Knowing the micro brand Serica through articles and videos on the internet.
But it was while accompanying a friend who was looking for his Serica Field California on rue Turenne at the end of July 2023 that I was able to look closely and test on the wrist the different models of the Serica collection available in store, moreover we were very well received by Nicolas.
I was not specifically looking for a watch, but the Serica GMT and divers immediately seduced me, with their 39 mm diameters it is the ideal size for me.

I tested the Field, the GMT and the diver, the last two are very pretty.
At the time the Serica divers were not yet COSC certified, but I already appreciate the watch on the display. A diver different from the other divers we are used to seeing.
The model available in store was the version with black dial (5303-1).
Put on my wrist, I appreciate it enormously. There are many details that I love.

- Like the sublime double bicolor bezel with ceramic insert with a double hour/minute graduation.
- No date on the dial, it doesn't bother me at all, there is a perfect symmetry on the dial and you don't need to set the date when wearing the watch.
- Beautiful lacquered "broad arrow" hands that are very readable.
- Satellite indexes that fill the dial nicely.
- The brand name is discreetly placed at six o'clock, which is very original.
-The Milanese-style woven strap is comfortable, a grip to attach the strap is necessary 😊

Not to mention the codes of diving watches:
- A large screw-down crown,
- A rotating bezel, solid case back,
- Water-resistant to a depth of more than 200m (300m for this watch) to wash the dishes in peace 😊 )

I didn't have a diving watch in my collection and wasn't looking for one at the time either. But this Serica had mesmerized me.

I was told that the COSC version would be released in September and that I could pre-order in July.

At home I found out a little more about Serica and saw that there was the crystal blue version of the diver (5303-3) which is even prettier and more original than the black version (personal opinion of course).

After 2 weeks of thinking about it, I decided to pre-order the watch in August.
Unfortunately I missed the pre-order wave that closed at the end of July.

I had to wait until September to pre-order and receive the watch in December.

The 5-month wait is worth it because the watch received in store is magnificent

Serica 5303-3 prevents bleu crystallin

This is my first automatic hand-wound watch with small seconds (ETA 7001 hand-wound movement). The movement is very flat. This watch seduced me with its small thickness, the patterns on its dial, the horns that integrate very well with the bracelet, the partially open case back, the pleasure of winding the watch before each use.

Edox Les Bémonts of 2011

This is a vintage watch from 1970, inside a high-frequency 5Hz hand-wound movement (5740c).
I like its symmetrical, readable and simple dial (no date). It is a watch that goes everywhere with its sunray dial and faceted baton indexes. I enjoy winding it up every time I use it.

Lord Marvel 1970

Interested in the history of Seiko and the rivalry between King Seiko and Grand Seiko, I got this watch. 
It is a vintage from 1972, kanji date, 4Hz movement. This is the first vintage watch in my collection. I like its high frequency movement, its original knife-cut case, its sunray dial as well as the finishing of the hands and indexes.

Seiko King from 1972

A vintage watch from 1974 with a 5740c hand-wound movement, high frequency 5Hz.
This is my second vintage Lord Marvel.
I love its hi-beat movement of the sliding second hand, its silver linen dial that changes color over time and the font of the Arabic numerals applied to the dial.

Lord Marvel 1974

Vintage Titus watch from 1970, not very prestigious but with a timeless design and character.
This is my first watch with an electromechanical tuning fork movement (Bulova ESA 1962), the case is the Omega f300hz. It seems that Titus bought all the old Omega tuning fork stock when they stopped making their f300 Hz range.
I like its blue guilloche dial, its tuning fork movement, the spinning seconds hand that slides almost continuously, I can watch this mechanism for hours :-)

Titus Tuning Fork

This is a vintage watch from 1968 with an electromechanical tuning fork movement (ESA 9164). The diameter is small 34mm but perfect for my chicken wrist. The particular design of its case seduced me, its dial worn with time is very beautiful. 
What can I say about the tuning fork movement, the fluidity of the second hand hypnotizes it every time I look at it.

Universal Genève Unisonic

Seiko Presage spb127J1 limited edition of 1964 pieces in the design of the Seiko Crown Chronograph released in 1964 for the Tokyo Olympic Games.
The watch was released in 2020, it is to celebrate the event of the Tokyo Summer Games for the 2nd time (56 years later).
Its retro sunray dial, partly guilloché in a circle, its black bezel, its hands and its faceted indexes are magnificent and very well worked. It catches light from all angles. It is one of the watches that I wear the most.

