The must-have Macro Loupe for all watch lovers

Iconic watch art prints. Made in Switzerland, lifetime guarantee

Here is an unusual watch from the Chinese micro-brand Hruodland. It is heavily inspired by the IWC Big Pilot 43 Tourbillon Markus Bühler, a rare model due to its very limited production run and hefty price tag.
This homage watch, which I chose in a black, unbranded version, boasts solid construction and impeccable finishing. It adheres to the stylistic codes of its illustrious predecessor: a 43mm diameter, an oversized onion crown, and, most notably, a small seconds subdial in the form of a turbine. In terms of movement, it features a Seagull ST3620, a hand-wound movement visible through the transparent case back. In my case, it is very well regulated, with a zero-seconds drift and a -5-second drift in two different positions.

This model, named F016, features a sapphire crystal and offers good visibility even in low light. Another advantage: its unique look thanks to the turbine-like movement. A well-balanced thickness of 12.4 mm and a beautiful polished-brushed finish complete the appeal of this true flieger. It sits very well on the wrist despite its size, thanks to the pronounced curve of the lugs.

Of course, the IWC inspiration might deter many watch enthusiasts, but this is an item priced under €200, making it a very easy watch to wear (a big plus for me). So here's a small, affordable pleasure to wear occasionally without hesitation, and one that won't go unnoticed.

Large, unique pilot's watch

I present to you my Seiko Speedtimer, from the limited edition "Prospex Black Series," reference SSC923P1.

This watch is a worthy legacy of Seiko's expertise in sports timekeeping, featuring its renowned V192 movement. This quartz movement ensures accuracy of ±15 seconds per month, powered by a light-rechargeable battery. Once fully charged, the watch can run for several months without any exposure to light.

Aesthetically, it boasts a bold black dial that adds a touch of sophistication while enhancing legibility thanks to its contrasting subdials. The indices and hands, coated with green Lumibrite, ensure readability day and night.

It is water-resistant to 100 meters. Its PVD-coated stainless steel case appears robust; its modern and elegant design makes it a handsome chronograph. The 41mm diameter is very comfortable to wear thanks to its compact lug width.

The fabric strap with a pin buckle does the job, but I'm thinking of replacing it with a leather one to give it a more elegant look. Of course, a sapphire crystal is standard at this price point (€750).

It's hard to find fault with this chronograph; perhaps its diameter might be a bit small for those with smaller wrists, and its all-black design could make it look a bit plasticky.

I really like this watch and I plan to wear it regularly in the future.

Beautiful dark chronograph but very legible

Berny is a watch brand founded in 1995 in Shenzhen, China. The brand's name is said to be a nod to the city of Bern, the historic center of Swiss watchmaking. The brand emphasizes good value for money, while offering elegant alternatives to high-end watches. Regarding my 40.5 mm diameter Berny Field titanium model with date complication, I chose the white full lume version (quite impressive). This one, in addition to its light weight thanks to the titanium, has a sapphire crystal and uses a basic but very well-regulated Miyota movement. All this for around a hundred euros. What made me fall in love with it, of course, was the dial and hands, which are reminiscent of the iconic Sinn 556, a watch beyond my financial means. I like this watch, which is very simple in appearance but very well finished. The orange second hand adds a fun touch, and I'm looking for a strap with an orange reminder that could delight it. Given its low price, there's no fear of wearing it on any occasion. A small purchase sometimes means a small pleasure.

Nice watch with solid features and a stylish look

Glycine is a Swiss watch brand founded in 1914 in Biel by Eugène Meylan. Its history is closely linked to aviation, as evidenced by its most famous model, the Airman. I particularly like their Combat line, with watches inspired by military style, renowned for their durability and readability. Since 2016, Glycine has been part of the Invicta group, which has allowed the brand to maintain its production and market presence, while continuing to offer quality watches at competitive prices.

I had been eyeing the Glycine Combat 6 Vintage 43 model for several years because of its large diameter and field watch style, but I gave it up. I was planning to acquire the Vaer Field Watch A5, as I found the Hamilton Khaki Field in 42 mm too common. Finally, when I realized that the Glycine model was practically sold out (there were only two green ones left available on the official website), I took the plunge.

Once I had the watch in my hands, the fear of disappointment quickly vanished. This watch combines retro military style with robust construction and modern specifications. Its design is inspired by military watches from the 1960s and 1980s, with a clean dial and luminescent hands and indexes for excellent readability.

