by Brent Robillard
A history of innovation
Ollech & Wajs has always held a special place for me. Their skin divers and military tool watches from the 60s and 70s remain some of the most purposeful designs of the era—pieces built for real-world use, not just showroom shine. Collectors know this, which is why the originals are so sought after today. But what has kept me coming back to the brand isn’t just the past—it’s the way Charles LeMenestrel and his team have revived it for a new generation.
We’ve seen faithful reinterpretations, like the M-52B, but also bold new creations, like the Rallychron—models that respect heritage while pushing into new territory. The latest limited edition, the Rallychron “Coupe des Alpes,” continues that philosophy. It’s a chronograph that honours one of the most prestigious endurance rallies in motorsport history while still feeling like a no-nonsense tool you could strap on every day.
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Key Features of the Ollech and Wajs Rallychron “Coupe des Alpes”
A Rally Born in the Alps
The Coupe des Alpes, or Alpine Rally, was not for the faint of heart. Across the 1950s and 60s, this 820-kilometre three-stage race tested drivers and machines against Europe’s most treacherous mountain passes. It was glamorous, yes—but also unforgiving. In 1958, 56 two-person teams battled through what many still consider the most gruelling edition ever. Ollech & Wajs, together with Rallystory, channels that history here with a watch produced in the same number: 56 pieces annually, each nodding to both the year of the brand’s founding (1956) and that brutal field of competitors.
A Familiar Form with Fresh Colours
The Rallychron itself takes its cues from O&W competition timers of the 1960s, but the Coupe des Alpes edition introduces a more refined palette. The dial remains resolutely tool-like, but splashes of Alpine blue animate the subdials, bezel accents, and chronograph hand. It’s a muted colourway overall, but one that rewards closer inspection—an aesthetic that quietly balances purpose with personality. The “Coupe des Alpes” signature on the dial is a subtle but meaningful detail, a reminder that this isn’t just another chronograph, but one tied to a specific piece of motorsport lore.
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Under the Hood
Inside ticks a movement that links past and present: the automatic Valjoux 7753. It’s a descendant of the Valjoux 72, the engine behind some of the greatest Swiss chronographs of the mid-20th century—including many O&Ws. Here, it’s been given the full OW Precision treatment: engraved plates, a commemorative 2025 “Coupe des Alpes” rotor, and regulation in five positions. At 28,800 bph with around 54 hours of reserve, it’s as dependable as you’d hope for a rally-inspired tool watch.
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A True Tool Chronograph
Specifications back up the rugged look. The 39.5 mm brushed 316L steel case is reassuring on the wrist without feeling oversized. The sapphire crystal carries anti-reflective treatment, while the screw-down crown, gasketed pushers, and solid caseback help secure 300 metres of water resistance—impressive for a chronograph. The bezel, black PVD-coated, offers lap times and a tachymeter, leaning further into its motor racing DNA.
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The watch ships on O&W’s excellent M-Heritage mesh bracelet, with the option of swapping to a rally-ready nylon strap in Alpine blue with a central white stripe. Both suit the watch, though I find the mesh gives it that extra edge of durability and period character.
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Specs
| Case | 316L Stainless Steel 39.5mm Diameter 45.5mm Lug to Lug 15.3mm Thick 20mm Lug Width Screw Down Crown & Case Back 300m Water Resistance |
| Dial & Crystal | Double-Domed Sapphire Crystal Three Sub-registers Printed Indices Date Window @6 Customised Baton Handset Super-LumiNova® |
| Movement | Valjoux 7753 Adjusted in 5 positions Seconds register, 30-minute timer and 12-hour totaliser 27 Jewels 28 800bph 54-Hour Power Reserve |
| Strap | Stainless Steel Mesh Bracelet and Nylon NATO |
Ollech & Wajs Rallychron “Coupe des Alpes”
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Final Thoughts
What I admire most about Ollech & Wajs is that they don’t chase trends. The Rallychron “Coupe des Alpes” isn’t made to impress on Instagram feeds or hide behind buzzwords. It’s a chronograph that earns its credibility through function, history, and execution. At 39.5 mm, with proper water resistance, a precision-tuned Valjoux, and a design that speaks fluently to its inspiration, it’s both niche and broadly appealing.
Much like the Alpine Rally itself, the watch doesn’t make excuses—it just demands to be driven.
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Pricing & Availability
The Ollech & Wajs Rallychron “Coupe des Alpes” is priced at $3,039.24 USD (approx. $4,072.58 CAD) and is available now directly through Ollech & Wajs and their authorised partners. Production is limited to just 56 pieces annually, a number tied to both the brand’s founding year and the 56 two-person teams of the gruelling 1958 Alpine Rally. Each watch comes with a three-year warranty, worldwide delivery (with taxes and customs duties included), and is supplied on the M-Heritage stainless steel mesh bracelet, alongside an Alpine blue nylon strap with central white stripe.
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About the author
Brent Robillard is a writer, educator, craftsman, and watch enthusiast. He is the author of four novels. You can follow him on Instagram.
Off The Cuff articles are full-length, hands-on reviews of the watch in question and represent the opinion of the author only. All photos are original, unless specified otherwise. If you would like to have your watch reviewed on this site, contact us here.
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I really like the colors, design and layout of this heritage watch. Great read and thoughtful review.
Another fantastic read — thank you for spotlighting O&W’s Rallychron. What I admire about Ollech & Wajs is that they’ve always stayed close to their roots as military and tool-watch makers, building pieces that were meant to serve, not just shine. As someone learning horology on a tight budget, I’ve found real meaning in restoring vintage military-style watches because they carry the marks of actual use, not just showroom polish. This Rallychron balances that same authenticity with a bit of motorsport flair, and it’s inspiring to see brands still carrying that torch today.
I’d love to keep studying and eventually restoring pieces like these — they embody the rugged, practical engineering I value most.
I had a chance to handle some of the current CEO’s personal collection of vintage OWs. They have truly stood the test of time.
That must have been an incredible experience — handling those vintage OWs straight from the CEO’s own collection. Pieces like that don’t just stand the test of time mechanically, they carry the story of everyone who’s worn and worked on them.
For me, even finding and bringing back to life the more humble examples has been a way to connect with that same lineage. It’s encouraging to know the people at the very top of the brand are still hands-on with their own history.