Boeing B-52 Stratofortress Heritage

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Ollech & Wajs OW M-52B AF pilot watch

Starting from 1.703 €

The Ollech & Wajs OW M-52B AF is a military aviation watch that draws directly on the brand’s history with the U.S. armed forces. Inspired by the exceptionally rare B-905 “US Airforce”, produced during the Vietnam War era, it also pays tribute to the Boeing B-52 Stratofortress. Its 39.5 mm steel case, Tactical Pilot’s bezel, monochrome dial and black RAF nylon strap give it a distinctly functional identity. Powered by a customised Swiss Soprod P024 automatic movement, it also offers an impressive 300-metre water resistance. Compact yet robust, the M-52B AF combines historical military styling, Swiss construction and technical features designed for demanding use.

Ollech & Wajs OW M-52B AF Military Watch: Heir to the Vietnam-Era Pilot Watches

The history of the Ollech & Wajs OW M-52B AF takes on its full meaning when viewed in the context of the brand’s military heritage. From the 1960s onwards, OW watches became highly popular among U.S. military personnel, particularly during the Vietnam War. Soldiers, sailors and airmen were looking for rugged instruments capable of withstanding humidity, water and particularly demanding operating conditions. Many Ollech & Wajs watches were therefore purchased directly by servicemen, notably through PX stores located on American military bases. The M-52B AF more specifically evokes the rare B-905 “US Airforce”, a watch made more than half a century ago for this military audience.

The historic model featured the silhouette of a Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker, an aerial refuelling aircraft notably used to support air operations during the Vietnam War. For the contemporary M-52B AF, Ollech & Wajs develops this reference further by placing the silhouette of the Boeing B-52 Stratofortress on the dial. This emblematic bomber becomes the model’s central aesthetic theme. The streamlined shape of its nose also inspires the chamfered edges of the Tactical Pilot’s bezel. This connection is not limited to design. With its compact steel case, Swiss mechanical movement, RAF military strap and, above all, its 300-metre water resistance, the M-52B AF retains the tool-watch philosophy that helped establish Ollech & Wajs’ reputation among professionals and military personnel.

Technical Specifications – Ollech & Wajs OW M-52B AF

Brand: Ollech & Wajs
Model: OW M-52B AF
Approximate Price: From €1,702.03
Movement: Swiss automatic
Calibre: Customized Soprod P024
Diameter: 39.5 mm
Thickness: 12.5 mm
Water Resistance: 300 m / 30 ATM
Materials: 316L stainless steel
Crystal: Domed sapphire
Dial: Black with Super-LumiNova
Strap: 20 mm black RAF nylon
Warranty: 3 years

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The Ollech & Wajs OW M-52B AF Military Watch

The Ollech & Wajs OW M-52B AF adopts a deliberately understated approach to the military aviation watch. Its 39.5 mm case in brushed 316L stainless steel remains relatively compact for a watch offering this level of technical capability. With a thickness of 12.5 mm and a lug-to-lug length of 48 mm, it maintains proportions suited to everyday wear while retaining a distinctly utilitarian presence. The caseback and screw-down crown contribute to the particularly robust construction of the watch. The bezel is one of the model’s most distinctive features. Ollech & Wajs uses a bidirectional friction Tactical Pilot’s bezel graduated over 60 minutes.

Its chamfered edges and dark treatment evoke the profile of the nose of the B-52 Stratofortress. A few areas of cream-coloured luminous material break up the monochrome appearance of the watch and reinforce its vintage character. The dial continues this aeronautical inspiration with the silhouette of the Boeing B-52 Stratofortress. The hands and indexes feature Super-LumiNova, while the red-numbered date disc provides a direct nod to the historic B-905. This detail adds a discreet touch of colour without compromising overall legibility. The watch comes on a 20 mm black RAF nylon strap, made in Switzerland and fitted with a signed brushed steel pin buckle engraved “OWZ 1956”. This configuration clearly reinforces the military identity of the M-52B AF.

