French ones such as Serge Gainsbourg, who like to wear it on a metal racing bracelet.
The Breitling Navitimer is one of the brand's flagship models, driven by the reference<a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/breitling/navitimer_b01_chronograph"> Breitling Navitimer B01 Chronograph</a>.
<h3 dir="ltr"><a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/breitling/superocean">Breitling Superocean</a></h3>
Designed for divers and water sports enthusiasts, the Breitling Superocean is recognized for its robustness and performance. Its 42mm to 46mm steel case, boasting impressive water resistance up to 200 ATM, comes with a rubber or steel strap. The Breitling Caliber 17 automatic movement powers this model, with a clear and luminous dial. Complications include date and a power reserve indicator for some variants.
<h3 dir="ltr"><a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/breitling/chronomat">Breitling Chronomat</a></h3>
The Breitling Chronomat is one of Breitling's most versatile sports watches. The 42mm to 44mm steel case, with 20 ATM water resistance, is complemented by a metal or rubber strap. The Breitling Caliber 01 powers this watch, which features chronograph subdials and a date. The model is known for its contrasting dials and unidirectional bezels, making it a popular choice among pilots and water sports enthusiasts.
<h3 dir="ltr">Breitling Premier</h3>
The Breitling Premier is Breitling's elegant and refined line, aimed at those looking for a watch that goes well with formal outfits. The 40mm to 42mm steel case, with 100m water resistance, comes with a leather or metal strap. The movement can vary between the Breitling Caliber 01 and other automatic movements, with sleek dials displaying the chronograph and date functions. The likes of James Dean have been associated with this classic watch.
<h3 dir="ltr"><a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/breitling/avenger">Breitling Avenger</a></h3>
Renowned for its robustness and functionality, the series Breitling Avenger is intended for demanding professionals. The 43mm to 48mm steel case, with water resistance up to 300 ATM, is coupled with a rubber or metal strap. Different Breitling movements power this watch, which includes chronograph functions, date functions, and even a unidirectional rotating bezel for some variants. The Avenger series is popular with military and aviation professionals for its reliability and bold design.
<h3 dir="ltr">Breitling Classic AVI</h3>
A piece that reflects the brand's aeronautical heritage, the Breitling Classic AVI (Aviation) is a tribute to the brand's pilot watches from the 1950s and 1960s. The case of this timepiece is generally made of stainless steel, measuring between 40 and 43 mm, and offers a water resistance of 30 meters to 100 m, depending on the model. The strap can vary between leather and metal, giving the watch a sturdy yet elegant look. Powered by various high-precision mechanical movements such as the Breitling Caliber 13 or 23, the Classic AVI features an easy-to-read dial with chronograph dials and date. Its complications often include a tachometer, useful for calculating speeds. The Classic AVI is associated with the golden age of aviation and the spirit of adventure of that era.
The Breitling Classic AVI exemplifies the brand's passion for aviation and its commitment to maintaining high standards of quality and functionality. It evokes a time when flying was synonymous with glamor and exploration, and it continues to capture the imagination of pilots and aviation enthusiasts to this day. It&rsquo;s a watch that speaks as much to history as it does to watchmaking expertise, and it continues to be an iconic piece in the Breitling collection.
<h3 dir="ltr"><a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/breitling/top_time_triumph">Breitling Top Time</a></h3>
The Breitling Top Time, first released in the 1960s and recently re-released, is a nod to the vintage style and rebellious spirit of that era. It features a 41mm steel case, 30m water resistance, a leather or Milanese mesh strap, a Breitling Caliber 23 chronograph movement, a distinctive &ldquo;Zorro&rdquo; shaped dial or with contrasting subdials , and a date complication. This watch was associated with pop culture of the time, including actor Sean Connery as James Bond. The Top Time gained a following among the young professionals of the era and continues to attract those who appreciate its retro aesthetic and modern functionality.
The reintroduction of the Top Time shows that Breitling respects its heritage while remaining at the forefront of innovation. It is a piece that captures the essence of its era while delivering the precision and quality that Breitling is famous for. Its timeless design makes it appealing to collectors and vintage watch enthusiasts, as well as those looking to add a touch of classic elegance to their modern timepiece.
