Ollech & wajs Selectron, Valjoux 7733, vintage 70s chronograph

Ollech & Wajs Selectron – Valjoux 7733 – 1970s Vintage Chronograph

This is a beautifully preserved example of the Ollech & Wajs Selectron, a 1970s tool-chronograph powered by the iconic Valjoux 7733 movement. It features the classic pilot/instrument aesthetic that made O&W cult favorites among military personnel, professional divers, and adventure-focused enthusiasts.

The watch presents a striking matte black dial with contrasting silvered sub-registers, delivering outstanding legibility and authentic vintage charm. A rotating black bezel with a crisp white scale frames the dial, adding to its functional, purpose-built look. The sub-dials—running seconds at 9 o’clock and a 30-minute chronograph counter at 3 o’clock—maintain strong visibility, while the central chronograph hand and luminous markers retain their warm, aged patina.

The case remains sharp and well-defined, and the pushers operate with the solid, mechanical feel characteristic of the Valjoux 7733. Paired with a light tan textured leather strap, the watch captures the perfect blend of rugged utility and mid-century style.

A great opportunity for collectors looking for a mechanically robust, historically significant vintage chronograph with genuine tool-watch pedigree.

History of Ollech & Wajs

Ollech & Wajs (O&W) was founded in Zürich in 1956 by Albert Wajs and Joseph Ollech. The company quickly earned a reputation for producing durable, no-nonsense tool watches, often built using high-quality Swiss movements and components sourced from respected manufacturers. Their watches gained popularity among:

• Military personnel, especially U.S. soldiers

• Divers, thanks to robust models like the Caribbean series

• Pilots and engineers, who appreciated O&W’s functional chronographs and navigation tools

Unlike many brands of the period, O&W focused on reliability and affordability rather than luxury positioning, which helped them carve out a loyal niche. Their watches were sold through PX stores, mail-order catalogs, and specialist equipment suppliers.

After the quartz crisis, O&W survived largely thanks to their mechanical focus and the enduring enthusiast demand for practical Swiss tool watches. The brand still exists today, producing modern versions of their classic ranges.

History of the Selectron Model

The Selectron line emerged during the late 1960s and early 1970s, reflecting the era’s fascination with high-function pilot and technical chronographs. Many Selectron variants used rotating slide-rule or tachymetric bezels, making them particularly useful for:

• Aviation calculations

• Speed and distance measurement

• Professional timing applications

The Valjoux 7733 movement—introduced in the 1960s—was one of the most reliable and widely used hand-wound chronograph calibers of its time, powering watches from Heuer, Breitling, Yema, and Hamilton. Its inclusion in the Selectron underscores O&W’s commitment to robust, proven Swiss mechanics.

Today, Selectron models are appreciated for their authentic tool-watch design, attractive dial layouts, and excellent value within the vintage chronograph world.