Ollech & Wajs
Ollech & Wajs • OW Rallychron Chronograph

In collaboration with Hervé Charbonneaux – classic car collector, rally driver, historical rally promoter and author – Ollech & Wajs hypothesised perfect lap times for each circuit, based on a set of criteria and variables. It involved lengthy analysis of the race seasons 1965–69, four years that also saw the introduction of some of the most cherished Ollech & Wajs racing chronographs. Tapping into Charbonneaux’s extensive archives, the lap times and other data from a cross-section of period Grand Prix cars – amongst them the Ferrari 312, Cooper Maserati, McLaren M4B – and the performance of various drivers were taken into consideration. The undertaking was not a straightforward one, since race conditions varied greatly from competition to competition; and even track lengths, surfaces and configurations changed. The theoretical metrics engraved on the bezel will no doubt spark debates amongst motorsport enthusiasts that continue long into the night.

The greyscale colour scheme of the dial is a nod to the monochromatic news photography that captured the trackside action in the 60s and continues to inspire generations of racing fans. In contrast, the tips of the chronograph hand and the 30-minute timer hand are finished with Orange Super-LumiNova®, to offer maximum readability in low-light driving situations.

The Rallychron reprises the heritage chronograph case, characteristic of OW’s best-known chronos from the period and its distinctive black-and-white chequered baton hands are a reference to the universally recognised racing flag. As well as minute and hour timers, the watch has a tachymetric scale – a prerequisite of all racing chronos – which is used trackside to measure speed and distance between competitors.

Under the hood of the Rallychron is a highly tuned and track-tested, custom-engraved automatic Valjoux 7753 – a descendant of the historic Valjoux 72 movement that powered the best Swiss chronographs of the 60s and 70s, including several OWs. The movement is fitted with an OW-machined rotor. It is then regulated, adjusted and power-tested in five positions, thereby qualifying it for the OW Precision rating.

It is presented on a handcrafted black, perforated, racing-style Italian leather strap, designed to be breathable and ensure comfort over extended periods on the wrist. Alternatively there is the option of the stylish and highly durable M-Heritage medium-gauge, stainless steel mesh bracelet, with OW engraved on the thorn-style buckles of both.

Ollech & Wajs has decades of expertise in precision timing instruments for motorsports – from Grand Prix competitions to long-distance endurance rallies. As automotive engineers and designers pushed the limits of possibility on the track, leading to faster and more reliable race cars, Swiss watchmakers like OW raced to develop chronographs equal to those advancements.

The Rallychron honours this period of competitive endeavour, in a watch that is a highly capable, robust track timer and more. It is certified water-resistant to 300 m / 30ATM, not only surpassing any chronograph of the 1960s but also placing it in a class all of its own today.