The OW – Ollech & Wajs – M110 AS is a tactical tool watch that draws on over 60 years of military and dive expertise.
The new reference combines many design characteristics, and the impermeability of OW’s original dive watches, with a 360-degree compass bezel more conventionally found on field watches. The M110 AS honours the long legacy of military personnel who have worn OW watches, particularly a generation of US soldiers who, in the 60s, relied on them in combat in an unknown land and on unfamiliar terrain.
The OW M110 AS now comes fitted to unique ‘infantry green’ dual ply fabric strap (above). The strap is crafted from reclaimed, military grade double twill hemp canvas, procured direct from the Swiss Army’s unused surplus supply. This highly durable material, more durable and lightweight than cotton, was originally intended for a variety of military applications such as the legendary Swiss Army Pioneer backpacks and all weather skins for vehicles.
A compass bezel represents the essence of human ingenuity and capacity to improvise, adapt and overcome. In a world where we are constantly tethered to satellites, it!s unlikely you will need it every day, but you might need it one day. Another distinctive feature of the M110, which military users will recognise, are the radio silence period markers on the dial. These are three-minute periods immediately after each quarter hour (detail below), reserved exclusively for making – and listening for – distress calls.
The M110, is the first OW watch to carry the new Soprod Newton Precision movement (below), which was the start of a new bearing for Ollech & Wajs. The result of a close collaboration between OW and Soprod, the new movement is a bespoke version of the Newton P092, modified to OW’s own specifications and adjusted in five positions. It has been finished in accordance with our rugged aesthetics, and ‘OW Zurich 1956’ is engraved into the nickel-plated base, on which sits a co-designed, custom rotor in the shape of the OW marque. The new movement will carry OW’s own ‘PRECISION’ rating, reserved for movements of only the highest quality.
The M110 also sees the return of the classic ‘skin diver’ case, first used on early OW models such as the 1964 Aquaguard (below) and the 1965 Early Bird. The M110 AS will come on either a dual ply fabric strap option, and a heavy-gauge, stainless steel mesh bracelet with reinforced ends and hand-brushed finish. The sturdy milled and engraved clasp is extendable up to 22 mm, and a double pusher-release system provides extra security against accidental opening.
Wherever you’re headed, whatever journey you!re on and whatever the objective, the OW M110 will help you navigate any challenge.
OW M110 AS On The Wrist
The first thing that strikes you about the OW M110 AS is how clearly the dial is laid out and how well the colours work together especially with the ‘infantry green’ dual ply fabric strap that complements the dial beautifully. The 39.56mm – to be precise! – ‘skin diver’ case is also extremely comfortable to wear. At 12.5mm it easily fits under the sleeve and most of the time you don’t even know it’s there; that is until you need to know the time, which given there is the bespoke Soprod Newton Precision P092 movement inside, is always accurate. When you are in low light or darkness, you will not be disappointed with the high level of Super-LumiNova® on the dial and hands (above right).
The very high standard of finishing is evident from the brushed 316L stainless steel case and ‘screw in’ crown on which the OW logo is adorned. The crown is of a good size and allows you to easily set the time and date when required. The sweeping second hand with its broad arrow is also clearly visible. The ‘compass’ bezel glides smoothly around and is uni-directional, which means you will never get lost when wearing it.
The stainless steel case back is clearly engraved and also includes the OW logo and ZURICH 1956 marking when the brand was originally launched (above left), which adds to the retro-look of the watch. It would have been a bonus to see the movement through a sapphire crystal case back, but given its waterproof to 300 m it’s probably best to retain the stainless steel back. Also, the brushed stainless steel buckle engraved with ‘OWZ 1956’ is very comfortable (above right). The warranty, should you ever need it, covers against any manufacturing defect for three years, which is generous. Overall I was very impressed with the OW 110 AS and at just over £1,300 represents very good value indeed and a great addition to any collection.
Technical Specifications:
REFERENCE: OW M110 AS
YEAR: 2023
DIMENSIONS: 39.56 mm × 12.5 mm and 47.5 mm lug to lug.
CASE: brushed 316L stainless steel, screwed bottom, screwed crown, rotating steel bezel 12h; made in the Swiss Jura
GLASS: sapphire with anti-reflective treatment
BEZEL: 360-degree compass bezel with cardinal direction markers and an angle scale
VISIBILITY : hands, indexes and radio silence periods in Super-LumiNova®
WATERPROOFING: -300 m / 30ATM
MOVEMENT: 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.
AVERAGE ACCURACY: +/-7 seconds per day, adjusted in five positions (equivalent of ETA Elaborate)
BRACELET: 20 mm heavy-gauge, stainless steel mesh bracelet, hand-brushed with an engraved adjustable clasp.
WARRANTY: Three years against any manufacturing defect
PRICE: £1,308.00 RRP
For more information please visit Ollech & Wajs