4/28/2024 0 Comments Vintage doxa divers watch![]() In 2001 fashion brand Fossil bought the Zodiac name and once again began watch production. Having American murderer the ‘ Zodiac Killer’ reference the companies watches had only added to their problems. However, at the same fair a year earlier Blancpain had launched the Fifty Fathoms and Zodiac had displayed its diver, the Sea Wolf.īoth Blancpain and Rolex would remain as large popular brands whilst Zodiac would disappear. A watch from Doxa's own back catalogue.Īs I noted earlier, it was 1954 at the Basel watch fair that Rolex introduced the Submariner to the world. This is a true remake of a design classic. Also like the Steinhart, the sapphire crystal is domed and mimics the shape used in older watches. Interestingly the bracelet tapers from 22 mm to 20 mm where the clasp is equipped with an integrated wetsuit extension. ![]() Like the Steinhart, this also houses an ETA movement. All the elements that made the initial release so unique. ![]() Like the original, there is a bright orange dial, the patented US Navy Seal non-deco bezel, dwarf hour hand and a self-adjusting “ beads of rice” bracelet. In 2017, 50 years after its initial launch, Doxa released a remake of this popular design. The result was this colourful watch with it’s a heavy tonneau case and distinctive bezel. In fact, the Doxa team even consulted Jacques Cousteau, who at the time was the head of the US Divers Company. Unlike other manufacturers that were producing watches for the military Doxa’s brief was to design a watch for sport and professional diving. Whilst not as iconic as the Rolex Submariner, the Sub 300 is still amongst an elite group of highly influential divers watches. Swiss company DOXA traces its roots back to 1889. If you want a remake of a very pricey early Rolex diver - start here. There’s no protection for the crown as you’d see on most newer Submariner styled watches. This is reminiscent of the plastic crystals used in old watches. The vintage touches include ‘old radium’ illumination and a tall sapphire crystal. This watch is clearly of high quality and is powered by a Swiss ETA automatic movement. So not one of the larger established brands.īut they are certainly a company that has built a solid reputation since its launch in 2001. The Steinhart is at the extreme end - it is visually almost a remake of an early Rolex.įounded by Gunter Steinhart, this German company have been producing watches for a couple of decades now. Now an established style the Submariner has produced numerous clones, copycats and others that are in some way influenced by it. You'll remember Sean Connery's Bond wearing his Submariner in Dr No. Such was it's reputation as the best available divers watch at the time that the British Ministry of Defence chose Rolex as the suppliers to their Navy divers.Īdding to the mythology of the watch was its endorsement by the leading cultural influencers of the time. The original watch was a part of the Swiss manufacturers Oyster Perpetual line and was designed as a sports and diving watch. Since it's launch in 1954 Rolex's Submariner watch has become established as a design classic. Where better to start than with a homage to a vintage Rolex Submariner. And each is a realistic purchase for the average watch geek. What could be worse than a list of watches that you’re unlikely to ever own? Therefore, I'm going to look at vintage styled divers watches whilst trying to highlight those that are affordable. The likes of Rolex, Omega, Longines and Blancpain.įor many, these luxury brands are out of reach. Many of the classic designs were born in the design studios of the world’s biggest and most established brands. This is an important point to consider when looking at divers watches. When we talk of ‘ Submariners’ we could be referring to any number of companies who now produce their own version of this established design. ![]() Some designs have transcended the companies that originated them. The history of divers watches has produced many iconic watches. For many, the perfect divers watch can be worn in the office during the week and taken outdoors at the weekend. Of rugged and tasteful design married to durability and technical competence. There seems to be a satisfying blend of form and function. Diver’s watches are among the most popular timepieces - particularly with those who build up a watch collection. ![]()
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