Ollech & Wajs Slide-Rule Watch For General Electric

This is the type of watch we nerds can get excited about.

In the mid-20th century, prominent Swiss brands sometimes provided watches to firms in need of timepieces for expeditions, experiments, and more. In this particular case, the manufacturer even signed the dials with the purchasing firm’s name — General Electric, the prominent American conglomerate, which still to this day has a significant aviation division.

In considering GE’s aviation business, the choice of watch makes sense: It’s actually a Selectron model from Swiss brand Ollech & Wajs. Measuring a large (for the time) 41mm in diameter, it features a slide rule bezel that allows pilots to make various calculations on the fly, so to speak. Other than that, it’s simply a well made, highly legible tool watch with a date indicator — perfect for the aviator or scientist. 

This particular GE-signed Selectron features a 41mm stainless steel case, a black aluminum, bidirectional rotating slide rule bezel, a luminous black matte tritium dial with a matching handset, an acrylic crystal, and a manual-winding FHF Cal. 96-4 movement with date. In excellent condition throughout, it’s a true testament to the importance of a well made timepiece in mid-20th century scientific endeavors. 

Try it on for size!

The year was 1943. World War II raged across Europe. But in the icy waters of the Marne River, all was calm as Lieutenant Jacques Cousteau of the Marine Nationale plunged beneath the surface. On his back was a unique apparatus, two tanks of compressed air attached to a hose which was connected to a mask on Cousteau’s face. This was the Aqualung, and by the next decade it would usher in a new era of diving. The age of SCUBA had begun.

The Aqualung logo would become a familiar sight among amateur and professional diving cirlces, popularized by Cousteau’s company U.S. Divers. Although most commonly seen on SCUBA gear, it could also be seen on watches. Among these, DOXA Sub 300Ts with the distinctive logo are by far the most prevalent, known as “Black Lung” by collectors, but Aqualung also sold watches under its own brand name.

Employing contract “skin diver” cases and robust A. Schild or Felsa movements, these watches are every bit the no-nonsense tool watches as the Blancpain Fifty Fathoms (another watch favored by Cousteau). Also, the association with Cousteau gives them an added appeal. Uncommon and undeniably attractive, they offer the collector a rarely-seen alternative to the Fifty Fathoms and Submariner, with no less of a diving pedigree.

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Most of our products are on hand and will ship directly from our headquarters in New York City. In some cases, watches will be shipped directly from one of our authorized partners.

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We welcome international buyers, please contact us prior to purchase for additional details on shipping and payment options.