OW M-52B AF

The dial of the new M-52B AF bears the unmistakable silhouette of the most iconic combat aircraft of all time, the Boeing B-52 Stratofortress. A stark symbol of the cold war conflict and, in engineering terms, a symbol of longevity and dependability. 2024 marks the 70th anniversary of the 1954 maiden flight of the first B-52 production model. 

Three generations of US military aviators have flown the 750 planes, built between 1952 and 1962, 70 of which remain in service today.

When professionals place their trust in equipment, whether it’s a 220-tonne aircraft or a mechanical wristwatch, reliability is prized above all else. The M-52B AF, as all OW watches, is built around this prerequisite.

The new watch features a robust 39 mm M-type case and a PVD-coated chamfered-edge Tactical Pilot's bezel, modelled on the streamlined nose cone profile of the B-52.

Intermittent cream lume on the bezel, dial indexes and hands adds warmth to the overall monochromatic scheme. Vintage enthusiasts will appreciate the red numeral date wheel, in keeping with the original B-905. The engine of the M-52B AF is a customised, Swiss made, Soprod calibre P024, chosen for its robustness, reliability and serviceability. A gently domed, thickened sapphire crystal helps ensure an impressive 300 m water resistance, which has become a characteristic of all Ollech & Wajs modern pilot’s watches.

The M-52B AF is presented a military-grade black nylon RAF strap. A bespoke M-Heritage 20 mm medium gauge, stainless steel mesh bracelet with hand-brushed OW engraved thorn buckle can be ordered as an additional accessory for 126 CHF. 

Though not quite as hard to come by as the vintage watch that inspired it, availability of the M-52B AF will be limited. There will be just 56 engraved crown numbered editions at launch. Thereafter, a limited production provision of non-numbered watches will be made available each year. 

Year
2024

Dimensions
39.5 mm × 12.5 mm; 48 mm mm lug to lug

Case
39.5 mm × 12.5 mm; 48 mm mm lug to lug, brushed 316L stainless steel, screwed bottom, screwed crown, rotating steel bezel; made in the Swiss Jura

Bezel
60-minute Tactical Pilot's bidirectional friction bezel

Glass
Sapphire with anti-reflective treatment

Dial
Hands and indexes in Super-LumiNova^®

Water resistance
300 m/ 30ATM

Movement
Automatic, bespoke Soprod P024; date-only calendar, with semi-instantaneous changes and quick adjustment using the crown; stop seconds; 4Hz 28,800 vibrations per hour; 25 jewels; 38-hour power reserve; lncabloc. Bespoke OW Zurich 1956 rotor, OW-engraved platine, custom screws, assembled for OW and adjusted in three positions

RAF strap
20 mm military-grade black nylon; finished in Switzerland; with a brushed stainless steel thorn buckle, signed ‘OWZ 1956’

M-Heritage bracelet
20 mm medium gauge, stainless steel mesh bracelet, hand-brushed, reinforced ends, with an OW-engraved thorn buckle. 

Origin
Handmade in the Swiss Jura

Free shipping by FedEx, which includes all import taxes, customs duties, customs clearance fees, VAT and handling fees.

For shipment to countries beyond  the European Community, Great Britain and Canada, where the prepaid tax service cannot  always be offered, we offer customers a special  15% discount, corresponding to the average import duty and tax percentages in the countries listed above. This amount will serve as compensation for any such charges by local tax authorities. We regret we are temporarily unable to sell direct to customers in the United States, but watches may be purchased via one of our authorised US dealers.

Please note that the stainless steel bracelet should always be adjusted by a competent watchmaker.