Ollech and Wajs Computer Pilot watches.

[bigcaddy64]

Today was quite the day for sales. I hit numerous sales with my cousin and the hauls were really good. Various tools, jewelry, artwork, furniture, etc....

At our second to last sale, I saw cases filled with jewelry with lots of watches mixed in. After looking them all over, I settled on a pair of watches that looked like chronometers but the brand was not visible on the dial. All I could see was a OW. There were other Orient Watches in the cases so I figured that’s what they were.

Once I got home and did some research, I found out that they were Ollech and Wajs computer pilots. Both need the movement secured but both work just fine. I’ll probably service them and get the running along with a deep cleaning.

I doubt the straps are original so I’ll either search for an original or spring for a nice leather strap.

 

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[tamrock]

Can't say I've ever seen or heard of that maker, but I would not have hesitated to buy that watch. Are you going to sell it?
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ollech_&_Wajs

 

[Professor of Engineering]

I sure like that watch, congrats!

 

[bigcaddy64]

Can't say I've ever seen or heard of that maker, but I would not have hesitated to buy that watch. Are you going to sell it?
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ollech_&_Wajs

Once I have the internals all sorted out, I might since I have 2 of them. I’ve got to figure out what’s going on with the lose movement. I think the retaining screws are missing/loose but I can’t open the back. It’s shut tighter then a clam and I don’t want to damage anything removing the back.

Once the back is open, I’ll post some more pictures.

 

[bdsawyer]

Wow, never heard of that one. Great find and looks like a very desirable watch. What did you have to give for it?

 

[JimDon]

Now that’s a killer watch. That is one I would love to have for my collection

 

[bigcaddy64]

Wow, never heard of that one. Great find and looks like a very desirable watch. What did you have to give for it?

It’s was the second day of the sale so I got them for $40 each.

 

[JimDon]

It’s was the second day of the sale so I got them for $40 each.

Day 2 Around here they don’t last to minute 2. I was fifth in line and missed out on two Seiko watches. Nothing special but that’s the way it is around here.

 

[bigcaddy64]

Day 2 Around here they don’t last to minute 2. I was fifth in line and missed out on two Seiko watches. Nothing special but that’s the way it is around here.

They had a number of Seiko auto watches but they were missing hour markers on the dial, hands, etc.... and they were asking over 100 each. I don't have any idea what was there on day 1 but i'm happy with my purchase. I was able to get both movements opened up and secured to the inner support ring so they arent flopping around in the case. Once the bands were stripped off, i noticed that each watch has a single, bent lug. I'm hoping that it can be fixed without breaking them off but that is for my watch guy to address.

Ill have them dropped off today or tomorrow and see what he says. One is running so it will just need a service/hand tweak (second hand contacts the hour hand causing it to stop) while the other watch want's to run but it keeps stopping. The spring is wound up but the power wont transfer to hand movement. If i bump the winding stem, i can get 3 seconds of movement so it might just be gummy inside.

 

[bigcaddy64]

As promised, here’s a shot of the movement. Kinda underwhelming but these were not expensive watches which translates to a very bland movement.

 

[tamrock]

Yeah, that is a rather simple looking movement. Still I think the watch has a pretty cool looking design overall.

 

[bigcaddy64]

I got back from the watchmaker this afternoon and was given a quote to service both watches. Needless to say, I didn’t opt to have them done right away. The good news is that the watch that isn’t working will work just fine after a service.

The watch with the binding hands was adjusted and I was able to straighten the bent lug, allowing me the install pins and a strap. A bit of crystal and case polish, new strap and here’s the result.

 

[tamrock]

Looks pretty cool.