Ollech & Wajs Precision Caribbean 1000 set the standard by which all other dive watches would be measured with a certified record-shattering depth rating of 1,000m.
The single biggest leap forwards in the evolution of the dive watch was thanks partly to the revolutionary 702 mono-block case with its distinctive pointed lugs (below).
It was worn by commercial and military divers and tested by ocean explorers in the Red Sea, the North Atlantic and under the frozen Arctic ice pack. To mark 60 years since the Caribbean 1000 entered dive watch folklore OW have created a special C-1000 Edition that reinterprets several design features of the iconic inaugural reference.
The anniversary C-1000 A evokes the unmistakable abbreviated triangular lugs, affectionately referred to as ‘Vampire fangs’ by collectors. Caribbean 1000 enthusiasts will also appreciate the familiar tapered hour and minutes hands and the 12 hour bi-directional bezel with 20 minute diver’s scale, also inspired by the original. The C-1000 A is just as impermeable as its antecedent though thanks to advancements in materials and manufacturing it achieves this with the convenience of a screw down case back.
“The C-1000 A commemorates an important moment in Ollech & Wajs history and the ETA 2824-2 has played another important role in our past. We thought it would be a fitting gesture to pair the first of the anniversary year watches with these vintage NOS movements.”
Charles Le Menestrel, CEO, Ollech & Wajs
The watch is presented on a distinctive cadmium yellow nylon RAF style strap in reference to the yellow trim wetsuits worn by intrepid scuba divers in the 60s, including Ollech & Wajs test divers Alberto Novelli and Cesare Olgjai.
The first 56 watches will be numbered crown editions and will also be equipped with the ever dependable ETA 2824-2 automatic movement, the last of OW’s remaining stock (below left).
Thereafter, the C-1000 A will be powered by the landmark Soprod Newton Precision (above right), the result of a close collaboration between OW and the Jura based movement maker. The C-1000 A is priced 1,856 CHF and comes on an RAF style cadmium yellow strap. The M-Heritage stainless steel mesh bracelet can be purchased as an additional accessory for 126 CHF. The watch also comes with a handmade soft black leather travel pouch embossed with the OW logo.
Technical Specifications:
Year 2024
Dimensions 39.5 mm × 15.8 mm x 45.5 mm
Case Brushed 316L stainless steel, screwed back, screw-down crown, bi-directional rotating bezel 12H. Manufactured in Jura, Switzerland
Glass Sapphire with anti-glare treatment
Dial Hands and indexes in cream Super-LumiNova®
Water resistance 1000m/ 100atm
Movement
Numbered Edition: Fully overhauled NOS Automatic ETA 2824-2 OW3P, 25 jewels; 28,800 bph, with a power reserve of +/-38 hours; mainplate engraved ‘Ollech & Wajs Zurich 1956’; and OW-machined rotor.
Non-Numbered Edition: Automatic, bespoke Soprod Newton Precision P092; date-only calendar, with semi-instantaneous changes and quick adjustment using the crown; stop seconds; 4Hz 28,800 vibrations per hour; 23 jewels; 44-hour power reserve. The Soprod Newton P092 movement is independently tested for dependability and durability at the internationally renowned Laboratoire Dubois in Chaux-de Fonds, Switzerland, and has been awarded a Chronofiable® certification. +/-5 seconds per day, adjusted in five positions
Nylon ‘Cadmium’ RAF band 20 mm, premium-quality, highly durable cadmium yellow nylon one-piece band, made in Great Britain, hand-finished in Switzerland, with a thorn buckle, signed ‘OWZ 1956’
M-Heritage bracelet 20 mm medium gauge, stainless steel mesh bracelet, hand-brushed, reinforced ends, with an OW-engraved thorn buckle. (Purchased as an additional item 126 CHF)
Origin Handmade in the Swiss Jura
Price RRP 1,856 CHF
For more information please visit Ollech & Wajs