<h3 dir="ltr"><a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/breitling/endurance_pro">Breitling Endurance Pro</a></h3>
Specially designed for athletes and extreme sports enthusiasts, the Endurance Pro features an innovative 44mm Breitlight&reg; case, offering exceptional lightness and strength. It features 10 ATM water resistance, a colored rubber strap, a Breitling Caliber 82 SuperQuartz&trade; movement, a dynamic dial with chronograph counters, and a tachymeter bezel complication for measuring speed. This watch, combining performance and style, is a perfect choice for those who lead an active lifestyle and want a watch that can keep up with them. Professional athletes such as triathlete Chris McCormack have made this watch their choice for competition, highlighting its exceptional qualities.
The addition of the Endurance Pro to Breitling's lineup demonstrates the brand's continued commitment to creating watches that meet the needs of professionals and adventure enthusiasts. With its unique combination of features and innovative materials, it stands out as a compelling choice for those looking to push the boundaries.
These different models represent the diversity and excellence of Breitling in the watchmaking landscape. Each one is a testament to the precision engineering and innovation that characterizes this historic brand.
<h2 dir="ltr">How much does a Breitling watch cost?</h2>
Prices of new Breitling watches change every year, but most Breitling models cost between $ 5,000 and $ 10,000. The brand's entry level begins with a<a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/breitling/endurance_pro"> Breitling Endurance Pro</a> proposed to $ 3,350, while a Breitling Super Chronomat B01 in red gold costs $ 42,500. The second-hand market is also an opportunity to look at to obtain a Breitling at more attractive prices.
<h2 dir="ltr">Breitling: The benchmark brand for pilots&rsquo; watches</h2>
Breitling has solidified its place in the watchmaking landscape through its constant innovations and commitment to precision. Known for its strong ties to aviation, the brand has also extended its expertise to dive watches and lifestyle pieces. Breitling's positioning as a champion of technology and bold design makes it attractive to adventure seekers, professionals and style connoisseurs. To find out more about these exceptional watches, the brand's website is a useful resource of information.&nbsp;
The brand Breitling is owned by the CVC Capital Partners fund and produces around 150,000 watches per year, all models combined. The brand that recently bought<a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/universal_geneve"> Universal Geneve</a> in 2023, is also part of the <a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/top/the_best_swiss_watch_brands">Ranking of the most popular Swiss watch brands</a>.
To choose the Breitling that suits you best, Dialicious owners&rsquo; reviews are a valuable resource for learning<a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/breitling/why_customers_choose_breitling"> why customers choose Breitling</a>.&nbsp;
(Updated February 2024)
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This is the one that started it all. Acquired in 1989, when I was 16, with the salary from my first summer job, it satisfied the desire to be older. At the time, I think we talked more about Breitling and Cartier than Rolex. I had the opportunity to buy this quartz model for 3,000.00 francs and since then, despite all the criticism I have heard about its reliability, it has only had two servicings and battery changes. Worn daily for 10 years, and still today when nostalgia arises, in the city as well as at the beach, winter as well as summer, in quiet as during my National Service in an Infantry Regiment, it has never let me down. It had the particularity of being sold new with different variations of bezel (graduated in one direction or the other, with the cardinal points in compass style, etc.). Obtained with a bracelet called "nautical shark" which did not last, I quickly abandoned the steel acquired at a high price at the time because it was much too heavy and uncomfortable. Today the bracelet, which I still have, must be worth more than the watch but yet it will be the one that remains when the end comes and I will have passed on the others.

The first

I am 30 years old, a milestone, a stage, a symbol of moving into a new decade. As usual, every important gift is related to a timepiece. For my 20th birthday, the Speedmaster seemed obvious to me as I had seen this watch on the wrists of my childhood heroes. For this one, the choice was more complex, because no model was unanimous in my mind, Cartier Santos, Reverso, Black Bay...
