OW Astrochron

Only a chronograph of outstanding quality would be worthy of continuing the Astrochron legacy today, and we have endeavoured to ensure this new interpretation is equal to the challenge. With a water resistance of 50ATM (500 m), the new model more than doubles the depth rating of the original and far exceeds the Swiss chronograph standard. Other updates include a 360-degree rotating compass bezel and a 20-minute diver’s scale. These additional utilities, combined with a five-minute Regatta counter, extra-thick sapphire crystal, and unique four-gasket pusher system, make the new OW Astrochron as proficient on the ocean as it is under and over it.

Inside the brushed 316L stainless steel case is a descendant of the historic Valjoux 72 movement that powered the first Astrochrons. At our workshop in the Swiss Jura, a custom-engraved automatic Valjoux 7753 – with an OW-machined rotor set onto it – is regulated, adjusted and power-tested in five positions, thereby qualifying it for the OW Precision rating.

As a final tribute to its forebearer, the new chronograph revives the distinctive North Atlantic blue dial of 1968.

The OW Astrochron S is presented on the OW S-type Mark II bracelet, inspired by those found on many Ollech & Wajs models of the 1960s. Its links are individually machined in a solid block of 316L stainless steel, before being carefully brushed, assembled and screwed by hand. This process prevents the usual stretching common among pressed steel bracelets, ensuring both longevity and comfort to the wearer. The bracelet’s double-lock deployant clasp prevents accidental opening.

The OW Astrochron comes on a hand-crafted Perlon Regatta band, ideal for summer recreation. Woven exclusively for OW – using premium-quality; lightweight; and highly water-, saline- and oil-resistant braided nylon – the Regatta band offers a tactile blend of comfort and durability. The striking two-tone pattern echoes the dial colours of the Astrochron, and those familiar with the international maritime signal flag system may also recognise the nautical code for J – Juliet. The band is finished with a brushed stainless steel thorn buckle, signed ‘OWZ 1956’. Combined with the Astrochron’s extreme 500 m depth rating, this seafaring complement is equal to any challenge – in, on or around the ocean.

Whether you’re exploring a wreck, exploring a theory or just gazing up at the stars and exploring new possibilities, the new OW Astrochron could well be the perfect all-round chronograph.

Year
2023

Dimensions
39.5 mm X 16.8 mm

Case
Brushed 316L stainless steel, screwed back, screw-down crown, twin pushers with 4 gaskets. Date adjusted by special diving pusher at 10 o’clock. Rotating 360-degree compass bezel with cardinal direction markers and an angle scale / two tone 60 mn bezel with 20 mn diver’s scale. Manufactured in Jura, Switzerland.

Glass
Semi-domed sapphire with anti-glare treatment

Dial
Hands and indexes in Super-LumiNova® A seconds register, a 12 hour totalizer, and 30 minute totalizer incorporating a Regatta counter.

Water resistance
500m/ 50 atm

Movement
Automatic Valjoux 7753 OW PRECISION 5 position adjusted, 27 Jewels. 28,800 bph, with a power reserve of +/- 54 h. Mainplate engraved Ollech & Wajs Zurich 1956, and OW machined rotor

S bracelet
20 mm 316L stainless steel beads-of-rice OW S-type Mark II, with double-lock deployant clasp

Perlon band
20 mm hand-crafted, premium-quality Perlon ‘Regatta’ band, woven in Slovenia, hand-finished in Switzerland, with a brushed stainless steel thorn buckle, signed ‘OWZ 1956’

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.