{"product_id":"ollech-and-wajs-early-bird-as02220","title":"Ollech \u0026 Wajs Early Bird","description":"\u003cp\u003eDecember 1965. Across the United States, families gathered together to watch something that had never before been seen on television. Before their eyes, a spacecraft—Gemini 6A—splashed down in the North Atlantic.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe mission of Gemini 6A coincided with that of Gemini 7 and marked the first time two manned spacecrafts orbited Earth together; furthermore, the satellite that broadcast its reentry—Early Bird—also achieved a first of its own.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIntelstat I, its official name, was created by Hughes Space and Communications Company. It was the first satellite to be launched into geosynchronous orbit. While orbiting 22,300 miles above the equator, Early Bird handled network traffic—telephone, TV, and fax transmissions—between Europe and North America.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEarly Bird was operational for four years, and ended its service with the broadcast of the Apollo 11 mission.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe same year that Early Bird was launched, Ollech \u0026amp; Wajs released an Early Bird of its own.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEstablished in the 1950s by Albert Wajs and Joseph Ollech, Ollech \u0026amp; Wajs specialized in the production of tough, purpose-driven military divers and automatic watches.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Early Bird, released in 1965 and named after the satellite, was typical of their products—in the best way possible.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLike the Glycine Airman, the Early Bird utilized a 24-hour dial layout. However, the Early Bird’s added benefit of a 24-hour bezel (in classic blue and red, reminiscent of the Rolex GMT Master) meant that it could display two timezones at once. The Early Bird’s robust 38mm case (rated to 200 meters) and legible dial meant that it was an ideal choice for servicemen in Vietnam, many of whom bought Early Birds to replace their general issue watches.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis particular Early Bird has a sharp case, flawless dial, and a bezel that’s retained its vibrant colors - easily the nicest one we've ever had.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eStrapped on a Tropic-style rubber strap, it’s the kind of get-up-and-go watch that anyone—whether servicemen or sportsman—could admire.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Ollech \u0026 Wajs","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":37860741313,"sku":null,"price":2750.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0809\/1255\/products\/Ollech_and_Wajs_Early_Bird_2834_AS02220_1.jpg?v=1506373726","url":"https:\/\/www.analogshift.com\/products\/ollech-and-wajs-early-bird-as02220","provider":"Analog:Shift","version":"1.0","type":"link"}