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American Army Watch: The Military Heritage of the OW MV-82

06.05.2026

The Ollech & Wajs OW MV-82 is not simply a watch inspired by the military. It is directly derived from a model developed for US Army airborne units in the early 1970s, during the Vietnam War. This contemporary reinterpretation brings back into the spotlight a long-forgotten watch, now a highly sought-after piece for collectors of historical military timepieces. With the MV-82, the Swiss brand Ollech & Wajs revives a little-known part of its history: that of the watches sold to American soldiers deployed in Southeast Asia through military PX and private networks of the time. True to the spirit of military tool watches, this new edition retains the visual and functional codes of the original model while incorporating modern manufacturing and reliability standards. It is available for around €2,120.

Ollech & Wajs and US Army Watches

Founded in Zurich in 1956, Ollech & Wajs quickly specialized in robust military, aviation, and diving watches for professionals and military personnel. During the 1960s and 1970s, the Swiss brand enjoyed considerable success with American soldiers stationed in Vietnam, Korea, and at various US bases around the world. Unlike some manufacturers working exclusively under official contracts, OW developed watches purchased directly by the military themselves, who were drawn to their robustness, water resistance, and legibility. This period marked a major turning point for the brand, which gradually became associated with the world of American military watches. The MV-82 fits perfectly into this history. The original 1970 model was designed for U.S. Army Airborne units and already featured the famous "Jump Wings," the insignia awarded to paratroopers who had completed the American Airborne School.

The Watch of the American Airborne During the Vietnam Era

The OW MV-82 pays tribute to American airborne units, and more specifically to the legendary 82nd Airborne Division. The dial incorporates several elements directly linked to this military culture:

The expression “All The Way” directly references the famous rallying cry of the 82nd Airborne. This historical dimension gives the watch genuine military legitimacy, far removed from the simple “army-style” watches produced today without any real connection to the armed forces. During the Vietnam War, American paratroopers operated in extremely demanding environments. A military watch had to be easily readable, shock-resistant, waterproof, and robust enough to withstand jungle operations or parachute jumps. The modern MV-82 retains precisely this tool-watch philosophy.

A faithful yet modernized reinterpretation

Ollech & Wajs did not seek to transform the MV-82 into a modern luxury watch disconnected from its origins. The brand preferred to preserve:

While modernizing the essential technical elements. The case now measures 39.5 mm, a balanced dimension that respects the proportions of historical military watches while remaining adapted to contemporary standards. The design remains deliberately utilitarian:
brushed surfaces, a substantial screw-down crown, a functional bezel, and the absence of unnecessary decorative elements. This approach particularly appeals to enthusiasts of authentic military watches, tired of modern "tactical" models that are often overly ostentatious.

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Technical specifications of the OW MV-82

The OW MV-82 is designed as a true contemporary tool watch. Key Features:

A true modern military watch

The MV-82 is more than just a nostalgic exercise. Its technical performance allows it to be used as a truly modern outdoor watch. The 300-meter water resistance far exceeds standard military requirements, bringing the model closer to professional diving watches. The 360° compass bezel is also a rare feature on a contemporary military watch, reflecting the navigation needs of paratrooper units deployed in hostile environments. The Soprod P024 movement offers a good balance of robustness, reliability, and ease of maintenance. The RAF military nylon strap further reinforces the watch's operational DNA.

Why US Army Watches Remain So Fascinating

The current success of historical military watches can be attributed to several factors:

The OW MV-82 perfectly embodies this trend. It doesn't attempt to "imitate" a military watch; it is a direct descendant of a model worn by actual American soldiers during the Vietnam War. This historical authenticity gives it a special appeal for military watch enthusiasts. At a time when many brands are multiplying pseudo-tactical designs without any real military history, the MV-82 maintains a direct link with the history of the American airborne forces.

A Collector's Military Watch

The first 56 pieces of the OW MV-82 are offered with numbered crowns, reinforcing the model's collectability. Original Ollech & Wajs military watches from the Vietnam era are extremely rare today, and this reissue is already attracting collectors specializing in historical tool watches. The combination of American military history, Swiss production, limited production run, faithful design, and genuine technical utility makes this MV-82 a particularly interesting piece in the current landscape of military watches.

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Éric BARSE

Editor: Éric Barse

Journalist, entrepreneur, and founder of the websites www.cafe-racer-only.com and www.scooter-3-roues.com, Eric Barse divides his time between his passions: motorcycles, travel, and watches. A graduate of the Saint-Cyr military academy and the 2nd RPIMA (Parachute Regiment) before pursuing a career in communications and digital media, he has a true passion for authentic watches that have accompanied his two-wheeled adventures for many years, from the Indian Ocean to Africa and Latin America!

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