Months go by and still no internal consensus, at the turn of an evening, I notice on the wrist of a friend a watch that I have rarely had the opportunity to see in real life, a Navitimer. I had a rather negative idea of this watch that I saw overloaded, illegible and above all huge! What was my surprise to see that it is in fact a model in its vintage version I specify, a quite sublime watch. The proportions are good and easy to read, the 41 mm case does not really change the format of my speed and I like the leather strap knowing that I do not have one in my collection yet. In short, this meeting guides me in my search until I find an ideal model in Le Mans. This model from the 60s brings together everything I like, a story thanks to the heritage of the Navitimer but also by this LIP inscription on the dial testifying to a French-speaking partnership that is almost forgotten today. In addition, this model in very good condition has a patina to which I am not insensitive. Since it entered my collection, I have had trouble storing it, I no longer wear it. Its main strength and its ease of association with any type of clothing makes it very versatile
In short, dear reader, I would highly recommend this timepiece that I never leave home without.

An unexpected encounter

For a long time I hesitated to take the plunge, I already have chronos, more readable ...
But I came across this model with a magnificent patina "as I like them" of 41mm without crown, not too thick, tritium, original plexi not scratched, case in remarkable condition, paper box ... a 7750 very well known and "easy" to have serviced. I have a Breitling leather strap of correct quality but not very glamorous, a rubber not necessarily period but of Breitling origin and quality. And above all I equipped it with a strap custom-made by ABP in Aligator with very precise specifications.
This watch has a history beyond the history of this "aviator" model because it belonged to a pilot of the Canadian Air Force. A precision to which I am sensitive having the pleasure of wearing a watch that I like and which had a hectic life!

A face! And a story!

The spirit of the Navitimer in a dress watch!
Having long been amazed by the Breitling universe and more particularly the Navitimer, I have long been frustrated by the very imposing diameters that the brand offers. This 3-hand Navitimer was an obvious choice for me when its release was announced.
The “simplicity” of its dial, the superb finishes, the return of the beaded bezel and the finesse of the case make this watch the perfect in-between for those looking for Breitling’s DNA and an elegant timepiece.

Navitimer auto 41

This Navitimer has a crazy charm! This vintage gold and steel model was the model worn by Serge Gainsbourg who had replaced the leather strap with a steel bracelet at the time because of his sweating problems. Its more contained case with its 41mm is more easily wearable for small wrists than the recent 43mm models. The reverse panda dial, the old winged logo and this gold/steel combination make this Breitling a must have for any collector of watch icons.

Breitling Navitimer 81600

Ollech &amp; Wajs est une maison horlog&egrave;re suisse fond&eacute;e en 1956 &agrave; Zurich par Joseph Ollech et Albert Wajs ; d&rsquo;abord d&eacute;taillant puis acteur de la vente par correspondance, le duo a b&acirc;ti sa r&eacute;putation sur des montres &laquo; tool &raquo; robustes &mdash; plongeuses, militaires, d&rsquo;aviation &mdash; vendues aux particuliers comme aux forces arm&eacute;es, avant d&rsquo;orchestrer un retour au premier plan au cours des ann&eacute;es 2010 avec une gamme contemporaine qui r&eacute;active les signatures historiques.
<h3>Zurich, Stockerstrasse et la vente par correspondance&thinsp;: les d&eacute;buts d&rsquo;un label outil</h3>
D&egrave;s l&rsquo;ouverture de leur petite boutique zurichoise, les fondateurs s&rsquo;attachent &agrave; proposer des montres fiables &agrave; prix tenu, puis &eacute;tendent rapidement l&rsquo;activit&eacute; vers le courrier et les annonces sp&eacute;cialis&eacute;es, et cette distribution directe fa&ccedil;on &laquo; mail-order &raquo; deviendra l&rsquo;un des marqueurs durables de la marque.&nbsp;Le basculement d&rsquo;un r&ocirc;le de d&eacute;taillant vers la cr&eacute;ation de montres sous leur propre nom s&rsquo;op&egrave;re en quelques ann&eacute;es, avec des lignes d&eacute;di&eacute;es aux usages concrets (terrain, mer, cockpit) et une construction volontairement simple et r&eacute;parable, et l&rsquo;obsession est moins la &laquo; complication &raquo; que l&rsquo;endurance et la lisibilit&eacute;.
Dans les ann&eacute;es 1960, la diffusion s&rsquo;&eacute;tend aux bases am&eacute;ricaines et aux PX, o&ugrave; des montres militaires et de plong&eacute;e sign&eacute;es O&amp;W trouvent un public pr&ecirc;t &agrave; les &eacute;prouver en conditions r&eacute;elles, et cette validation par l&rsquo;usage contribue &agrave; installer l&rsquo;image d&rsquo;un outil professionnel abordable.
