OWC likes a very specific watch look, which is a 40.5mm wide steel diver with a chunky appearance and tool-style personality. This latter element is epitomized in the timepiece’s use of high-quality torx screws in both the case and bracelet. OWC even supplies a pair of correctly-sized torx screwdrivers. The case is a bit on the thick side at 12.9mm thick and has a 51mm lug-to-lug distance. The bracelet is 20mm wide at the lugs and the steel case is water-resistant to 300m. A close inspection of the case allows you to appreciate a degree of engineering effort that you just don’t see in a lot of other watches, especially at this price level. Examples include the detailing around where the backplate of the watch is affixed to case, the bracelet polishing, and the crown and bezel construction, not to mention the dial.
A mere glance at the MS-6538’s dial might easily allow you to say “Rolex knock-off,” and I don’t think OWC would disagree in theory (though I don’t think Dan would use those precise words). The watch is about what a small independent “garage brand” can do with mere grit and determination. Like I said, considering the retail price and the resources available to OWC, the MS-6538 and his other watches are very impressive to those with an eye for the details in watch construction. This is a modern tool watch inspired by history’s great tool watches. It is not a replacement for a Rolex but rather a testament to what can be done when a properly motivated watch collector with some entrepreneurial and engineering merit applies himself to a project over a period of several years. Supporting OWC isn’t about supporting the watch industry, it’s about supporting the most obsessive of watch lovers (and I find value in that).
Compared to the last OWC watch I reviewed, the quality is better in the MS-6538, even in some marginal details. The dial and hands are better, as is the bezel and crown. High-quality knurling has been applied to both the crown and the bezel, and though it’s aesthetically pleasing, it’s used to make these elements easier to grip and turn. A black ceramic bezel insert now has engraved elements for the markers on which lume is painted. On the previous OWC watch, I noted the luminant was applied on top of the bezel insert, which allows for it to wear off more easily than lume painted in the marker grooves. On the dial, I appreciate the “out of the way” date window, which has a matching black date disc and doesn’t disrupt any of the hour markers. It is also very important to note that OWC produces this same MS-6538 with a no-date dial if you prefer it that way.
While the bracelet is very durable and offers a nice masculine presence, it’s a bit too chunky in my opinion. Some people will love the look, but I am waiting for OWC to eventually get a tapered bracelet and perhaps find a way to make the links 20-30% thinner. Perhaps I am comparing the watch too much to a Rolex, but I think the overall look would be a bit more elegant with a slightly less emphasized bracelet. The three-link bracelet still looks rather nice with a brushed finishing on the surface and polished finishing on the sides. The chunky screws make for a nice visual that you don’t see too often in a bracelet like this, and it also comes with a half-link to better size the bracelet for your wrist. Another small complaint is the butterfly-style deployant clasp. It works well enough and I don’t take issue with its utility, but it isn’t always eye-pleasing to see the pusher “lips” sticking out horizontally about 1-2mm from under the bracelet when you look at it.
If you are in the market for a well-made tool watch that is both familiar looking and doesn’t come with a steep brand premium, then ordering something from OWC will probably make you happy. It’s a nice brand to support (especially if you are Australian and want to support a local business). The retail price includes a durable, locking plastic travel case, screw drivers, extra screw bars, and the watch itself (and it includes shipping). The price for the OWC MS-6538 watch equipped with the Swiss Soprod automatic movement is $1,360 USD. orangewatchcompany.com
Necessary Data
>Brand: OWC
>Model: MilSub MS-6538 “James Bond Large Crown”
>Price: $1,360
>Size: 40.5mm wide, 12.9mm thick, 51mm lug-to-lug distance.
>When reviewer would personally wear it: As a daily wear tool-style watch that has a familiar look with pretty much no pretension, especially when wanting to fly under the radar but still definitively be a “watch guy.”
>Friend we’d recommend it to first: Enthusiast of smaller brands and traditional MilSub watches curious about perhaps the best that is offered in this style at this price point.
>Best characteristic of watch: That no time has been spared agonizing over minor details on the watch and the constant improvements in the brand’s overall presentation are something to take notice of. The watch itself is well-made, durable, legible, and certainly a lovely example of what can be produced, even by a small operation.
>Worst characteristic of watch: Design more or less lacks originality from a fashion perspective, which could turn off some buyers. Bracelet feels a bit chunky compared to the case size.
