Vintage Aviation Watches Overview

Champthekid · 2025-06-18T15:48:35Z

Explore the rare Ollech & Wajs 'Aviation' watches, born from Breitling's 1979 liquidation. Champthekid shares his Valjoux 7736 chronographs and community insights.

Champthekid

WPS member · Horological Meandering forum

28 replies3545 views5 photos

Champthekid (Steve) shares a rare glimpse into the 'Aviation' watches by Ollech & Wajs, timepieces acquired during a pivotal moment in Breitling's history. His post not only showcases these seldom-seen chronographs but also invites the community to shed light on their intriguing origins and specifications. This deep dive into a niche segment of horological history offers valuable context for collectors interested in the evolution of pilot's watches and the resourceful spirit of independent brands.

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Ollech & Wajs? I picked these up around 20 years or so ago and pretty much threw them in my safe unworn. I love the look of the dials and cases.

The story with them is O&W purchased the stock in the late 70's when Breitling (for a short time) went out of business. O&W created the brand Aviation. I wish I knew more

about them, but I don't.

The triple register chronograph reads it's running a Valjoux 7736 behind the glass back. The double register chronograph has a solid caseback which I removed

for the picture below. I have no idea where these movements were made. They're quite rudimentary in my opinion.

Anyway, I wanted to share these pictures because I don't remember the last time I saw anyone post one if ever at all. I don't see these specific watches anywhere.

Regards,

Steve

Key Points from the Discussion

Ollech & Wajs, along with Patek Philippe and Helmut Sinn, acquired tooling, stock parts, and Navitimer designs from the liquidated Breitling in 1979, continuing production under the 'Aviator' brand.
A collector recounts acquiring an Aviation Chronomatic with a Calibre 12 automatic movement directly from Albert Wajs, highlighting the personal connections within the watch community.
The O&W Aviation chronographs featured in the post have a 41mm diameter, 22mm strap size, and a thickness just under 13mm.
The Ollech & Wajs website previously sold New Old Stock (NOS) Aviation watches, confirming their past availability and desirability.
The original author expresses a preference for the two-register chronograph due to its rarity compared to the more common three-register versions.

The Discussion

Gargamel

Jun 18, 2025

I remember 15 years ago the O&W website selling NOS Aviation watches. They are as sexy as 806 Navis.

Champthekid

Jun 18, 2025

ago when I picked them up. It’s a blur to me all those years flying by 🤣

gadalex

Jun 18, 2025

Albert Wajs was a relative of a good friend of mine and when he was visiting London from Zurich many years ago, he brought with him an Aviation Chronomatic with a Calibre 12 automatic movement. I asked if I could buy it from him and he duly obliged. Probably have some photos somewhere. Those are a very handsome pair. Regards, Baruch

Champthekid

Jun 18, 2025

the contents of my safe. Lol.

Champthekid

Jun 18, 2025

If you find the photos I hope you can share them here. Thank you, Baruch.

Larrykelley11

Jun 18, 2025

which dial do you prefer? I think they are both attractive, but probably drawn to the three registers.

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