<h3>Caribbean 1000 et Ocean Graph&thinsp;: la profondeur, la d&eacute;compression et l&rsquo;imaginaire des grandes eaux</h3>
Au milieu des sixties, la maison se distingue par des plongeuses d&rsquo;avant-garde dont la Ollech &amp; Wajs Caribbean 1000, pi&egrave;ce record annonc&eacute;e pour 1000 m qui cristallise l&rsquo;ambition technique de l&rsquo;&eacute;poque et installe le nom O&amp;W dans le paysage de la plong&eacute;e sportive comme professionnelle, et l&rsquo;association avec des partenaires sp&eacute;cialis&eacute;s nourrit une esth&eacute;tique rationnelle et sans fioritures.
Dans la m&ecirc;me veine, l&rsquo;Ollech &amp; Wajs Ocean Graph introduit une lunette et une logique de lecture con&ccedil;ues pour accompagner la mont&eacute;e du plongeur et les paliers de d&eacute;compression, ancrant la montre dans un usage pr&eacute;cis plut&ocirc;t que dans l&rsquo;&eacute;vocation d&eacute;corative de la mer, et le cadran reste clair pour pr&eacute;server l&rsquo;instantan&eacute;it&eacute; de la lecture sous l&rsquo;eau.
Ces r&eacute;f&eacute;rences historiques, souvent cit&eacute;es et collectionn&eacute;es aujourd&rsquo;hui, ont fa&ccedil;onn&eacute; un langage fait de bo&icirc;tiers costauds, d&rsquo;&eacute;tanch&eacute;it&eacute;s s&eacute;rieuses, de bracelets adapt&eacute;s et de typographies contrast&eacute;es qui affleurent encore dans les mod&egrave;les actuels, et c&rsquo;est cette continuit&eacute; de &laquo; montre-outil &raquo; qui permet de relier le pass&eacute; et le pr&eacute;sent.
<h3>Relance contemporaine, ancrage helv&eacute;tique et cha&icirc;ne courte&thinsp;: le retour d&rsquo;O&amp;W</h3>
Apr&egrave;s avoir travers&eacute; la p&eacute;riode quartz et ralenti la cadence, la marque est reprise par Charles Le Menestrel et relanc&eacute;e &agrave; la fin des ann&eacute;es 2010 avec la volont&eacute; explicite de prolonger l&rsquo;esprit des origines plut&ocirc;t que de s&rsquo;&eacute;parpiller en s&eacute;ries cosm&eacute;tiques, et&nbsp;le bureau de cr&eacute;ation reste &agrave; Zurich tandis que l&rsquo;assemblage et les r&eacute;glages s&rsquo;effectuent dans le Jura suisse.
La d&eacute;marche privil&eacute;gie des mouvements automatiques suisses &eacute;prouv&eacute;s, une architecture de bo&icirc;te simple &agrave; entretenir, des &eacute;tanch&eacute;it&eacute;s cr&eacute;dibles et des bracelets &agrave; la fois robustes et faciles &agrave; vivre au quotidien, et le cahier des charges reprend la triade historique : fiabilit&eacute;, lisibilit&eacute;, r&eacute;parabilit&eacute;.
La relance ne se contente pas de &laquo; r&eacute;&eacute;ditions &raquo; au millim&egrave;tre : elle propose des montres nouvelles inspir&eacute;es des usages historiques, rehausse le soin apport&eacute; aux finitions et met en avant un contr&ocirc;le qualit&eacute; par &eacute;tapes, et le r&eacute;sultat vise une modernit&eacute; pragmatique qui &eacute;vite le pastiche.
<h3>P-101, P-104, Navichron, C-1000 et Ocean Graph&thinsp;: familles actuelles et usages concrets</h3>
Les premi&egrave;res r&eacute;f&eacute;rences de l&rsquo;&egrave;re r&eacute;cente prennent la forme de montres d&rsquo;aviation &agrave; taille contenue, Ollech &amp; Wajs P-101 et Ollech &amp; Wajs P-104, qui relecturent les codes cockpit dans une bo&icirc;te polyvalente autour de 39&ndash;40 mm avec saphir et couronne viss&eacute;e, et elles ciblent une lecture instrumentale et une r&eacute;sistance suffisante pour le quotidien.
