Albert Wajs is a foundational figure in Swiss horology, recognized as the co-founder of the Ollech & Wajs (O&W) watch brand. Born as a refugee in Switzerland, Wajs developed an early fascination with timepieces while observing the watch shops of Zurich. Although not a trained watchmaker, his entrepreneurial vision led him to enter the industry in 1954 by manufacturing stainless steel bracelets. In 1956, he partnered with his friend Joseph Ollech to open a luxury watch shop at 55 Stockerstrasse in Zurich, initially distributing established brands like Breitling and Omega before transitioning to manufacturing their own watches under the OWZ name.
Within the partnership, Wajs focused on the technical and assembly aspects of the business, establishing a reputation for producing rugged, reliable mechanical tool watches. Under his leadership, the brand became a pioneer in the industry, notably releasing the Caribbean 1000 in 1964, the first watch with a certified depth rating of 1,000 meters. Wajs also pioneered an innovative direct-mail retail model, marketing directly to US soldiers in Vietnam, divers, and pilots through magazine advertisements. During the quartz crisis of the 1970s and 80s, he famously refused to produce battery-powered watches, maintaining a commitment to mechanical movements. After Joseph Ollech’s death in 1992, Wajs continued to lead the brand until 2017, when he passed the company to a dedicated collector to ensure the continuation of its utilitarian legacy.