While Ollech & Wajs was founded in the 1950’s, they have become quite well known, and rare, amongst vintage military/pilot collectors for their Vietnam Era pieces.

O&W initially began building watches in Switzerland to sell through catalog orders, primarily in the US and UK. This business model swiftly transitioned into sending watches to US military base PX’s overseas once the Vietnam War was proven to be firmly engaged.

This 2834 model has since become highly sought after for those who are aware of them, as they are the vibrantly-colored GMT watch that O&W offered. One of the later advertisements describes it:

“Specially designed for SKIN DIVERS, PILOTS, WORLD TRAVELERS, MILITARY. Hour hand revolves once in 24 hours. 24-hour revolving bezel shows AM or PM time in any 2 time-zones.”

In recent history there was a large release of the second generation Early Bird models from the factory in Switzerland, which is typically what you’ll be looking at if you see one of these that appears to be in pristine condition.

However, the model you’re viewing here is the real deal: the FIRST generation to be produced and earliest model that would have been offered to US troops overseas. It can most easily be distinguished by the metallic finish on its bezel with triangular markers in place of odd numerals. (The second generation style has a flat color painted bezel with straight, linear odd numeral marks.)

24 hour mechanics. 24 hour GMT bezel. AM-PM designation. Broad arrow hand.

Pilot. Diver. Military. World Traveler.

This watch virtually stands along amongst its peers.