The must-have Macro Loupe for all watch lovers

Iconic watch art prints. Made in Switzerland, lifetime guarantee

Typically the watch I had always heard about without ever considering it. Rather interested in divers and 3 hands, I had never been tempted by chronos. And then a meeting with an enthusiast and a visit to a watchmaker to try one did the rest. Some research on a 311, or a really vintage 145 before, but without finding anything exceptional in terms of condition. Finally, a video by Xavier on Dialicious to react to the launch of the new 310 co-axial made up my mind. Once on my wrist, the charm worked. Timeless and captivating vintage comfort and elegance. I like everything about this watch, the proportions are divine, the readability is maximum. This matte powder black dial which contrasts with these white indexes and hands, this Omega logo painted on this Hesalite version. The lyre horns, the “dot over ninety”, the step dial… Supreme and old-fashioned luxury, the manual winding… Conquered!

Moonwatch co-axial Hesalite

A watch that caught my eye in the early 2000s. This full titanium aquatimer 2000 is the descendant of the first super compressor aquatimer from the 1960s. The water resistance has since increased from 200m to 2000m, which is very reassuring when washing your hands... the 42mm case and 14mm thick remain very comfortable thanks to its superb integrated bracelet. I like its great readability and the contrast of the yellow on this matte black dial, magnified by a beautiful slightly domed sapphire crystal, without deformations. The balance is perfect in every way. A very special watch, retro futuristic, masculine but without being aggressive or superlative. An undeniably youngtimer. The lightness and softness of titanium in addition. Found with box and papers in mint condition. I'm a fan.

IWC Aquatimer IW353803

Discreet luxury. A distinctive and singular design like that of the Ellipse, launched in 1968 with the reference 3548. Designed according to the formula of the golden ratio, or divine proportion, a geometric concept found in nature or architecture. Symbol of beauty and harmony. The reference presented here is the 3738 called jumbo (35mm) introduced in 1977 in the Patek catalog. This is the first generation with automatic winding introducing the legendary caliber 240 with micro-rotor which allows the elliptical case to retain all its finesse. Tempted at first by the classic yellow gold model, the encounter with this extremely rare white gold Ellipse made me take the plunge. The white gold makes it more modern and more discreet. A marvel of elegance, sobriety and refinement. Special mention to its sunburst blue gold dial, Patek secret, which opens a door to the sky and also to the elliptical buckle of the bracelet. A watch with a unique shape. A jewel.

Divine Ellipse 

Another desire for a second time zone but which does not look like a GMT Master. I appreciate the hyper readability and warmth of this dial, with this very light and subtle patina of the ceramic indexes. The snowflake yellow GMT hand tipped the balance. Color is life! A watch with a very nice presence on the wrist even if it is a little plump, it must be admitted. 1mm or 2mm less thickness would have been welcome. But it's okay... The sunray brushed finish of the 24-hour bezel is remarkable. A diameter of 39mm, nicely chamfered horns, a nicely sized crown and a Manufacture MT5652 COSC caliber complete the whole thing. Another nice move from Tudor with a well-positioned price. Something you can't find in its big sister anymore.

Tudor Black Bay Pro

By chance, while passing through a boutique, charmed by the fitting of an Overseas Silver dial, I like sports watches. A telephone number left at random, it commits to nothing… and then a phone call seven months later! The 3-hand date matte black dial had arrived. Ouch. I cracked. My entry into the Holy Trinity. A legendary name, the oldest watch manufacturer in the world, a sublime movement, the hallmark of Geneva… totally unreasonable. No more rationality here. The Maltese cross is everywhere, in the design of the bezel and also the steel bracelet. A luxurious sports watch with enveloping comfort, which knows how to be forgotten, discreet and less ostentatious and identifiable than its famous sisters, unobtainable and almost inaccessible… magnificent with its rubber bracelet. The only regret is that there is no stop second. While the brand offers it on the classic Patrimony. Who knows…

Overseas steel 41mm

A desire for a very classic, fine watch, but with a slight sporty side. With Cartier's renewed vigor on the watch market in recent years, I took the plunge. Cocorico! Even if Swiss made. It goes with everything, under the most fitted shirts with its thickness of 8.8mm. Perfect for the office, but also with jeans and a t-shirt. The steel bracelet and the 100m water resistance for the sporty side and no hassle. And the possibility of changing to a leather strap for a more dressy side. Special mention for the quick fastening system and also the adjustment of the bracelet possible with a toothpick or a Bic pen cap! The medium format is ideal, neither too big nor too small. A nice presence on the wrist. I would have appreciated a date window instead of an index at 3 or 6 p.m. A detail that I appreciate, the blue of the hands that appears under certain lighting. For me an iconic watch, well made, timeless. A basic to have in every wardrobe. And then Cartier is still a beautiful story.

