When you and I think of a crisp, austere sort of watch design, there are likely a few brands that come to mind, perhaps based in Germany. For me, Swiss designs aren’t the ones that come to mind. Well, that is, until I saw photos of the Ollech & Wajs 8001 Tundra.
Ollech & Wajs 8001 Tundra: what it is
This is an iteration of the original Ollech & Wajs 8001, this time done in conjunction with MiR. In terminology we’re familiar with, this is a watch design that utilizes an integrated bracelet that goes right to the lugless shoulders of the 39.5mm case. The most striking piece of the case – to me – is the fixed bezel that surrounds the sapphire crystal.
It’s not quite flat, it’s not quite textured, and it’s most definitely not polished. The stainless steel here is carved by laser, with slim lines on the minutes, and wider marks at the 5-minute marks. It’s a bit unnecessary with the marks already present on the fumé dial, but I feel it’s a defining feature of the watch.
What they say about the design
The ‘Tundra’ is an evolution of the OW 8001 integrated bracelet sports chronometer, that introduces Nordic design themes to the brutalist aesthetic of this landmark reference. The Tundra was born from a closed collaboration between OW and Norwegian Architectural Design Collective – MIR. The Bergen-based studio is known for its ground breaking CGI work which explores the relationship between architecture and the environment.We’ve named it ‘Tundra’, after the rugged landscape that inspired it.
Wrapping things up
If you’re wondering how this watch fits into brutalist design aesthetic, this article might be of interest. That aside, this is quite a lovely watch that looks like it is meant for hard duty, and definitely for everyday wear. If you want to get one of these COSC-rated watches onto your wrist, the Ollech & Wajs 8001 Tundra can be ordered now for $2,136; deliveries are anticipated to begin in 4-5 weeks. Get all the details, and order yours, at ow-watch.com
Ollech & Wajs 8001 Tundra Tech Specs
- Reference: OW 8001 TUNDRA
- Year: 2025
- Dimensions: 39.5 mm X 12.7 mm
- Case: Brushed 316L stainless steel tonneau style, screwed bottom, screwed crown, fixed steel bezel; made in the Swiss Jura
- Bezel: Fixed bezel with a laser etched markers at 1-minute and 5-minute intervals
- Glass: Sapphire with anti-reflective treatment
- Dial: Double-lacquered ‘Tundra Green fumé’ dial; baton hands and indexes in Super-LumiNova®, with date window at 6 o’clock
- Water resistance: 300m/ 30atm
- Movement:
- Automatic, COSC-certified, bespoke OW Soprod Newton Precision P092; date-only calendar, with semi instantaneous changes and quick adjustment using the crown; stop seconds; 4Hz 28,800 vibrations perhour; 23 jewels; 44-hour power reserve.
- The Soprod Newton P092 movement is also independently tested for dependability and durability at the internationally renowned Laboratoire Dubois in Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland, and has additionally been awarded a Chronofiable® certification.
- Average Accuracy: +/- in accordance with CSOS tolerances
- Bracelet
- Integrated brushed oyster-style bracelet, engineered for comfort and stability and extreme durability.
- The bracelet is finished with sturdy milled, engraved clasp, extendable up to 22 mm, and a double pusher release system for extra security against accidental opening.
- Origin: Handmade in the Swiss Jura