JO de Tokyo 1964

A vintage watch from 1957, the ancestor of the Seiko Lord Marvel :-) The diameter is small, but these are the standards of the time. Its pretty guilloche dial, its golden indexes and its domed glass seduced me. It is a mechanical watch with manual winding. A grandpa that still runs super well. I wear it occasionally.

Seiko Marvel from 1957

Universal Gen&egrave;ve, founded in 1894, is a Swiss watch manufacturer renowned for its innovations and iconic designs. Over the decades, the brand has marked the history of watchmaking with flagship models and significant technical advances.
<h2 dir="ltr">The Beginnings: 1894-1930</h2>
In 1894, in Le Locle, Switzerland, Numa-Emile Descombes and Ulysse Georges Perret founded the Universal Watch company, specializing in the production of movements for pocket watches and wristwatches. After the premature death of Descombes in 1897, Perret joined forces with Louis-Edouard Berthoud, and the company was renamed Perret &amp; Berthoud. In 1919, the company moved to Geneva, thus strengthening its Swiss identity. During this period, Universal distinguished itself by the creation of chronograph wristwatches, a notable innovation at a time when pocket watches dominated the market.
<h2 dir="ltr">Expansion et Innovations : 1930-1950</h2>
In the 1930s, Universal Gen&egrave;ve became known for its high-quality chronographs. In 1936, the brand launches the &ldquo;Compax&rdquo;, the first wrist chronograph with two subdials, followed in 1944 by the "Tri-Compax", incorporating complications such as the complete calendar and the moon phase. These models met with international success, strengthening the reputation of the brand. In 1937, the company officially adopts the name Universal Gen&egrave;ve, symbolizing its attachment to the city and its commitment to watchmaking excellence.
<h2 dir="ltr">The Polerouter and Microtor Era: 1950-1970</h2>
In 1954, Universal Geneva presented the "Polerouter", designed by the young designer G&eacute;rald Genta. This model, initially named "Polarouter", celebrates the inaugural flights of the Scandinavian Airlines System (SAS) above the North Pole. The Polerouter is equipped with the micro-rotor caliber 215, an innovation that reduces the thickness of the movement while maintaining optimal performance. This period is marked by the introduction of the "Golden Shadow" series in 1965, equipped with caliber 66, then the thinnest automatic movement in the world with a thickness of only 2.3 mm.
<h2 dir="ltr">Challenges and Adaptations: 1970-1990</h2>
The 1970s brought major challenges with the quartz crisis. Universal Gen&egrave;ve, like many Swiss manufacturers, must adapt to this new technology. The brand introduces quartz models, but this transition affects its position in the market. In 1989, Universal Gen&egrave;ve was acquired by the Hong Kong group Stelux Holdings International Ltd., also owner of the Cyma brand. This acquisition aims to revitalize the brand by combining Swiss heritage with a strategy oriented towards the Asian market.
<h2 dir="ltr">Renaissance and Future Perspectives: 2000 to Today</h2>
In the early 2000s, Universal Gen&egrave;ve attempted to reconnect with its heritage by relaunching iconic models and emphasizing innovation. In 2007, the brand presented a new collection based on Microtor, a technology it had initially developed in 1955. This initiative aims to attract fans of classic watches while integrating modern elements.
In December 2023, Stelux Holdings sells Universal Gen&egrave;ve to Breitling SA, marking a new stage in the history of the brand. This acquisition by Breitling, another renowned Swiss watch house, raises hopes of a renaissance for Universal Gen&egrave;ve, with plans to revive the production of new models by 2026.
<h2 dir="ltr">Impact and Legacy</h2>
Universal Gen&egrave;ve has played a crucial role in the evolution of watchmaking, particularly through its innovations in chronographs and automatic movements. Collaboration with renowned designers, such as G&eacute;rald Genta, has allowed the brand to create timeless models that remain popular with collectors. Despite the challenges encountered over the decades, the legacy of Universal Gen&egrave;ve endures, and the recent acquisition by Breitling offers a promising outlook for the future of this historic brand.
In conclusion, Universal Gen&egrave;ve embodies the innovation and elegance of Swiss watchmaking. With a history rich in iconic creations and technical advances, the brand has left an indelible mark on the world of watchmaking. The new era that is coming under the aegis of Breitling is impatiently awaited by enthusiasts and collectors, hoping for a renaissance to match its prestigious past.
To choose the Universal Gen&egrave;ve model that best suits you, the Dialicious owners&rsquo; reviews are an essential resource for evaluating different models through real customer experience
(Updated November 2024)

