Ollech & Wajs Go Nordic with OW 8001 ‘Tundra’

2023 already feels like a lifetime ago but it really had some stellar watch releases compared to what felt like a somewhat lacklustre 2024. Case in point, 2023 saw the release of the OW 8001 by Ollech & Wajs that to my mind at least caused a new level of growth and interest in the brand. Two years later we have a follow up to that launch, dubbed the Ollech & Wajs OW 8001 ‘Tundra’.

In some ways this is not a brand new watch as the inception of the ‘Tundra’ actually came fairly soon after the launch of the OW 8001. Ollech & Wajs produce quite a large number of closed collaborations, which is to say collaboration watches that are not sold publicly and that are not widely publicised. In fact, they’re not allowed to talk about many of their military collabs until they’re declassified, such as the Department.000 watches. The OW 8001 ‘Tundra’ was not a military watch, instead starting its life as a limited edition in partnership with MIR, the Norwegian Architectural Design Collective.

The new watch is not a 1-to-1 re-release of that collaborative watch, instead being tweaked for public release. It has a moss green fumé dial that shifts through smoky tones, starting light in the centre and fading to almost black around the circumference. It’s inspired by the mossy terrain and low scrubland brush found on the Norwegian tundra – hence the name. It retains the strong, blocky shapes of the original OW 8001’s handset and baton hour markers.

Here though, those shapes have been expanded out to the bezel as a replacement to the previous 60-minute scale with Arabic numerals. It gives a much more structural look to the piece, which is unsurprising given it was born out of an architecture collaboration. It also makes a lot more sense as an artistic, design-led feature considering that the bezel is fixed – it was one of the perplexing features of the original that it ostensibly had a timer bezel that you couldn’t use as a timer.

Beyond the updated bezel, it has the same 39.5mm x 12.7mm case with integrated bracelet. The broad, flat surfaces of the design also play into the blocky style of the piece, which results in quite a brutalist aesthetic. You can again see why this model above all others in the OW range appealed to architects. While it doesn’t have a particularly strong dive watch vibe, the case can go toe-to-toe with them thanks to a 300m water resistance rating.

The relatively high specs continue on the inside as it houses the bespoke OW Soprod Newton Precision P092 COSC chronometer movement. It’s an automatic movement with a 44-hour power reserve and of course the accuracy and reliability are within chronometer requirements ensuring a high level of operation. It’s visible through the exhibition caseback where you can admire the no-nonsense rotor with Zurich 1956 engraving.

The OW 8001 ‘Tundra’ is priced at £1,730, which is the same as the previous edition. I really like the new architectural and Nordic influences applied to the solid framework of the 8001. Its sporty-dive watch capabilities make it the ideal canvas for a touch more design expression without compromising the integrity of the piece.

More details at Ollech & Wajs.

​Oracle Time 

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