C&ocirc;t&eacute; plong&eacute;e, la maison propose aujourd&rsquo;hui la Ollech &amp; Wajs C-1000 (ainsi que des &eacute;ditions anniversaires) comme incarnation contemporaine de l&rsquo;esprit Caribbean : valves, joints, fonds viss&eacute;s et traitements soign&eacute;s s&rsquo;additionnent pour offrir un instrument de mer moderne, et le cadran conserve l&rsquo;intelligibilit&eacute; qui a fait la r&eacute;putation de la lign&eacute;e.
En parall&egrave;le, l&rsquo;Ollech &amp; Wajs Ocean Graph revient sous une forme actualis&eacute;e, avec sa logique de lecture li&eacute;e &agrave; la d&eacute;compression qui en fait une plongeuse de caract&egrave;re imm&eacute;diatement reconnaissable au poignet, et cette signature d&rsquo;usage distingue le mod&egrave;le dans un segment satur&eacute;.
La famille Ollech &amp; Wajs Navichron s&rsquo;adresse &agrave; celles et ceux qui veulent un chronographe &laquo; outil &raquo; lisible, fid&egrave;le &agrave; l&rsquo;esprit O&amp;W sans exc&egrave;s de complexit&eacute;, avec une ergonomie de poussoirs travaill&eacute;e et une &eacute;chelle claire pour structurer le temps court, et le dessin reste volontairement pratique plut&ocirc;t que d&eacute;monstratif.
<ul>
<li>Ollech &amp; Wajs P-101 &mdash; pilote contemporain, diam&egrave;tre contenu, saphir, r&eacute;sistance &agrave; l&rsquo;eau &eacute;lev&eacute;e, cadran tr&egrave;s lisible, usage &laquo; bureau-terrain &raquo;.</li>
<li>Ollech &amp; Wajs P-104 &mdash; variante d&rsquo;aviation avec autre signature de lunette et de marquages, m&ecirc;me esprit robuste.</li>
<li>Ollech &amp; Wajs C-1000 &mdash; plongeuse moderne inspir&eacute;e de la Caribbean, &eacute;tanch&eacute;it&eacute; pouss&eacute;e et lecture directe.</li>
<li>Ollech &amp; Wajs Ocean Graph &mdash; plongeuse instrumentale &agrave; logique de d&eacute;compression, identit&eacute; forte au poignet.</li>
<li>Ollech &amp; Wajs Navichron &mdash; chronographe &laquo; tool &raquo;, cadran a&eacute;r&eacute; et poussoirs francs, lisibilit&eacute; du temps court.</li>
</ul>
Au-del&agrave; des noms, l&rsquo;important est l&rsquo;usage : pilote pour la lisibilit&eacute; &agrave; plat et la r&eacute;sistance aux chocs de la vie active, plongeuse pour l&rsquo;eau et la robustesse, chronographe pour rythmer les t&acirc;ches et les entra&icirc;nements, et ce d&eacute;coupage aide &agrave; choisir une O&amp;W en fonction d&rsquo;un sc&eacute;nario r&eacute;el plut&ocirc;t que d&rsquo;un simple style.
<h3>Signature &laquo; tool watch &raquo;&thinsp;: mat&eacute;riaux, mouvements, dimensions et bracelets</h3>
Les bo&icirc;tiers actuels privil&eacute;gient l&rsquo;acier, des traitements de surface sobres, des lunettes fonctionnelles et des glaces saphir, avec des diam&egrave;tres g&eacute;n&eacute;ralement compris entre 39 et 42 mm pour pr&eacute;server la polyvalence au quotidien, et le port&eacute; se veut stable gr&acirc;ce &agrave; des cornes ma&icirc;tris&eacute;es et des bracelets ajust&eacute;s.
C&ocirc;t&eacute; motorisation, la marque recourt &agrave; des automatiques suisses contemporains adapt&eacute;s &agrave; l&rsquo;usage intensif, certains r&eacute;gl&eacute;s ou certifi&eacute;s selon versions, et l&rsquo;accent est mis sur la facilit&eacute; d&rsquo;entretien par un horloger comp&eacute;tent partout dans le monde, et cette pragmatique m&eacute;canique refl&egrave;te la vocation utilitaire des montres.