This little Universal Genève is particularly close to my heart. To do this, we have to go back to 1986. At that time, I was young but already passionate about watchmaking. I remember very well that day in September when I was chatting with a lovely "grandpa" about the watch he was wearing on his wrist. And after two hours of intense dialogue about it and watches in general, he took his off and offered it to me. Of course, I refused, telling him that he would regret his gesture that very evening towards a person he didn't even know the day before. But no, he insisted strongly and was so happy that a young person could be interested in this passion. It must be said that at the time, finding out about brands was not easy. No social networks, no internet, but only advertisements in magazines, a few newspaper articles, and retailer catalogs when they were willing to give them to you! The "grandpa" and I talked for another hour, during which he gave me some wise collector's advice that I have always followed since. And then we parted ways. I never knew his name, and I have never seen him again. But his watch has been in my collection for 37 years now. And I make it my duty to ensure that it always remains in perfect working order. Specifically, it is a Universal Genève ref. 306501/4P that he bought in the early 60s. The caliber is the 332 with 17 jewels and manual winding. An ultra classic watch, but very well made. The dial had a lovely speckled patina that has grown over time. I like it like that. This watch was my first vintage dress watch, and this patina reinforces its old-fashioned side. It is obviously a watch that I will keep all my life (unless I pass it on to a young enthusiast, who knows?). For me, it remains the symbol of what my passion for watchmaking is: curiosity, wonderful encounters, reciprocal and constructive exchanges, and emotion, whatever the brand or the price.

A watch that is above all symbolic

Universal Genève is a legendary brand that has not made, dare we say, legendary watches. And yes, the polerouter is a passion of an enthusiast and not an icon. However, it is not necessary to create icons to become a renowned brand, Universal Geneva is one of them. This Universal Geneva has nothing emblematic, it is a watch with a tonneau case like so many others from the early 70s, late 60s, it was even originally available with different movements (micro-rotor or manual like this one). But do we need to be an icon? This watch will not have marked its time but its time has marked it and that is already enough. A two-hand, manual, a gold-plated case like there were thousands of in those years but nevertheless rare were those who did it as well.