Its main feature is its 43 mm case. Although substantial, it is relatively thin (approximately 10.7 mm), which makes it very comfortable on the wrist. I appreciate its double-domed sapphire crystal, which reinforces its vintage feel. Several dial color variations were available, but the green GL0458 is, in my opinion, the color that most gives it the look of a field watch. The onboard movement is a Sellita SW-200, which, on my watch, exhibits an average deviation of +5 seconds per day, which is a guarantee of reliability.

The 43 mm stainless steel case, with a water resistance of 50 meters (5 ATM), is its biggest drawback in my opinion, as it precludes water sports. The double-domed, scratch-resistant sapphire crystal adds an additional vintage touch.

In summary, this Glycine Combat 6 Vintage 43 is a Swiss automatic watch that I appreciate for its "field watch" aesthetic, its readability, its solid construction, and its Swiss-made movement, all at an often very competitive price. In short, a very attractive watch, entirely to my taste.



Beautiful large Swiss made field watch

Owning a Citizen and a Seiko, I wanted to complete my Japanese trilogy with an Orient watch. So, I present to you my recently acquired Bambino V4 (reference: RA-AC0P02L10B).
It's not the most popular model among purists, as the V4 has a diameter of 42 mm, which might be considered a bit large for a classic dress watch. Many, in fact, prefer a more discreet size. Since the 42 mm isn't a deal-breaker (if the lug to lug is contained within 48.2 mm in this case), this watch has many positive points.
Like all Orient Bambinos, the V4 offers quality craftsmanship and an automatic F6724 manufacture movement that features a stop-seconds (hacking) and manual winding. Its sophisticated design at a very affordable price makes it an excellent option for beginners. I particularly appreciate its inspired design, with its black dial and rose gold-tone hands, as well as the use of a domed mineral crystal without compromising its thickness (12mm). All of this contributes to this watch's vintage charm. The use of a dainty strap (even if it seems of average quality) and a solid engraved caseback add an extra touch of elegance to the watch. While it may not be suitable for every everyday situation due to its "fragile" appearance, it will find occasions that suit it perfectly. In short, it's a very pretty watch, very affordable, and very well-made. The advantage of the Bambino, with all its variations in sizes and colors, is that there will always be a model that suits you.

affordable timeless watch from a Japanese manufacturer

Your lifestyle is what it is and you dream of a Submariner. A so-called "homage" watch, with its flaws (not legitimate, a copy for many), can partially fill this gap. Forget the versions from Steinhart or Revue Thommen; for less money, the SN0017 San Martin offers you a very well-built watch with impeccable finishes and very solid features: sapphire crystal, beautifully brushed 40.5 mm case, 20 ATM water resistance, comfortable and good quality strap, ceramic insert, Seiko NH35, real tractor... and so on. Every time I pick it up, what stands out is its amazing value for money (a price under 250 euros) and of course its incredible, although not legitimate, design. Unfortunately, I compromised the water resistance of my watch when I hit the sapphire crystal (visible next to the "20" on the insert) and I will no longer be able to use it in the pool. We can congratulate ourselves that the Dongguan (China) brand has been releasing so-called "non-homage" models for a year with some success.

