We’ve already talked at length about the Ollech & Wajs Caribbean 1000 and why it is regarded as one of the coolest dive watches of the 20th century. It radicalised the diving watch game with a record-breaking 1000m water resistance rating, which took tool watches to a whole new level. Now, on the 60th anniversary of that timepiece, Ollech & Wajs have launched a tribute model called the C-1000 A.
Of course, when you’re making a tribute to a watch famous for something as specific as having a 1000m water resistance rating, the new watch needs to match it and the C-1000 A does with its own 1000m rating. Something which has been achieved with the use of a screw down caseback thanks to advancements in modern watchmaking technology.
Ollech & Wajs Carribean 1000 and the new C-1000 A side by side
One of the frequent side effects of designing a watch to resist impressive depth is they often have to be quite large. However, the C-1000 A is only 39.5mm in diameter meaning it is on the smaller side of the dive watch spectrum, although that is somewhat off-set by a thickness of 15.8mm. It’s certainly a watch that has a strong presence on the wrist.
Aesthetically, you can see the DNA of the original in this new edition, especially around the lugs. The sharp triangular shape of the lugs has led collectors to nickname it the ‘Vampire’ design as they look like two fangs jutting down from the circular case. On top of the case sits a broad bi-directional rotating bezel with a fluted edge and adorned with 12-hour scale, which turns the watch into a dual time zone model (the Caribbean 1000 featured several styles of bezel in its time, including a 12-H). From a side profile you can really see the dome of both the bezel and sapphire crystal.
As for the dial, it’s very restrained with a black and white design that emphasises legibility above all else. There are some notable updates compared to the original design such as the adoption of triangular hour markers at 12, 3 and 9 o’clock, as well as moving the date function from 3 to 6. The logic behind this new style of markings is that by having markers in unique orientations at the cardinal points, you can always establish the time even if you are disoriented or aren’t holding the watch on a flat plane – both of which are useful underwater.
ETA calibre 2824-2 OW3P
That brings us to the movement housed inside and the C-1000 A actually has a choice of two. There is a special edition of 56 numbered pieces that are equipped with new old stock (NOS) ETA 2824-2 calibres, which represents the last of OW’s stock of this historic and well regarded work horse movement. Beyond that first 56, the C-1000 A utilises the Soprod Newton Precision P092 with 44-hour power reserve and +/-5 seconds per day accuracy.
While I wouldn’t describe it as accessible, it’s also not wildly expensive either at CHF 1,856 (approx. £1,635) on a cadmium yellow RAF style NATO strap. It’s also compatible with the M-Heritage bracelet which can be bought for a further CHF 126 (approx. £110). I really like this watch. It feels like a fitting tribute to an exceptional dive watch. Plus, it ticks all the boxes I love such as vintage inspired details and a robust construction that gives the watch proper utility.
Price and Specs:
More details at Ollech & Wajs.