Les bracelets &mdash; acier, textile de type RAF/NATO ou caoutchouc &mdash; sont choisis pour leur s&eacute;curit&eacute;, leur r&eacute;sistance &agrave; l&rsquo;eau et leur confort, tandis que les boucles et end-links sont travaill&eacute;s pour limiter les points durs, et la modularit&eacute; permet d&rsquo;adapter la m&ecirc;me montre &agrave; des contextes tr&egrave;s diff&eacute;rents.
<h3>Positionnement, prix, distribution et profils d&rsquo;acheteurs</h3>
O&amp;W occupe aujourd&rsquo;hui un segment &laquo; outil de qualit&eacute; &raquo; : finitions soign&eacute;es mais sans ostentation, fiches techniques coh&eacute;rentes, contr&ocirc;le qualit&eacute; serr&eacute; et communication ax&eacute;e sur l&rsquo;usage plut&ocirc;t que sur le prestige, et le rapport contenu/prix vise la cr&eacute;dibilit&eacute; d&rsquo;un instrument plut&ocirc;t que la posture luxueuse.&nbsp;La distribution m&ecirc;le vente directe en ligne et r&eacute;seau restreint de partenaires, comme <a href="https://bit.ly/4igLuis" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Horel</a> &agrave; Bordeaux (France) ou <a href="https://bit.ly/4p27od0" target="_blank" rel="noopener">La Vitrine Horlog&egrave;re</a> en Belgique, avec un discours p&eacute;dagogique sur l&rsquo;h&eacute;ritage et les usages, et&nbsp;ce canal court facilite la coh&eacute;rence tarifaire et la relation avec l&rsquo;atelier.
Le public typique r&eacute;unit des amateurs de montres &laquo; &agrave; faire &raquo; plut&ocirc;t qu&rsquo;&laquo; &agrave; montrer &raquo;, des plongeurs loisirs, des voyageurs qui appr&eacute;cient la solidit&eacute; et des utilisateurs professionnels qui veulent un objet fiable et r&eacute;parable, et la marque parle &agrave; celles et ceux qui pr&eacute;f&egrave;rent la preuve par le port&eacute;.
<h3>Guide de choix&thinsp;: sc&eacute;nario d&rsquo;usage, lisibilit&eacute; et ergonomie</h3>
Commencez par d&eacute;finir l&rsquo;environnement principal : eau, cockpit, bureau-terrain ou sport chronom&eacute;tr&eacute; ; si l&rsquo;eau domine, une Ollech &amp; Wajs C-1000 ou une Ollech &amp; Wajs Ocean Graph seront naturelles, tandis que P-101/P-104 conviendront aux lectures rapides et aux cadrans &eacute;pur&eacute;s, et le chronographe Navichron servira aux temps courts et aux routines fractionn&eacute;es.
Validez ensuite la lisibilit&eacute; : contraste aiguilles/fond, taille des index, absence de surcharge, visibilit&eacute; de la minuterie et coh&eacute;rence de la lunette avec l&rsquo;usage r&eacute;el, et faites le test &laquo; un m&egrave;tre/un coup d&rsquo;&oelig;il &raquo; en lumi&egrave;re naturelle avant d&rsquo;arr&ecirc;ter votre choix.
Enfin, essayez la montre pour jauger l&rsquo;assise (corne-&agrave;-corne), la couronne dans la paume, la souplesse du bracelet et le tomb&eacute; g&eacute;n&eacute;ral avec vos manches et vos activit&eacute;s, et gardez la version que vous oubliez le plus vite une fois port&eacute;e.
<h3>Conclusion</h3>
Ollech &amp; Wajs demeure identifiable par sa vocation d&rsquo;outil : des montres pens&eacute;es pour l&rsquo;usage, lisibles, robustes et suivies par une cha&icirc;ne suisse claire. Entre plongeuses h&eacute;riti&egrave;res de la Caribbean, pilotes modernes et chronographes de travail, la gamme s&rsquo;articule simplement autour de sc&eacute;narios r&eacute;els. Pour d&eacute;cider, partez de votre terrain d&rsquo;emploi, testez lisibilit&eacute; et confort, puis ajustez mati&egrave;re et bracelet ; vous obtiendrez un instrument pertinent qui vieillit bien. Pour croiser ces rep&egrave;res avec des retours d&rsquo;exp&eacute;rience, appuyez-vous sur les avis clients Dialicious.