A very high-quality "poor" sub

The Seiko brand, founded in 1881 by Kintaro Hattori in the Ginza district of Tokyo, has become one of the most influential and respected watch companies in the world. Since the opening of its first store, Seiko has continued a path of constant growth and innovation.
<h2 dir="ltr">History of the Seiko brand</h2>
The year 1924 marked the first watch produced under the Seiko brand. The company continued to develop new technologies, and in 1956 it released the first self-winding wristwatch made in Japan. The real game-changer came in 1969 with the introduction of the Seiko Astron, the world's first quartz watch. This innovation not only changed the direction of Seiko but also revolutionized the entire watch industry.
During the 1970s and 1980s, Seiko solidified its reputation as a technological leader with the development of solar-powered watches and the introduction of professional divers' watches. In 2005, Seiko presented the Spring Drive, a unique movement combining the strength of mechanical watchmaking and the precision of quartz.
In recent years, Seiko has continued to innovate by creating eco-friendly watches and supporting various environmental initiatives. The brand is known for its commitment to quality, precision and sophisticated design.
<h2 dir="ltr">What are Seiko&rsquo;s iconic models?</h2>
<h3 dir="ltr"><a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/seiko/prospex">Seiko Prospex</a></h3>
This collection is dedicated to those who seek adventure, whether underwater, on land or in the air. The Prospex offers solid cases, water resistance up to 200 meters, steel or silicone bracelets, and automatic or solar movement. These watches are often associated with professional divers and adventurers.
<h3 dir="ltr"><a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/seiko/presage">Seiko Presage</a></h3>
Bringing together the best of traditional Japanese watchmaking and modern design, the Presage offers stainless steel cases, leather straps, automatic movement, and exquisite dials. The collection is appreciated for its elegance and style.
<h3 dir="ltr"><a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/seiko/astron">Seiko Astron</a></h3>
This iconic collection represents Seiko innovation. With titanium or stainless steel cases, water resistance up to 100 meters, metal bracelets, solar quartz movement with GPS, the Astron continues to be at the cutting edge of technology.
<h3 dir="ltr"><a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/seiko/5_sports">Seiko 5 Sports</a></h3>
The Seiko 5 Sports collection is a symbol of youth and dynamism. With steel cases, water resistance up to 100 meters, steel or fabric straps, and automatic movement, it is designed for the active lifestyle.
<h2 dir="ltr">How much does a Seiko watch cost?</h2>
The prices of new Seiko watches change regularly and vary depending on the model. Most cost between &euro;500 and &euro;1,000 depending on the finishes. Price differences can be significant between the brand's different collections. For example, the price of a Seiko 5 fluctuates between &euro;200 and &euro;400 and the Seiko Prospex between &euro;300 and &euro;2,500. Prices also fluctuate depending on the distributor, and promotions sometimes allow you to benefit from a more competitive price. The second-hand market is also an opportunity to look at to buy a cheaper Seiko.
<h2 dir="ltr">Seiko: An essential brand for starting out in watchmaking</h2>
Seiko is a brand that has charted its path through over a century of innovation and excellence. Its main models reflect a diverse range that meets the needs of sportsmen, divers, luxury enthusiasts and fashionable young people. Seiko's positioning in the watch landscape is unique, offering high quality watches at different price points, and remaining at the forefront of technology and design.
To find out more about these models, the brand's website is a useful information resource. Furthermore, the Dialicious owners' reviews are essential to making the right choice from this historic brand. Choosing a Seiko watch is more than a purchase; it&rsquo;s an investment in a piece of Japanese watchmaking history that continues to shape the future. Some may prefer <a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/grand_seiko">Grand Seiko</a> but this is another journey...
Check out the <a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/top/the_best_japanese_watch_brands">Ranking of the best japanese watch brands</a>, including Seiko.
(Updated November 2023)

Seiko being a reference in diving watches, it was natural that I turned to this brand to treat myself to one. Thanks to a decent budget, I was able to directly skip the Seiko 5 range and go for a Prospex. After some research, my choice fell on a Big Samouraï, not the latest (SRPL...), but a previous model (SRPE...), which has the advantage of still having sapphire crystal. It was at one of the local jewelers that I found my happiness. From the moment I tried it on, I knew it was mine. I love it. It exudes solidity, is certainly imposing, but wears very well thanks to the shape of the case and the contained dimension of the lug. The finish is of a high level. Despite everything, it is not a watch that I wear often, being too afraid of damaging it... but I like to touch it, to look at it in my watch box

Beautiful, imposing diver of good quality

The iconic Captain Willard! I love the story of this watch, seen in the film Apocalypse Now on the wrist of Captain WILLARD but especially also worn by the Japanese explorer Ueshimura! Its textured and sunburst gray dial is superb, I also really like the color of the indexes and its magnificent hands. And the shape of the case is unique and recognizable at first glance... The Nato Straps provided are exceptional with their Seichu braiding. In a word, a watch made for adventure and so endearing!

An adventurer!!!

My Seiko Prospex
Mini-Turtle SRPC39K1 42mm...I really like this Seiko mini turtle with a smaller diameter than the turtle from the same manufacturer, my model is no longer made but it is still possible to find a new green or black model on online sites in Japan. The watch has a sapphire crystal.