Santos medium automatic 

Panerai is an Italian watch brand that combines technical ingenuity and daring design. Founded in 1860 in Florence by Giovanni Panerai, it was originally a small watchmaker, but it quickly gained international fame thanks to its collaboration with the Italian Royal Navy. During the Second World War, Panerai supplied diving watches and precision instruments to the Italian Navy. Panerai watches of this era, such as the Radiomir and Luminor, were known for their large size, exceptional readability and robustness.
In 1993, Panerai launched its first collections aimed at the public, including the Radiomir and Luminor models. These watches, inspired by the original military models, quickly gained popularity, particularly among collectors and diving watch enthusiasts.
In 1997, Panerai was acquired by the Richemont group, which allowed the brand to develop and become known in the international market. Today, Panerai is known for its bold and innovative watches, which remain true to the brand's naval heritage.
<h2 dir="ltr">What are the main models of the Panerai brand?</h2>
<h3 dir="ltr"><a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/panerai/radiomir">Panerai Radiomir</a></h3>
The Panerai Radiomir, with its stainless steel case, leather strap, hand-wound mechanical movement and easy-to-read dial, is a true icon. Its water resistance up to 10 ATM makes it a reliable diving watch. There<a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/panerai/radiomir"> Radiomir</a> is also known for its distinctive design, with Arabic index and stick-shaped indexes coated in luminous material.
<h3 dir="ltr"><a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/panerai/luminor">Panerai Luminor</a></h3>
The Panerai Luminor, another flagship model, perhaps the best known, is distinguished by its robust case, its leather strap, its mechanical movement and its patented crown protector, iconic of the brand, which ensures exceptional water resistance up to 30 ATM away. The dial, easy to read with its Arabic numerals and luminous stick indexes, is one of the most recognizable design elements of the<a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/panerai/luminor"> Luminor</a>. The model is available in numerous versions, with power reserve, GMT or chronograph function. Many personalities have worn Panerai Lumirnor, such as Sylvester Stallone, Arnold Schwarzenegger or Dwayne &ldquo;The Rock&rdquo; Johnson, thus contributing to the reputation of the brand and its powerful character.
<h3 dir="ltr"><a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/panerai/luminor_marina">Panerai Luminor Marina</a></h3>
The Luminor Marina is another flagship model from Panerai that has won the hearts of watch enthusiasts around the world. This watch features a sturdy stainless steel or titanium case, water resistant up to 30 ATM, making it a great choice for diving and other water activities. The automatic mechanical movement ensures exceptional precision and reliability, while the strap, available in leather or rubber, adds a touch of comfort and style.
The dial of the<a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/panerai/luminor_marina"> Luminor Marina</a> is one of its strong points. It features the brand's signature luminous indexes and Arabic numerals, ensuring excellent readability even in low light conditions. One of the unique features of the Luminor Marina, compared to the Luminor, is the small seconds at 9 o'clock, adding a touch of sophistication to this model.
<h3 dir="ltr"><a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/panerai/submersible">Panerai Submersible</a></h3>
Panerai also launched the Submersible, a dive watch with a stainless steel case, rubber strap, automatic movement and a unidirectional rotating bezel for measuring diving time. The dial of the<a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/panerai/submersible"> Submersible</a> is also coated with luminous material for optimal readability underwater. It features the iconic crown protector of the Panerai Luminor model. This model has almost become inseparable from the South African-Swiss adventurer Mike Horn who is one of the brand's most important ambassadors.
<h3 dir="ltr">Panerai Mare Nostrum</h3>
The Mare Nostrum is an emblematic Panerai watch which offers a chronograph with a more sober design than the Lunimor in particular. It was originally designed in 1943 as a deck watch for Italian naval officers, although only a few prototypes were produced at that time. The contemporary Mare Nostrum is a faithful reinterpretation of this classic design.
The case of the Mare Nostrum is made of stainless steel and is waterproof up to 5 ATM. It has a leather strap for optimal comfort and a vintage look. The hand-wound mechanical movement ensures exceptional precision and reliability. The dial, with stick indexes and luminous hands, is easy to read. A chronograph function adds practical utility to this classic design.
<h3 dir="ltr">Panerai Luminor Due</h3>
The Luminor Due is a thinner and more refined version of the famous Luminor. With its stainless steel or rose gold case, water resistance of up to 30 meters and leather strap, the Luminor Due offers casual elegance. Its automatic movement offers remarkable precision, while the minimalist dial with luminous indexes and hands is easy to read. Panerai thus gives itself the means to attract a clientele different from these historical models intended for adventurers.
<h2 dir="ltr">Panerai: The Brand of Paneristi!</h2>
Whether it's the Mare Nostrum, with its vintage look and chronograph operation, or the Luminor Due, with its sleek and elegant design, Panerai offers a diversity of models to satisfy the tastes of every watch lover. To learn more about these watches and other Panerai collections, I recommend checking out their website. Also, don&rsquo;t forget to check Dialicious customer reviews for additional information when making your choice. Panerai is owned by the Richemont group, in the same way as<a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/cartier"> Cartier</a> or<a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/jaeger-Lecoultre"> Jaeger-LeCoultre</a> in particular, and produces around 70,000 watches per year, all models combined.
Check out the <a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/top/the_best_luxury_watch_brands">Ranking of the best Luxury watch brands</a>, including Panerai.
(Updated August 2023)