An Automatic Pilot’s Watch Water-Resistant to 300 Metres

Behind its historic aesthetic, the OW M-52B AF features a contemporary mechanical architecture. It is powered by the Soprod P024, a Swiss automatic calibre customized for Ollech & Wajs. It operates at 28,800 vibrations per hour, uses 25 jewels and offers a power reserve of approximately 38 hours. The movement features hacking seconds as well as a date calendar with quick correction and semi-instantaneous change. Ollech & Wajs adds a specific “OW Zurich 1956” rotor, an engraved OW mainplate and customized screws. The movement is assembled for the brand and regulated in three positions. One of the particularities of this pilot’s watch also lies in its level of water resistance.

The case, screw-down crown and slightly domed thick sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating allow it to reach 300 metres / 30 ATM. This figure is significantly higher than what is expected from a pilot’s watch and becomes a distinctive feature of several modern aviation models from the brand. The RAF strap reinforces the military approach, although several alternatives are available. The M-Heritage steel mesh bracelet can notably be ordered separately. A 316L steel bracelet and chocolate-brown leather strap are also among the available options. Finally, a COSC option is available at the time of ordering. This allows buyers seeking chronometer certification to upgrade the configuration of their watch for an additional charge.

Montre Aviateur Ollech Wajs M 52 B AF 20

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Montre Aviateur Ollech Wajs M 52 B AF 11

Montre Aviateur Ollech Wajs M 52 B AF 10

Ollech & Wajs OW M-52B AF Military Watch: Aviation, Vietnam and Swiss Ruggedness

The Ollech & Wajs OW M-52B AF translates the brand’s military heritage into a modern mechanical aviation watch. Inspired by the B-905 “US Airforce” associated with American airmen during the Vietnam era, it now features the silhouette of the Boeing B-52 Stratofortress on its dial. Its 39.5 mm 316L steel case, bidirectional Tactical Pilot’s bezel, anti-reflective sapphire crystal and RAF nylon strap give it a highly functional identity. The Swiss automatic Soprod P024 calibre offers a 38-hour power reserve, while water resistance reaches 300 metres / 30 ATM. An unusual combination for a pilot watch and one that remains entirely consistent with Ollech & Wajs’ philosophy of ruggedness.

Movement

The M-52B AF uses a specially customised Soprod P024 automatic movement for Ollech & Wajs. This Swiss calibre operates at 4 Hz, or 28,800 vibrations per hour, features 25 jewels and provides approximately 38 hours of power reserve. It includes hacking seconds as well as a quick-set date function. The brand further customises the calibre with an “OW Zurich 1956” rotor, an engraved mainplate and dedicated screws. Each movement is assembled for OW and then adjusted in three positions.

Diameter and Materials

The M-52B AF case measures 39.5 mm in diameter, 12.5 mm thick and 48 mm from lug to lug. It is made from brushed 316L stainless steel, with a screw-down caseback and screw-down crown. These dimensions remain relatively compact for a military watch offering such a high level of water resistance. The steel Tactical Pilot’s bezel, with its chamfered edges and dark finish, adds a more aggressive identity inspired by the aerodynamic profile of the Boeing B-52.

Water Resistance

One of the most remarkable features of this pilot watch is its 300-metre / 30 ATM water resistance. This performance is achieved through a screw-down crown, screw-down caseback and a slightly domed, thickened sapphire crystal. The latter also receives an anti-reflective coating designed to preserve legibility. The M-52B AF therefore offers water resistance comparable to that of many genuine dive watches, despite a design and aesthetic identity that are clearly focused on military aviation.

Accessories

The standard configuration includes a 20 mm black RAF nylon military-grade strap, finished in Switzerland and paired with a brushed steel pin buckle bearing the “OWZ 1956” signature. Several alternatives are available at additional cost: a steel mesh M-Heritage bracelet, a 316L stainless-steel bracelet and a chocolate brown leather strap. A COSC option is also available when ordering, allowing the watch to be configured with chronometer certification for buyers seeking a more stringent standard of certified precision.

Warranty

Ollech & Wajs provides the M-52B AF with a three-year warranty. The watch is designed in Zurich and individually assembled and adjusted by hand in Haute-Sorne, in the Swiss Jura. In keeping with the brand’s manufacturing philosophy, each piece undergoes numerous operations and several inspections throughout the assembly process. This approach reflects the positioning of the M-52B AF: a Swiss mechanical watch primarily focused on ruggedness, reliability and practical everyday use.