Ollech & Wajs Swiss Automatic M-110 Dive Watch with Compass Bezel #OW-M-110

The OW M-110 is a tactical tool watch, which draws on more than 60 years of military and dive expertise. Many of the design characteristics, and the impermeability of OW’s original dive watches, are combined with a 360-degree compass bezel, more conventionally found on field watches.

In the absence of a magnetic compass, the US Army Ranger Handbook provides infantrymen with detailed instructions on how to use the watch method to get a bearing. This is a simple technique that involves lining the hour hand up with the sun, and then bisecting the distance between the hour hand and the 12 o’clock position to discover south.

Another distinctive feature of the OW M-110, which military users will recognise, is the radio silence period markers on the dial. These are three-minute periods immediately after each quarter hour, reserved exclusively for making – and listening for – distress calls.

The OW M-110 is the first OW watch to carry the new Soprod Newton Precision movement. 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 inimitable new movement will carry OW’s own ‘Precision’ rating, reserved for movements of only the highest quality.

The OW M-110 also sees the return of the classic ‘skin diver’ case, first used on early OW models such as the 1964 Aquaguard and the 1965 Early Bird.

The OW M-110 AS comes on a unique infantry-green, dual-ply fabric strap. This 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 resilient and lightweight than cotton, was originally intended for a variety of military applications such as the legendary Armée suisse Pioneer backpacks and all-weather skins for vehicles. Manufactured in the mid 50s – around the same time as Ollech & Wajs was founded – the fabric was made to last 100 years in the field. It therefore has plenty of fight left in it yet, despite being over 60 years old. The heavy-duty, two-tone fabric is lined for comfort with 100% natural soft leather, sourced and hand-stitched in Italy. The straight-cut edge of the strap is designed to fray subtly with everyday wear, giving it extra vintage character. The strap is finished with a brushed stainless steel thorn buckle, signed ‘OWZ 1956’. An exclusive opportunity to own and wear a watch with history woven into it.

The OW M-110 has an optional heavy-gauge, stainless steel mesh bracelet with reinforced ends and hand-brushed finish. A great amount of care has gone into the development of this new bracelet, in line with OW’s historical approach. As well as being virtually indestructible and fit for professional use, we believe it is our most comfortable bracelet yet. 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 M-110 will help you navigate any challenge.