Consultez le <a href="https://www.dialicious.com/top/les_meilleures_marques_de_montres_suisses">Classement des meilleures marques de montres suisses</a> dont Ollech &amp; Wajs fait partie.
(Mise &agrave; jour Ao&ucirc;t 2025)

Ollech &amp; Wajs is a Swiss watch company founded in 1956 in Zurich by Joseph Ollech and Albert Wajs; initially a retailer and then a mail-order operator, the duo built a reputation on robust tool watches&mdash;divers, military pieces and pilot instruments&mdash;sold to civilians and service members alike, before orchestrating a modern comeback in the late 2010s with a contemporary range that revives the brand&rsquo;s historic signatures.
<h3>Zurich, Stockerstrasse and mail order: the beginnings of a tool-driven label</h3>
From their small Zurich storefront, the founders soon moved from selling other brands to shipping their own watches by post, and this direct &ldquo;mail-order&rdquo; route became a lasting hallmark of the company.&nbsp;The shift from retailing to making watches under their own name took only a few years, with dedicated lines for concrete use cases (field, sea, cockpit) and constructions that favoured simple, repairable mechanics, and the focus was less on &ldquo;complication&rdquo; than on endurance and clarity.
In the 1960s, distribution extended to US military PX stores, where O&amp;W military and dive watches were tried in real-world conditions by service members, and this usage-led validation helped cement the image of an affordable professional instrument.
<h3>Caribbean 1000 and Ocean Graph: depth, decompression and the great-waters playbook</h3>
By the mid-sixties the brand stood out with cutting-edge divers, notably the Ollech &amp; Wajs Caribbean 1000, a thousand-metre-rated watch that crystallised the era&rsquo;s technical ambition and lodged the O&amp;W name in both recreational and professional diving, and partnerships with specialist makers fed a rational, no-nonsense aesthetic.
In the same spirit, the Ollech &amp; Wajs Ocean Graph brought a bezel and reading logic tailored to ascent and decompression stops, rooting the watch in a specific task rather than mere maritime d&eacute;cor, and the dial stayed clean to preserve underwater glance legibility.
These historic references&mdash;often cited and collected today&mdash;shaped a language of stout cases, serious water-resistance, practical bracelets and high-contrast typography that still surfaces in current models, and this through-line of &ldquo;tool first&rdquo; connects past to present.
<h3>Contemporary relaunch, Swiss anchoring and a short chain: O&amp;W&rsquo;s return</h3>
After weathering the quartz era and slowing down, the brand was revived in the late 2010s by Charles Le Menestrel with the explicit aim of extending the founding spirit rather than scattering into cosmetic runs, and&nbsp;design remains in Zurich while assembly and adjustment take place in the Swiss Jura.
The approach favours proven Swiss automatic movements, serviceable case architecture, credible water-resistance and bracelets built for comfort and durability, and the specification re-embraces the classic triad: reliability, legibility, serviceability.&nbsp;The comeback is not a millimetre-for-millimetre facsimile exercise; instead, it offers new watches inspired by historic use, upgrades finishing and emphasises stepwise quality control, and the outcome is a pragmatic modernity that avoids pastiche.
<h3>P-101, P-104, Navichron, C-1000 and Ocean Graph: today&rsquo;s families and real use</h3>
The first modern releases took the form of compact pilot watches, the Ollech &amp; Wajs P-101 and Ollech &amp; Wajs P-104, which reinterpret cockpit codes in versatile 39&ndash;40 mm cases with sapphire and screw-down crowns, and they target instrumental reading and all-day resilience.
On the dive side, the brand offers the Ollech &amp; Wajs C-1000 (along with anniversary editions) as a contemporary take on the Caribbean ethos: seals, casebacks, and careful treatment combine into a modern sea instrument, and the dial retains the intelligibility that made the line&rsquo;s reputation.
In parallel, the Ollech &amp; Wajs Ocean Graph returned in an updated form, with its decompression-centred readout making for an instantly recognisable diver on the wrist, and this task-specific signature sets it apart in a crowded segment.
