Ollech & Wajs C-1000 Diver - Incoming!

[carl]

Ollech & Wajs C-1000 on OEM Beads of Rice bracelet. From Russell Jewellers, one of very few AD’s in the world. Remarkable small dive watch at only 39.56mm X 15.8mm and packs a 1000m water resistance. Relatively thin considering well over 2mm of height is due to the very thick and boldly domed crystal. Very close in design to the 60s Caribbean 1000. Hence it’s lovely vintage vibe.

"The OW C-1000 S is also equipped with a reinforced back case, an extra strong domed sapphire crystal, a special quadruple gaskets screw down crown."

Incredibly comfortable and beautifully crafted Beads of Rice bracelet. I had it fitted at the AD, as the links are screwed, but extremely tiny. I don't think I have such a small screw driver.

A few no-so-bad pics I took just after I got home:

[muckymark]

Congrats Carl. That's a nice vintage vibe design, I like the date window treatment. Are only the 12,3,6 and 9 plots lured? Or is it two tone lame? I'm not familiar with this brand. I'm going to head to the net and look them up.

[carl]

Feb 26, 2022 21:47:59 GMT -6 muckymark said:

Congrats Carl. That's a nice vintage vibe design, I like the date window treatment. Are only the 12,3,6 and 9 plots lured? Or is it two tone lame? I'm not familiar with this brand. I'm going to head to the net and look them up.

Thanks, Mark. Actually, the only bit of negative is the lume, or lack of. It's only the 12, 3, 6 and 9. Which doesn't make a lot of sense, considering the depth rating and a heavy duty dive watch. I believe the reason it that's as it was in the 60s. Although it is not a reissue watch, there are lots of nods back to the original.

Still, it's great to discover a new less-known brand. Which is part of the lure. I was also able to do a good trade. I had been trying to sell my Breitling Norton, and I was offered some decent case with this watch. So it's a win situation for me.

[Baco Noir]

Never heard of the brand but I dig the vintage vibe. Congrats Carl.

[priamo]

Congrats on a fine piece Carl. How is the clasp? I seen a review questioning it's security. Has it been improved?

[BRIAN]

Wooow! Congrats Carl!!!

[carl]

Thanks Baco Noir it's not well known at all. I had seen it at the AD on my last visit. When I went back today, I appreciated it even more. I do like that it has the vintage vibe, without being a reissue. Just a modern version of the original. And it always impresses me when a brand engineers a high water resistance into a moderate size case.

[carl]

Thanks very much priamo and, yes, I did have some reservations about the clasp. Of course, it does have a pusher on each side, and unless you press both it will not open. The entire bracelet is very well made and comfortable. The clasp is pretty compact, but does have 3 micro adjusts. But the whole thing does seem secure enough. The fun thing about a watch like this is continuing to do research on it even after you get it. I intend to look at all the reviews I can find.

[carl]

Thanks very much BRIAN

[rw16610]

carl Congrats!This is also my first time hearing of them, great styling! So refreshing to see a well designed, unique piece like this. The raised / top hat crystal creates a lovely side profile.

Having the date at 6 while maintaining dial symmetry is great. Too many good things to say about this fantastic piece. Well deserved!

[carl]

rw16610 thank you very much! So lucky to have an AD locally! And a great team they have as well. I had my eyes on this one for a few months. I have also been trying to sell my Breitling Norton. So today we did a trade with it, and I am getting some well needed cash as well. Somehow my intention not to get a new watch went by the wayside! I love how it looks on the Beads of Rice bracelet, and it's now my only watch with a steel bracelet.

[rw16610]

It's a great looking piece! Thrilled to hear you had such a pleasant experience with the AD.

The beads of rice bracelet is perfect. Modern construction with vintage styling is a great combination. I'll bet the lume on this thing shines brightly. Looking forward to seeing more of this.

[CHIP]

1000 meters!
Carl, you better not go that deep and get in trouble down there because I haven’t got a watch to wear if I have to go save you lol

Congratulations!

[priamo]

Feb 27, 2022 0:48:02 GMT -6 carl said:

Thanks very much priamo and, yes, I did have some reservations about the clasp. Of course, it does have a pusher on each side, and unless you press both it will not open. The entire bracelet is very well made and comfortable. The clasp is pretty compact, but does have 3 micro adjusts. But the whole thing does seem secure enough. The fun thing about a watch like this is continuing to do research on it even after you get it. I intend to look at all the reviews I can find.

That clasp has been improved a lot since the review I saw. I think it used to be a basic push clasp that raised eyebrows.

[carl]

Feb 27, 2022 11:47:44 GMT -6 CHIP said:

1000 meters!
Carl, you better not go that deep and get in trouble down there because I haven’t got a watch to wear if I have to go save you lol

Congratulations!

 Thanks, Chip! Definitely one thing that impresses me most about some dive watches, is how they engineer such high water resistance in a very moderate case size. Also the crown size, ease of operation and robustness is one really important issue with me. I always use the Rolex Sub as a benchmark when I test crown operation on a watch. This one passes with flying colors!