New arrival in my Panerai collection this Luminor Marina PAM564 Bettarini case of 44mm. Very pleasant and soft to wear, thanks to the titanium, and especially to a very contained thickness 13 mm. Magnificent, sausage dial, dark chocolate. Sapphire case back which leaves the P5000 movement partially visible. Water resistance 300m. I like the brushed titanium finishes which give it an elegant and sober look while emphasizing the tool watch aspect.

Luminor Marina 8 Days Titane

I bought myself this PAM00111 second-hand in 2018 and since then it's been love at first sight. I love its sandwich dial, its cushion case and the crown protector. A watch on which I change the strap like I change my t-shirt as it gives it a completely different look depending on whether it's on a canvas or a nato for a more sporty look or on leather for a more elegant look.

A classic but also elegant diver

I chose this watch more than a decade ago. Being a woman I didn't like the watches that were branded for women and I was looking for a bigger model and most importantly, a watch that wasn't on every woman's wrist. I love the timeless design, the size, the character of this piece, that suits me as a wearer. The alligator wristband will soon be changed for a new one,  alligator it will be once again, to add the classic touch for an everyday wear. I regularly look at other options to add a new piece  to my collection,  but till now I haven't found anything that makes my heart beat like my Panerai

The watch I will never be tired to wear

The latest arrival in my collection, this Panerai seduced me with its contained diameter of 40mm and its water resistance to 300m. This model is no longer produced and has been replaced by the Quaranta with the same diameter with a thinner case but with a lower water resistance of 100m. It also has the particularity of having a cyclops for the date. Its massive style and its very luminescent indexes make this watch immediately recognizable with its famous crown protector and its rubber very pleasant to wear. It should be noted however that this watch is relatively heavy even if you get used to it quickly.

Panerai Luminor Marina PAM00048

This Luminor Marina is the watch of my 40th birthday. I chose it in this version, PAM 177, in Titanium version, with transparent case back. I particularly like the Titanium finish, matte, more discreet than the versions in shiny steel. It is imposing (44mm in diameter and 15mm in height) and will be less suitable for watch lovers with small wrists. The design of the Luminor Marina is recognizable among thousands, with its protective crown for the winder, its Arabic numerals (3 - 6 - 12 visible), its small seconds and its hands and indicators painted in Luminor. I have been wearing it very regularly for almost 10 years, more on weekends or on vacation (with its magnificent rubber strap stamped Officine Panerai), because with a suit or a shirt, it is a little thick. This model is mechanically wound, with a power reserve of 56 hours, in reality closer to 48 hours. Its Swiss ETA 6497/2 movement (OP XI caliber) is a little fragile: in almost 10 years, it has gone to after-sales service 3 times, each time because the winding spring had broken. I should point out that I am very meticulous, that I do not wind it until it is blocked (it is very possible that I will not reach the 56 hours of reserve for this reason) and that I do not do any violent sports with it (golf or tennis). The first two times, in direct after-sales service, I was not very satisfied. The third time, with the help of Maison Bucherer in Paris, the intervention seems to have definitively solved the problem and for more than 4 years, it has been running like clockwork. I wear this watch with different bracelets, a black leather one from the house, the rubber bracelet, but also Natos. I will keep this watch without hesitation, it is rare in this Titanium version and I love its iconic design. If you want to discover it, it is presented in an episode of Petites Montres entre amis.

A timeless watch with an iconic design

I must admit that I did not particularly like this watch the first time I saw it about fifteen years ago. To me, it looked like an old people's watch with its very large indexes, allowing better reading for the visually impaired. Finally, this watch has allowed itself to be appreciated and has become a must for my collection.

The manly watch

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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