Bought recently on a well-known marketplace, I am completely in love with this watch. Its 33mm fits my small wrist perfectly, and the thinness of the case makes it very elegant. The characteristic screws of the Santos range which are fixed here on a round case (or even slightly oval) give it a crazy charm. It can be found - without the steel bracelet which is clearly not its strong point - for very attractive prices (less than 1000 euros for me), a superb gateway to this iconic house, what happiness.

Santos Vendome, a must have for small wrists

I just bought this watch a few days ago. I am particularly fond of the so-called "linen" or "frosty" dial. Many speculate on the lineage of the C shape constellation models with the famous Gérald. G, but I admit that this is of little importance to me. For me, it represents the quintessence of 60s / 70s design at Omega. A very sober case, very fine indexes, a discreet date, not to mention the contained diameter of around 35 mm. A great elegance and finesse (literally and figuratively) which are -- in my opinion -- largely responsible for its charm. Its "brick" bracelet is by far the most comfortable (steel) that I have tried so far, it reminds me of the great era of Gay Frères bracelets, although this one is not one. Every time I look at the watch, it gives me an indescribable emotion, something I have never experienced before in my career as a young collector. My first Omega and certainly not the last.

Omega constellation 168.017 SP

I presented this watch on a street watch of the youtube channel Dialicious so for all the technical information I refer you to the video that you will easily find with the keywords tv-dial and zenith. During the presentation it was mounted on a poorly made Milanese mesh bracelet and I already mentioned my quest for the original gay-freres bracelet. It took me a year to find it, all things come to those who wait. A great meeting with the watch enthusiast who sold it to me, he had gotten his hands on a magnificent batch of GF "NOS" bracelets, including the famous so-called "ladder" bracelets that went on other defy ranges from the 70s. Mine is from 72. A pure sport chic look and undeniable originality. A retro-futuristic look that doesn't please everyone but personally I love it! I find it has a Gerald Gentesque side! On that note, I've already been told that it was copied from the design of the Nauticalius, to which I replied that it came out 4 years before this blockbuster... and there you go!

Zenith defy TV dial: the quest!

A watch found at a garage sale and a souvenir of a negotiation that makes me smile every time I think about it: I was told a price of 350 euros and to the simple question "is it negotiable?" I was told "yes 200 euros if you want"... If only all negotiations could go like that... In short, a watch that I really like, especially its case which has a family resemblance to the famous C-chape of the Omega Constellation. The double signature brings a little grain of originality and I find it rewarding considering that legendary manufacturers have also printed "turler" on their dials. I had been looking for a dress watch with a day-date for a long time, but over time my collecting goes hand in hand with a certain mania: I can no longer stand days in languages other than French. As Xavier would say "we all have our little problems". In any case, the days in French of this beautiful eterna make me happy. A brand which for me is a real gold mine in terms of vintage, abnormally little known... So much the better, you might say, it keeps prices reasonable!

Eterna sevenday - double signature Turler

I had been looking to taste the joys of the high beat seiko for a long time, on a vintage watch of course. I was able to buy it thanks to an ad on Facebook, it was the opportunity that made the thief.. The opportunity was too good, came like a divine message after 6 hours of waiting in line for nothing in front of the swatch store rue du cherche midi.. for only 100 euros more.. it brought me back down to earth and forgot the stroke of marketing genius of the famous collaboration. Far from being a simple consolation, this watch brought me a lot of pleasure, it is certainly the one I have worn the most for 6 months. Of course, it is not perfect and I bought it knowingly (slightly polished case and non-original crown) but it is mine and I have completely accepted these small defects which ultimately are not really any. I find it to be of a rare versatility and a complex simplicity. I also find that the gold medallion hidden on the bottom of the box -- besides providing an obvious cachet -- corresponds well to the whole Japanese philosophy: the primacy of personal delight over appearances.

King seiko vintage - le high beat nipon 

My first auction experience. While I was getting lost on inter-enchères I came across this small (very small: 31mm) Longines which was the only watch lost in a furniture sale from the 70s. It immediately reminded me of the one that had equipped the French Navy, the famous M.N recently reissued. Hammer fell at only 75 euros and a lot of pleasure to discover it. I asked for an extract from the archives, the latter indicates that "this caliber was invoiced on 21.5.1942 to the Longines-Wittnauer Co., then our agent for the USA. The other parts of the watch were manufactured locally under Longines license." So it's a watch that dates from WW2 and which certainly had a rich history across the Atlantic. All these fantasies and speculations (historical rather than financial) are intrinsically part of my love for vintage watches. I should point out that it runs perfectly, it was a gamble given the absence of description from the auctioneer, a happy ending therefore.

Longines - calibre 10L

A real city killer Omega Seamaster! What a pleasure to wear it.. A reasonable diameter for those who, like me, are in the chicken wrist team. A sober but hyper efficient case.. Everything is there, the indexes are elegant and the dial is generously domed, to the point of confusing the autofocus of cameras! I bought it on the good corner from an elderly gentleman who had left it for 25 years in a drawer and only asked me for 120 euros. I measured it at +2sec per day.. If the quality of Certina watches from this era was still to be proven... A pretty crazy price / pleasure ratio! Bonus: the plane and the "new art" font on the case back... deliciously vintage, certainly an extra chic soul!