Ma Seiko Mini Turtle

The SEIKO Prospex special (but not limited) Save the Ocean edition blew me away when they were released in June 2022. The 3 models, respectively tributes to the SEIKO divers from 1965 (the famous 62MAS), 1968 (the first SEIKO operating at 5 Hz and water-resistant to 300 m) and 1970 (the famous turtle) feature sumptuous textured dials, each evoking a different shade of the ice of our poles, from deep blue to white, including sky blue. After trying them on, the hardest part for me was choosing. But as the saying goes that when you love, you don't count, I finally find myself owning all three... ;-) The choice was too difficult and they all had to be on my wrist. On this model (SPB299J1), it is still the 6R35 movement, which has a good autonomy of 70 hours, and good precision. As easy to wear as its little sister (SPB297J1), it nevertheless stands out with its sky blue textured dial of the most beautiful effect, its "pie server" second hand and its crown at 4 o'clock. I like almost everything on this watch, I really don't have much to reproach it for. Some will say or think that for the price of the three, I could have had a TUDOR. I tell myself that for the price of a TUDOR, I had three watches that I love... 😂

Save the glaciers

Seiko has managed to tick most of the boxes with this GMT: beautiful proportions with case work that highlights the watch, impeccable finishes (with anti-scratch treatment of the steel), perfect wearing comfort and a real upgrade of the bracelet (consistent with the positioning).

I had spotted this watch when it came out, which had caught my eye: for once a diver that mixes classic codes while keeping a spirit of elegance and, while remaining in Seiko codes, a form of modernity compared to the essentials of the brand.

This watch contains many small details that for me avoid falling into the pitfall of market references: without comparing it with the Submariner (factor 5 on the price), I always found the latter too bland (black, black and black ...), the same for the Pelagos, too clinical. Here the GMT hand brings a well-integrated complication, the red dot on the "shovel" second hand animates the dial, the reflections of the ceramic bezel remain sparing, the alternations of polishes and brushes of the cases are well-dosed. Even the crown at 4 o'clock brings a little originality without being ostentatious. In a way, Seiko "corrects" the small imperfections (for me in any case) of historic blockbusters of the sector...

In essence, a watch that can be kept without problem every day, or alternated thanks to its comfortable power reserve (72 hours), and which can, like again a Sub or a Speed, be worn on any occasion, elegant enough for a suit but sporty enough for vacations. A summary of sport-chic a little Bondian in its spirit, and a real success of Seiko!

A real success

Not my first Seiko, but my first diver's watch from the brand.

This is an edition I wasn't familiar with, different from the PADI models currently offered on the SEIKO website. As a reminder, PADI is the Professional Association of Diving Instructors. Don't ask me more, I'm a novice in this field.

I found this watch by chance at a trade show that had nothing to do with watches, and I fell for this MASSIVE model: a 50 mm case. It's fine on my 20 cm wrist, but I have to admit that it doesn't go unnoticed.
Its deep blue, the bezel with the first 15 minutes in red and the rest in white, as well as the red minute and second hands, make it a striking watch full of character.

The rubber strap, however, isn't the most comfortable in hot weather: it doesn't breathe.

I think the bezel is ceramic. Actually, it doesn't matter: I love the way it reflects in the sun.

Note: I already have a small scratch on the glass. I'll see during the service whether I'll have it replaced... or not.

The watch is also heavy, but at least I can feel it on my wrist.

Finally, I really like this lugless design, which is a change from my usual watches.

A 50mm plunger

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)

Seiko Prospex Owner Review : Statutory, generous and iconic

Beautiful, imposing diver of good quality

Pros & Cons for this watch

Where to buy your Seiko?

YOU ARE :

Other reviews published by DSF

Hruodland

Seiko
Speedtimer

Berny

Glycine
Combat

Orient
Bambino 4

Other Seiko Prospex owners' reviews

Seiko
Prospex

Seiko
Prospex

Seiko
Prospex

Seiko
Prospex

Seiko
Prospex

Customize your Seiko with our selection of accessories:

Eagle Eye Watches

Iconic Switzerland

Seiko Prospex Owner Review : Statutory, generous and iconic

Beautiful, imposing diver of good quality

Pros & Cons for this watch

Where to buy your Seiko?

YOU ARE :

Other reviews published by DSF

Hruodland

SeikoSpeedtimer

Berny

GlycineCombat

OrientBambino 4

Other Seiko Prospex owners' reviews

SeikoProspex

SeikoProspex

SeikoProspex

SeikoProspex

SeikoProspex

Customize your Seiko with our selection of accessories:

Eagle Eye Watches

Iconic Switzerland

Seiko
Speedtimer

Glycine
Combat

Orient
Bambino 4

Seiko
Prospex

Seiko
Prospex

Seiko
Prospex

Seiko
Prospex

Seiko
Prospex