Ollech & Wajs M-52B AF Owner Review : Baroque, enigmatic and stealthy

I have to admit, but many of you already know: I like austere watches, the ones that can't be tamed with a simple glance... Today, I'm sharing with you my thoughts on the Ollech & Wajs OW M-52B AF, a watch that pays tribute to the legendary B-52 Stratofortress bomber. This piece illustrates the time when American aviators trusted all their equipment during missions, whether it was their weapons or their measuring instruments... ▶️ The first thing that catches your eye is the singularity of the dial featuring the silhouette of the most legendary American warplane, the B-52. At first glance, the 39.5 mm diameter and 12.5 mm thick stainless steel case offers a discreet and robust presence on the wrist. The brushed finishes and sleek design are reminiscent of 1960s military watches, including the B-905 model that Ollech & Wajs designed for American aviators during the Vietnam War. The bidirectional black PVD bezel, apparently inspired by the aerodynamic profile of the B-52 nose, adds a distinctive touch while remaining functional. The bezel makes it easy to measure times under 60 minutes. ▶️ This Ollech & Wajs M-52B AF is water-resistant to 300 meters (30 ATM), like all of the brand's modern watches, except for the models specifically dedicated to diving, which are water-resistant to 1,000 meters (100 ATM). The crown is logically screwed down to guarantee this water-resistance, and the case does not have a crown protector, like the brand's historical aesthetic line... One can always wonder if shoulders framing the crown would contribute more to its robustness. The answer is surely yes, but at the expense of the brand's DNA and its ability to be recognized by lines shared with other models offered. ▶️ The matte black dial is adorned with the white silhouette of the B-52 in its center, a direct nod to the original model. The applied indexes at 12, 3 and 9 o'clock, as well as the hands, are coated with cream Super-LumiNova, offering good readability in low light conditions. I spontaneously thought that the illustration of the B-52 was also treated with Super-LumiNova. Fortunately, this is not the case, because it would have greatly affected the readability of the time. On this point, the reading of the time is still impacted when the hands get closer to the wings. The date window at 6 o'clock, with its red numerals, recalls the vintage design of the B-905 and brings a touch of eccentricity without disturbing the DNA of the watch. Note that all days are in red and not alternating red and black to differentiate even and odd days, a feature sometimes called "Date Roulette", like the famous casino game. Admittedly, the geometry of the dial and its very original design arouse the interest of other watch lovers, as I have rarely seen. What could be better than prominently displaying an Ollech & Wajs M-52B AF to break the ice of a dinner party? ;-) ▶️ Under the hood, we find a much more compact configuration, but just as efficient as the enormous Pratt & Whitney turbojets of the Stratofortress! This OW M-52B AF is powered by a Swiss Soprod P024 automatic movement, known for its robustness and reliability. With a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour (4 Hz) and a power reserve of 38 hours, this caliber ensures adequate precision for daily use. In our wildest dreams, we would love to have a larger power reserve, reminiscent of the B-52s that could fly nearly 10,000 miles without refueling at the time… ▶️ The watch comes with a black RAF NATO-type nylon strap, reflecting its military heritage, the same type as the gray on which the model I wore for many days was mounted. This strap is really more comfortable than the classic NATO, which makes the watch float on the wrist. Safety, essential for the military, is always there, even if one of the pumps were to give way. For those who prefer a more radical or elegant touch, depending on each person's taste, a stainless steel mesh strap is available as an option. The watch thus gains in versatility and adapts to various occasions, depending on each person's lifestyle. Wearing the Ollech & Wajs OW M-52B AF, you can feel the weight of history and the brand's commitment to producing reliable watches for professionals. It is a piece that combines the brand's tradition with modern features, while paying tribute to an iconic era of military aviation. ▶️ Offered at CHF 1,356 (price including the RAF nylon strap), the Ollech & Wajs M-52B AF presents a beautiful proposition of intrinsic and figurative values, with uncompromising technical specifications adapted to the historical positioning of the brand's military watches. It offers an optional steel mesh bracelet for a more radical look, for an additional CHF 146. Watchmaking being a matter of details, the brand takes care to offer its watches at prices ending in "56", in homage to its year of creation in 1956... But we're not going to recommend that they increase the price of the steel bracelet, all the same ;-) ▶️ Sobriety, performance and the ability to break the ice are surely my key words for this OW! My "Mood Board" with this Ollech & Wajs M-52B AF: Film: Platoon (Oliver Stone) Car: Jeep Willys Music: Volunteers (Jefferson Airplane) All the technical specifications below or on the brand's website.