Ollech & Wajs Early Bird EB-24: history, models and owner reviews

The Ollech & Wajs Early Bird EB-24 offers a contemporary reinterpretation of one of the most unusual and historically rich watches in the Zurich brand’s past. In 1965, Ollech & Wajs launched the original Early Bird, a 24-hour dual-time-zone watch paying tribute to the communications satellite of the same name. More than sixty years later, this new Early Bird EB-24 revives that founding idea in a modern mechanical watch that feels robust, distinctive and deeply coherent with the OW universe. This numbered edition is priced at CHF 1,956 on a black leather strap.

What makes this reference especially interesting is its 24-hour approach to time. Unlike a conventional watch, whose hour hand completes two full rotations per day, the EB-24 hour hand makes just one full rotation in twenty-four hours. This architecture allows the wearer to see the entire day at a glance while also tracking a second time zone through the 24-hour bezel. It is a watch designed for pilots, international travellers, radio operators and anyone who needs to coordinate time across continents.

What are the characteristics of the Ollech & Wajs Early Bird EB-24?

Case of the Ollech & Wajs Early Bird EB-24

The case of the Ollech & Wajs Early Bird EB-24 is made of brushed 316L stainless steel. It measures 39.5 mm in diameter, 12.5 mm in thickness and 48 mm from lug to lug. These proportions give the watch a serious wrist presence without becoming excessive. The case features a screw-down back and a screw-down crown, two elements fully aligned with the brand’s robust tool-watch vocation. The sapphire crystal receives anti-reflective treatment, while the whole watch is made in the Swiss Jura. The result is a historically inspired watch built to contemporary standards of resistance and daily usability.

24-hour dial and visual identity

The 24-hour dial is the core of the Early Bird EB-24’s identity. This layout allows the hour hand to travel around the dial once per full day, rather than once every twelve hours as on a traditional watch. This gives a more global reading of time, particularly useful for immediately distinguishing day, night and the different phases of the day. The hands and indexes are filled with white Super-LumiNova®, preserving legibility in low light. The dial therefore keeps a clear, instrumental aesthetic directly linked to function.

24-hour bezel and dual time zone

The bezel of the Ollech & Wajs Early Bird EB-24 reinforces its role as a travel watch. It is made of bi-colour anodised aluminium and works as a bidirectional friction 24-hour bezel. Its function is essential: it allows the wearer to track a second time zone while keeping the 24-hour reading of the main dial. This combination makes the watch genuinely practical for those who work, travel or communicate across several time zones. The red-and-blue bezel also echoes the original Early Bird, whose colours recalled those of the Intelsat I satellite.

Movement and performance

The Ollech & Wajs Early Bird EB-24 is powered by a bespoke Soprod C-125 automatic movement. This calibre runs at 4 Hz, or 28,800 vibrations per hour, uses 25 jewels, includes hacking seconds and Incabloc shock protection, and offers a 42-hour power reserve. OW states an accuracy of -7 / +7 seconds per day, with adjustment in three positions. The movement also receives a bespoke OW Zurich 1956 rotor and custom screws. This mechanical choice strengthens the coherence of the watch: the EB-24 does not merely reprise a historical look, but also offers serious technical content designed for reliable regular use.

Strap and comfort

The standard Early Bird EB-24 is offered on a black Italian leather strap. This 20 mm strap combines Italian leather and natural linen, with finishing carried out in Switzerland. The brushed stainless steel pin buckle is signed OWZ 1956, a discreet detail that extends the historical identity of the brand. An M-Link stainless steel bracelet is also available as an optional extra, with brushed stainless steel links and an OW-engraved adjustable deployant clasp. These two options allow the watch to lean either toward a vintage pilot style or toward a more robust and contemporary reading.

Water resistance and everyday use

One of the most impressive aspects of the Early Bird EB-24 is its 300-metre, or 30 ATM, water resistance. For a watch inspired by a pilot and communications model, this level of resistance greatly enhances its versatility. It is not limited to being a travel watch or a historical evocation: it can accompany demanding daily use, including sporty or aquatic contexts. This robustness fits perfectly with the identity of Ollech & Wajs, a brand long associated with tool watches worn by military personnel, divers, pilots and field professionals.

Ollech & Wajs Early Bird EB-24: a historical, robust and highly contemporary 24-hour watch

With the Early Bird EB-24, Ollech & Wajs successfully revives a rare reference without falling into simple nostalgia. The 24-hour dial, bi-colour bezel, bespoke Soprod movement, 300-metre water resistance and 39.5 mm case create a watch that is historical, functional and modern at once. It will appeal to enthusiasts looking for something different, capable of telling the story of the Early Bird satellite, aviation, transatlantic communications and Swiss utilitarian watchmaking.

Conclusion

The Ollech & Wajs Early Bird EB-24 is aimed at enthusiasts looking for an original, robust 24-hour watch with genuine historical depth. Thanks to its specific dial, 24-hour bezel, bespoke automatic movement and 300-metre water resistance, it offers a particularly coherent interpretation of the contemporary instrumental travel watch.

Dialicious owner reviews are a relevant way to choose the watch that truly suits you.

(Updated July 2026)