Some watchmakers out there positively ooze luxury and heritage in the world of horology and, in our opinion, Ollech & Wajs sit at the top table in this regard and it’s because of timepieces like their Astrochron Watch that this is the case. This is the sort of timepiece that Don Draper would likely wear and it offers the sort of traditional design aesthetic that we’re big advocates of here at The Coolector.
The Astrochron fable began in Zürich over half a century ago, amidst history’s most ambitious era of exploration. The race to go faster, further and deeper had the world positioned at the forefront of many exciting new frontiers, the most notable, of course, being outer space. It was this Space Race that inspired the name of the famous Ollech & Wajs 1967 ‘triple-register’ chronograph. It came as no surprise then that NASA’s most prestigious scientists would be amongst the elite professionals that made use of the Astrochron’s various dials and scales.
Priced at £2184, the Ollech & Wajs Astrochron Watch is an extraordinary feat of watchmaking and a prime example of why Ollech & Wajs are so highly regarded in the industry. Only a chronograph of unparalleled quality would be a worthy continuation of the Astrochron legacy and Ollech & Wajs had endeavoured to make sure this new version of the iconic timepiece is equal to the challenge.
With an impressive water resistance of 50 atm (500 m), the new model more than doubles the depth rating of the original and far exceeds the Swiss chronograph standard. Some of the other new features of this release include a 360-degree rotating compass bezel and a 20-minute diver’s scale. These additional utilities, in conjunction with the five-minute Regatta counter, extra-thick sapphire crystal and unique four-gasket pusher system guarantee that the new Ollecs & Wajs Astrochron is as proficient in the deep blue sea as it is on dry land.
Within the brushed 316L stainless steel case is a descendant of the historic Valjoux 72 movement that was used to power the first Astrochrons. A custom-engraved automatic Valjoux 7753 movement, with an OW machined rotor set onto it, is regulated, adjusted and power-tested in five positions at the watchmaker’s workshop in the Swiss Jura, thereby qualifying for the OW Precision rating.
Last but not least, the new chronograph brings the distinctive North Atlantic blue dial of 1968 back into the fold. Whether you’re exploring a wreck at the bottom of the ocean, explaining a theory or just gazing up at the stars and contemplating the possibilities of the universe, the new OW Astrochron from Ollech & Wajs could well be the perfect chronograph for the occasion.
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