The Ollech &amp; Wajs Navichron family serves those who want a readable, work-ready chronograph true to the O&amp;W spirit, with well-judged pushers and crisp scales for short-time duties, and the design stays deliberately practical rather than showy.
<ul>
<li>Ollech &amp; Wajs P-101 &mdash; contemporary pilot, compact diameter, sapphire, strong water-resistance, very legible dial for desk-to-field wear.</li>
<li>Ollech &amp; Wajs P-104 &mdash; aviation variant with a different bezel and markings signature, same robust intent.</li>
<li>Ollech &amp; Wajs C-1000 &mdash; modern diver inspired by the Caribbean, serious water-proofing and direct readout.</li>
<li>Ollech &amp; Wajs Ocean Graph &mdash; instrumental diver with decompression logic, strong identity on the wrist.</li>
<li>Ollech &amp; Wajs Navichron &mdash; &ldquo;tool&rdquo; chronograph, open dial and assertive pushers, clarity in short-time work.</li>
</ul>
Beyond names, what matters is use: a pilot for flat-plane readability and shock tolerance in active life; a diver for water and sturdiness; a chronograph to pace tasks and training, and this split helps pick an O&amp;W by real scenario rather than by style alone.
<h3>Tool-watch signature: materials, movements, dimensions and straps</h3>
Current cases prioritise steel, sober surface treatments, functional bezels and sapphire crystals, with diameters largely between 39 and 42 mm to sustain daily versatility, and on-wrist stability comes from disciplined lug spans and well-matched bracelets.
Mechanically, the brand uses modern, Swiss automatic calibres suited to intensive use&mdash;some adjusted or certified depending on versions&mdash;while ensuring that any competent watchmaker can service them, and this pragmatic mechanics reflects the utilitarian brief.
Bracelets&mdash;steel, RAF/NATO-type textile or rubber&mdash;are chosen for security, water-readiness and comfort, with buckles and end-links designed to minimise hot-spots, and modularity lets a single watch adapt to very different contexts.
<h3>Positioning, prices, channels and buyer profiles</h3>
O&amp;W sits in a &ldquo;quality tool&rdquo; segment: tidy finishing without ostentation, coherent spec sheets, tight quality control and messaging anchored in use rather than prestige, and the value proposition seeks instrument credibility rather than luxury posturing.
Distribution blends direct online sales with a small partner network and a didactic narrative about heritage and use, and this short channel supports coherent pricing and a clear link to the workshop.&nbsp;The core audience mixes owners who prefer watches to &ldquo;do&rdquo; rather than to &ldquo;show,&rdquo; recreational divers, travellers who prize sturdiness and professionals who need reliable, serviceable objects, and the brand resonates with those who trust proof of wear over glossy claims.
<h3>Selection guide: use case, legibility and ergonomics</h3>
Start by mapping your main environment&mdash;water, cockpit, desk-to-field or timed sport; if water rules, a Ollech &amp; Wajs C-1000 or Ollech &amp; Wajs Ocean Graph is natural, whereas P-101/P-104 suit quick, uncluttered reads, and the Navichron chronograph serves intervals and structured routines.
Next validate legibility: hand-to-dial contrast, index size, minimal clutter, minute track visibility and bezel logic that matches how you actually use it, and run the &ldquo;one-metre/one-glance&rdquo; test in natural light before deciding.
Finally, try the watch to judge stance (lug-to-lug), crown feel in the palm, bracelet suppleness and how it sits with sleeves and tasks, and keep the version you forget the fastest once strapped on.
<h3>Conclusion</h3>
Ollech &amp; Wajs remains identifiable by its purpose-built vocation: watches made for use&mdash;readable, robust and supported by a clear Swiss chain. Between divers that channel the Caribbean legacy, modern pilot pieces and work-ready chronographs, the range is organised simply around real-world scenarios. To choose well, start with where you&rsquo;ll wear it, test clarity and comfort, then tune material and strap; you&rsquo;ll land on a capable instrument that ages well. To square these cues with long-term ownership feedback, a helpful compass remains Dialicious customer reviews.
Consult the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/top/the_best_swiss_watch_brands">Ranking of the best Swiss watch brands</a> of which Ollech &amp; Wajs is part.
(Updated August 2025)

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