Hands-On: The Ollech & Wajs OW 8001 With An Integrated Bracelet
Back in the first half of 2023, Ollech & Wajs informed us that a successor to the 1973 OW 8000 was coming. Even renders were available, but we love the real deal and, when possible, like to wait for a production model before making a judgment. And it’s good that we did this time because, in real life, the OW 8001 left a different impression than we’d gotten from the earlier rendered press images.
Once again, this shows that one shouldn’t judge a watch by just pictures or its dimensions on paper. I would never have thought that a 39.5 × 12.7mm watch could leave such a rough and hefty impression.
Ollech & Wajs OW 8001
Meanwhile, in the watch universe, the integrated-bracelet league is crowded. These (often) stainless steel sport-oriented watches are popular among watch enthusiasts. When talking about integrated-bracelet sports watches, most of us will think about early models, such as the sleek Audemars Piguet Royal Oak, Patek Philippe Nautilus, IWC Ingenieur, or Vacheron Constantin 222. But even the more recent Chopard Alpine Eagle, Czapek Antartique, Parmigiani Tonda PF, Christopher Ward The Twelve, and Tissot PRX all hint at the elegant slimness of their ’70s and ’80s ancestors.
Not the Ollech & Wajs OW 8001. And to be honest, from the pictures and dimensions on paper, I didn’t see this coming. Its ancestor, the OW 8000, inspired the OW 8001. Probably, that should have rang a bell. The 1970s OW 8000 wasn’t a slim or sleek watch. With its tonneau-shaped case in brushed stainless steel, the OW 8000 was a robust and water-resistant chronograph that was rather bulky. The inspiration worked out very well for the OW 8001 for that last part.
How it differs from its ancestor
So, like its ancestor, the OW 8001 (left) is a bulky watch with a dial color very similar to that of the OW 8000 (right). The shape and links of the integrated bracelet are also pretty similar. However, the main difference is rather apparent: the OW 8001 isn’t a chronograph. Instead, this watch houses a chronometer-certified three-hand Soprod Newton Precision P092, offering a 28,800vph frequency and a 44-hour power reserve. Also, besides lacking a chronograph function and pushers, the dial of the OW 8001 has a much cleaner appearance. Shape-wise, the hands are somewhat equal, but, for instance, the hour markers and minute track are more straightforward and clear. Without the TV-shaped chronograph registers, the dial is neither as cluttered nor as quirky.
On the other hand, the OW 8001 adds a fixed 60-minute bezel to the design. It would have been nice if it had been a Turn-O-Graph-like rotating bezel, but it isn’t; it’s more of a design-oriented feature than a functional one. Speaking of the design, I really miss the nice beveled edges on top of the case. Without them, the case shape is sharper and more block-like. It feels a bit unfinished and certainly less elegant.
Finishing and feeling
The way Ollech & Wajs finished the OW 8001 gives off a feeling of ruggedness and indifference. There’s not a hint of elegance, just roughness and toughness. “Thick,” “edgy,” and “sturdy” are words that come to mind — oh, and “sharp.” But “sharp” doesn’t only come to mind; you can also feel and see the sharpness. Look at the corners and sides of the case as well as where the bracelet connects to the case and the clasp. Everything has razor-sharp edges. It’s very technical but, as I said, not very elegant. Elegance is not something the OW 8001 seems to bother with and probably isn’t even looking or meant for.
Bracelet
I have mentioned the bracelet-to-case construction. It looks very much like how the bracelet connected to the OW 8000, but the first links on both sides of the bracelet can’t bend down properly. As a result, if you don’t have a large wrist, the first part of the bracelet will stick out, as it did on my 17.5cm wrist.
With a construction like this, there’s no actual lug-to-lug distance, but the equivalent to this dimension is no less than 60mm long. Unfortunately, this made me unable to wear the Ollech & Wajs OW 8001 comfortably. Of course, I tried and managed to wear it for a day or two, but with the bulkiness, weight, sharp edges, and uncomfortable fit, I eventually had to take it off.
Something else I want to touch upon is the sizing of the bracelet. You’ll find those well-known little arrows at the clasp side of both bracelet parts. They’re pointing in the directions the bracelet pins must go to take links out. Don’t be fooled by the arrows, though. While these typically mean that pins have to be driven out by a press or hammer and punch, the OW 8001 bracelet is fitted with screws. The screws, indeed, do come out in the direction of the arrows, but you should unscrew them with a screwdriver.
Clasp
Last but not least, we need to talk about the clasp. Many will be happy to learn that it offers a, measured, 18mm extension. Operated with two buttons, this piece slides out. It can then be pushed back in, click by tiny click, to fit your wrist. This feature is essential for a heavy watch like the OW 8001 because you don’t want it to wiggle around your wrist. The clasp closes securely and opens via a set of buttons on the sides, the same kind used for the extension mechanism. Initially, you might push the wrong set of buttons to open the clasp, and only the adjustment part will come out. But you won’t make this mistake so often after you get used to putting on the watch and closing and opening the buckle.
Conclusion and pricing
The Ollech & Wajs OW 8001 is not for everyone, and I like that. It’s a watch with a strong character that’s not afraid to show its boldness and sharp finishing. It’s not the elegant, slim, sporty, stainless steel integrated-bracelet watch we find in many iterations nowadays. But that’s fine; I’m sure there are enthusiasts out there who are looking for more substance and robustness. Anyway, I’d advise trying the OW 8001 on your wrist before buying it. Only then will you be sure that the watch suits your wrist and expectations; you can’t tell from the specifications alone. The Ollech & Wajs is currently available for CHF 1,856 (excluding taxes), which I think is adequate. Calculated according to Swiss regulations, over 75% of the OW 8001 is Swiss made (this percentage does not include the bracelet or packaging). You can find more info on the official Ollech & Wajs website.
What do you think? Could this be a watch for you? Do you like its robustness, or would you opt for a more elegant watch in the integrated-bracelet genre? Please let me know in the comments below, and don’t hesitate to ask if you have any questions I didn’t answer in the article.