Certina New Art 

The Zenith brand was created in 1865 by Georges Favre-Jacot in Le Locle, Switzerland. A pioneer in Swiss watchmaking in the creation of a true vertically integrated manufacture, Zenith aimed to create the most precise watch of its time at the best price. Over the years, it has established itself as a benchmark for precision and expertise in many fields.
In 1899, the marque Zenith presents its first pocket chronograph and wins various prizes, including first prize at the Paris Motor Show. In 1911 Georges Favre-Jacot handed over management of the factory to his descendants, who named it Zenith, the name of the highest point in the trajectory of a star in the sky.
In 1920, Zenith launched its first wristwatches and continued its development until, in 1960, it purchased the Martel Watch Co. Nine years later, the brand gave birth to the El Primero movement, the first chronograph equipped with a rotor winding mechanism. central. This world first makes El Primero today the most precise mass-produced movement in the world, thanks to its balance wheel and its cadence of ten vibrations per second. Over the years, Zenith will sign numerous innovations. The company owns three of the largest movements: the El Primero integrated automatic chronograph, the 22-line manual 5011K and the ultra-thin mechanical Elite, all available with several complications, moon phase, dual time, fly-back.
After numerous buyouts, the company that owns the Zenith factory decides to stop the production of mechanical watches in favor of quartz. In order to save these calibers from destruction, Charles Vermot hid cams, cutting tools, presses and machines, while recording the production process in a small notebook, secretly hoping for the return of mechanical movements. It was only nine years later that Zenith returned to the hands of Swiss investors who revived the brand's mechanical movements such as the El Primero.
The range now includes models like the<a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/zenith/defy_skyline"> Zenith Defy Skyline</a>, the<a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/zenith/chronomaster_original"> Zenith Chronomaster Original</a>, the<a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/zenith/defy_extreme"> Zenith Defy Extreme</a>, the<a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/zenith/chronomaster_el_primero_open"> Zenith Chronomaster El Primero Open</a> and the<a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/zenith/captain_chronograph"> Zenith Captain Chronograph</a>.
<h2 dir="ltr">How much does a Zenith watch cost?</h2>
The prices of Zenith watches sold on the brand's website vary between $6,400 and $194,900 depending on the models and finishes. As an example, count $11,300 for a Zenith Chronomaster Sport and $85,600 for a Zenith Defy Extreme Double Tourbillon.
<h2 dir="ltr">Zenith: A fantastic story that goes beyond the El Primero movement&nbsp;</h2>
Zenith is a brand owned since 2000 by the LVMH group, in the same way as the brands <a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/tag_heuer">Tag Heuer</a>,<a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/hublot"> Hublot</a> or<a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/bulgari"> Bulgari</a>, and produces around 11,000 watches per year, all models combined. The reputation of the Zenith brand is illustrated by its presence in the ranking of<a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/top/the_best_luxury_watch_brands"> Most popular luxury watch brands</a>. To choose a Zenith that best suits you, the Dialicious owners' reviews are a valuable resource for evaluating each of the different models through real owner experience.
(Updated January 2024)

More and more interested in vintage and "original" cases, I really appreciated the reissue of this Zenith Defy, so I looked for the original, much more accessible and all the more charming with its patina. Totally won over upon receipt, I am delighted with the pleasure it brings me. Hyper recognizable by connoisseurs, it remains totally unknown to the general public. In this sense, it remains easy to wear on a daily basis. Delighted to wear this little jewel full of history.

The little vintage bolt “the safe of precision”

Here is a real Zenith Defy bolt from 1968. It was called "the safe" for its screwing system of the back.
the model of diving watch par excellence.
In this model, we find an original movement the 2552PC.
A real pleasure on the wrist with its angles,
its pretty reflections and its off-white dial..
An icon!!

Zenith DEFY called "safe"

What an amazing, simple but honest 70s style watch using a 5hz caliber! This reference 01-0160-346 is in mint condition. Caliber Zenith 34.6, day-date, genuine Zenith strap and buckle. It just ticks like as fast a Zenith El Primero. This vintage style Zenith is just outstanding… 300 bucks for such a piece, can you believe it? When you love those TV dials stuff, you can’t pass your way. 5 stars vintage!

Zenith+70s equals Zenith Defy TV Dial

Should I thank Xavier who convinced me of the benefits of vintage through videos?
The future will tell. But here it is more about the past since this sub sea from the 70s, nicknamed a safe at the time, has kept beautiful burgundy colors (sorry I do not spit on Margaux but I prefer Burgundy in general).
There you go, my first Zenith is here and I did not need to drill a safe to get it... I think I will give it a little polishing and I hesitate to find its original lobster bracelet because I think the leather suits it well.

Hang in there Marty, we're going back to 70

Having already bought a small Zenith for my wife (see my review on Dialicious) I told myself that I had to continue on the principle of "Duet Watches" as with our respective PRX. I came across the Bay on this small Defy in 34mm (in reality it is larger) at a very reasonable price. Unfortunately it did not work very well. After a quick visit to a passionate watchmaker who will recognize himself, the beauty has regained its luster and precision. Its bracelet reminds me of the Santos and is now living happily with its alter ego. These watches from the 70s definitely have a crazy charm with their integrated bracelet. Only regret: it is an ETA 2872 movement and not an in-house Zenith. However, the ticking at 4hz reminds us that we are already on a fast caliber. Note that the same model existed in quartz movement.

The Other Ego

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&nbsp;<a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/ollech_&amp;_wajs/p-104">Ollech &amp; Wajs P-104</a>, the&nbsp;<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&nbsp;<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&nbsp;<a href="https://www.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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