Description
The Astrochron story began in Zurich in 1967, during an era defined by exploration and innovation. Inspired by the race to conquer new frontiers — especially outer space — the Astrochron was named to reflect its astral ambitions. NASA scientists, engineers, divers, pilots, and military officers quickly adopted it for its rugged reliability and versatile timing scales. The original triple-register chronograph became a hallmark of Ollech & Wajs’ technical prowess. In 2023, the Astrochron was reintroduced, staying true to its heritage while updated for modern collectors, ensuring the legacy of exploration continues.
Ollech & Wajs (OWZ) was founded in Zurich in 1956 by Joseph Ollech and Albert Wajs. Initially operating from a small shop on Stockerstrasse, they sold Swiss watches like Omega and Breitling before focusing on their own brand. OWZ became one of the first Swiss watchmakers to embrace mail-order sales, reaching customers worldwide. Known for rugged tool watches, OW supplied military and dive watches to US troops during the Vietnam War and even produced models worn by NASA scientists. Remarkably, the brand survived the quartz crisis by staying committed to mechanical movements. Today, Ollech & Wajs continues to honor its heritage with modern tool watches that remain “equal to the challenges of the 21st century.”



