Department Triple Zero began as an administrative designation to handle the burgeoning demand for Ollech & Wajs military watches in the mid 60s. It went on to develop several watches specifically to meet the needs of the US military. Today it handles all development of specialist and custom watches, for military and non-military-organisations. I have been given a mandate to explore how Dept.000 can not just co-exist alongside OW’s consumer business but can compliment and influence it. Marketing Dept.000 presents a challenge as much of the work it undertakes is of a confidential or proprietary nature. Not withstanding, this year we acknowledged its existence, for the first time, within a consumer context and began sharing some of its recent projects (and historic ones) with our consumer audience. An exciting new chapter for Ollech & Wajs, with potential to reinforce its credentials as a watch brand for elite professionals.
Read more about Dept. 000 here
Recent undertakings include a regimental watch for a US Marine Corps assault support helicopter squadron, call sign ‘Ugly Angels’.
A prototype case back for the bespoke OW 350CI created for the Ugly Angels, Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 362 in 2023
Dept.000 began developing watches specifically to meet the needs of the US military, the best known of these models is the eponymously named ‘Early Bird’. Coined after the world’s first geosynchronous communications satellite, the model was designed specifically for pilots and radio operators, for whom a 24-hour ‘military time’ dial and dual-time zone bezel were invaluable.
Dept.000 created special regimental editions bearing various Air Force, Navy and Army insignia throughout the Vietnam conflict.