Icons sometimes die

La marque Ollech &amp; Wajs a &eacute;t&eacute; cr&eacute;&eacute;e en 1956 par Joseph Ollech et Albert Wajs &agrave; Zurich en Suisse. Albert &eacute;tait charg&eacute; de la conception, de l&rsquo;ing&eacute;nierie et de la fabrication des montres, tandis que Joseph s&rsquo;occupait du marketing et de la vente au d&eacute;tail. Avant de cr&eacute;er leur propre montres sous la marque Ollech &amp; Wajs, ils ont commenc&eacute; leur activit&eacute; en 1954 en fabriquant des bracelets en acier pour d&rsquo;autres marques.
La marque est connue pour avoir distribu&eacute; des montres &agrave; des unit&eacute;s de l&rsquo;arm&eacute;e am&eacute;ricaine pendant la guerre du Vietnam et pour avoir gagn&eacute; sa renomm&eacute;e aupr&egrave;s des plongeurs et pilotes du monde entier.
Apr&egrave;s 12 ans de n&eacute;gociation et apr&egrave;s avoir &eacute;t&eacute; son distributeur pour le march&eacute; fran&ccedil;ais, en 2017, Charles Le Menestrel, un passionn&eacute; d&rsquo;horlogerie, rach&egrave;te la marque. La gamme actuelle comprend des mod&egrave;les comme la Ollech &amp; Wajs P-101 et la <a title="Page Ollech &amp; Wajs P-104" href="https://www.dialicious.com/ollech_&amp;_wajs/p-104">Ollech &amp; Wajs P-104</a>, la <a title="Page Ollech &amp; Wajs C-1000" href="https://www.dialicious.com/ollech_&amp;_wajs/c-1000">Ollech &amp; Wajs C-1000</a>, la <a title="Page Ollech &amp; Wajs Ocean Graph" href="https://www.dialicious.com/ollech_&amp;_wajs/ocean_graph">Ollech &amp; Wajs Ocean Graph</a> et la Ollech &amp; Wajs Navichron.
<h2>Combien co&ucirc;te une montre Ollech &amp; Wajs ?</h2>
Les prix des montres Ollech &amp; Wajs &eacute;voluent et diff&egrave;rent selon les mod&egrave;les. La plupart co&ucirc;tent entre CHF 1,500 et CHF 2,000 selon les mod&egrave;les et les finitions. Comptez CHF 1,456 pour une Ollech &amp; Wajs 350CI et pr&egrave;s de CHF 2,300 pour une Ollech &amp; Wajs Navichron Chronographe. Le march&eacute; de l'occasion est &eacute;galement une opportunit&eacute; &agrave; regarder pour acheter une Ollech &amp; Wajs moins ch&egrave;re. Les mod&egrave;les Vintage notamment les Ollech &amp; Wajs Navichron et&nbsp;<a href="https://www.dialicious.com/ollech_&amp;_wajs/astrochron">Ollech &amp; Wajs Astrochron</a>, sont tr&egrave;s pris&eacute;es des collectionneurs et ils convient de bien se renseigner sur le vendeur avant de franchir le pas de l'acquisition d'une vintage.
Ollech &amp; Wajs est une marque de montres ind&eacute;pendante et produit plusieurs centaines de montres par an, tous mod&egrave;les confondus. Pour choisir une Ollech &amp; Wajs qui vous correspond le mieux,&nbsp;les avis clients Dialicious sont une pr&eacute;cieuse ressource pour &eacute;valuer chacun des diff&eacute;rents mod&egrave;les &agrave; travers l'exp&eacute;rience r&eacute;elle des clients.
Consultez le <a href="https://www.dialicious.com/top/les_meilleures_marques_de_montres_suisses">Classement des meilleures marques de montres suisses</a> dont Ollech &amp; Wajs fait partie.
(Mise &agrave; jour Octobre 2024)

The brand Ollech &amp; Wajs was created in 1956 by Joseph Ollech and Albert Wajs in Zurich, Switzerland. Albert was responsible for the design, engineering and manufacturing of the watches, while Joseph handled marketing and retail sales. Before creating their own watches under the brand Ollech &amp; Wajs, they started their business in 1954 making steel bracelets for other brands.
The brand is known for distributing watches to units of the American army during the Vietnam War and for having earned its reputation among divers and pilots around the world.
After 12 years of negotiations and after having been its distributor for the French market, in 2017, Charles Le Menestrel, a watchmaking enthusiast, bought the brand. The current range includes models like the Ollech &amp; Wajs P-101 and the<a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/ollech_&amp;_wajs/p-104"> Ollech &amp; Wajs P-104</a>, the<a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/ollech_&amp;_wajs/c-1000"> Ollech &amp; Wajs C-1000</a>, the<a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/ollech_&amp;_wajs/ocean_graph"> Ollech &amp; Wajs Ocean Graph</a> and the Ollech &amp; Wajs Navichron.
<h2 dir="ltr">How much does an Ollech &amp; Wajs watch cost?</h2>
The prices of Ollech &amp; Wajs watches change and differ depending on the model. Most cost between CHF 1,500 and CHF 2,000 depending on the models and finishes. Expect to pay CHF 1,456 for an Ollech &amp; Wajs 350CI and close to CHF 2,300 for an Ollech &amp; Wajs Navichron Chronograph. The second-hand market is also an opportunity to look at to buy a cheaper Ollech &amp; Wajs. Vintage models including the Ollech &amp; Wajs Navichron and<a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/ollech_&amp;_wajs/astrochron"> Ollech &amp; Wajs Astrochron</a>, are very popular with collectors and they should find out about the seller before taking the step of purchasing a vintage one.
Ollech &amp; Wajs is an independent watch brand and produces several hundred watches per year, all models combined. To choose an Ollech &amp; Wajs that best suits you, Dialicious owners' reviews are a valuable resource for evaluating each of the different models through real owner experience.
Consult the<a href="https://preprod.dialicious.com/en/top/the_best_swiss_watch_brands"> Ranking of the best Swiss watch brands</a> of which Ollech &amp; Wajs is part.
(Updated October 2024)

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