At the tail end of last year Swiss tool watch brand Ollech & Wajs launched the C-1000 Y, a 1,000m water resistant dive watch inspired by their heritage Caribbean 1000 model. With the sunny weather driving everyone to the beaches, it’s the perfect time to check out the successor to the original deep-dive wristwatch. So we got hands-on to learn all about it.
Starting with the case, it’s rated to 1,000m water resistance in keeping with the legacy of the Caribbean. Due to the advancements in production capabilities, a water resistance rating like this is not as rare as it once was, though it remains uncommon. However, what is really impressive about the C-1000 Y is the fact that it features far fewer of the limitations commonly associated with deep divers.
At a size of 39.5mm diameter x 15.8mm thickness including the domed sapphire crystal it’s positively svelte in comparison to most deep divers. That thickness does mean it sits quite tall on the wrist but given that it’s a watch suited to summer time, I suspect it will see most wear during short-sleeve weather when it won’t be messing up the lines of your couture. If you’re more worried about bashing it on a door frame, the dome of the crystal means blows will be glancing at worst.
The reason I keep calling it a summer watch is the bright yellow dial. Yellow is a great colour for dive watches because it provides great contrast for the hour markers at virtually any depth. It’s the same logic behind the popularity of orange dial dive watches, which are slightly more common due to the influence of brands like Doxa. However, while orange is associated with nautical safety, yellow conjures images of golden beaches and sunshine. It’s also not too bright as to be an eye-sore, hitting that goldilocks zone of intensity.
Beneath the dial is the Soprod P092 automatic with 44-hour power reserve. It’s available with two certification options: the standard model has a Chronofiable certificate from Laboratoire Dubois SA, the upgraded option has COSC-chronometer certification. Regardless, the movement is protected by a solid caseback with OW logo, although you can’t see that on this model as the NATO strap loops beneath the case.
For pricing, the standard Ollech & Wajs C-1000 Y is CHF 1,996 (approx. £1,885) while the COSC upgrade is CHF 2,492 (approx. £2,350). For this price bracket of dive watch my yard stick of value is always the Oris Aquis, and the C-1000 Y blows the £2,200 Oris out of the water. 1,000m water resistance compared to 300m. 44-hour power reserve with potential COSC certification versus 41-hour power reserve without certification. Practically every spec on the tech sheet favours OW. It might not be the first dive watch that comes to mind, but it should be.
Price and Specs:
More details at Ollech & Wajs.
Great choice for review, have been considering a yellow dial watch and this piece is now firmly on my radar. Also really like the Ollech & Wajs 8001 but haven’t pulled the trigger yet on purchase as I wanted to try on the watches before buying. Any idea where Ollech & Wajs pieces can be found in the UK?
I bought this model in February from Stewarts Watch co in Leicester. Great to deal with – don’t be afraid to ask for a decent discount! This is my favourite watch and suits many different straps. Wondered about size (thickness) but it wears brilliantly – running about +6s per day which is great.
Thanks for the heads up, will get in touch with them.