As possibly one of the world's youngest watchmakers, DOXA has a unique and rather colourful history. Experiencing the ups and downs of consumer consumption and learning how to go with the flow of the waves. Find out how Doxa resurfaced in the 1950’s and then again in the early 2000’s in my DOXA watch buying guide.
The Cradle of Watchmaking: The History of DOXA
At only 12 years old, aspiring watchmaker, Georges Ducommun, began his apprenticeship and took on the journey of crafting luxury watches and timepieces. Growing and perfecting his skills until an unmovable reputation for ingenuity, passion, and quick service was built.
At the age of 21, Ducommun was ready to branch out and start his own watchmaking business, “Georges Ducommun, Fabriques Doxa”. Named after the Greek word for Glory, DOXA quickly grew to fame for the unique craftsmanship of Ducommun. His pocket watch received recognition at the ‘Exposition Universelle et Internationale’ during the 1905 World’s Fair in Liège, Belgium. In 1906, Georges’ anti-magnetic DOXA won the gold medal at the World’s Fair in Milan, Italy.
Throughout the early 1900’s, DOXA continued to focus on travel and sport watches long after Ducommun has passed. However, with the rise of diving watches in the 1950’s and new leadership, it was time for the brand to tread new waters.
Today, DOXA has a glorious catalogue of tool watches from diving to field watches, each collections boasts a touch of the incredible artistic skill held in the hands of Georges Ducommun.
DOXA Collections
With over 130 years of watchmaking under their belt, DOXA has crafted a unique catalogue of timepiece collections. Ranging from professional tool watches to casual sport watches, find out more about the collections below!
DOXA SUB 200
While other diving watches continue to aim for that ‘wow factor’, the DOXA SUB 200 stays true to its roots. A simple diving watch with a luminescent material, simple hour markers, and a standard timing bezel. Offering a unique finish that brings style to the otherwise humble watch.
Sporting the classic DOXA colours, the DOXA SUB 200 Professional Automatic is a gorgeous display of expert watchmaking. Unveiled in 2019, the SUB200 Professional is crafted from the highest quality 316L stainless steel and features the signature domed plexiglass. Featuring a unidirectional rotating bezel and water resistance up to 200 meters, each element, including the bezel, is coated with Super-LumiNova® for optimal visibility. The watch is presented on an FKM rubber strap with a pin buckle, adorned with the exclusive DOXA fish symbol.
DOXA SUB 300
Modelled after the 1967 design that introduced the SUB series, the modern SUB 300 is a classic Doxa diver. The absence of a ‘T’ in its name indicates that the bezel’s diving scale is measured in meters rather than feet. It is also slightly slimmer than the 300T and features a COSC chronometer-certified movement. Unlike the original, this model has a domed sapphire crystal instead of plexiglass.
The DOXA SUB 300 Carbon Professional Automatic is a popular model with a pressure-resistant titanium case to protect the automatic movement and crown. And much like its name suggests, the SUB 300 provides 300 metres of water resistance making it perfect for diving professionals and enthusiasts.
DOXA SUB 300T
Based on the 1969 SUB 300T Conquistador, developed by Jacques Cousteau, a French naval officer and oceanographer, the DOXA SUB 300T was designed and crafted by diving professionals.
Each DOXA SUB 300T watch features the iconic dual-scale rotating bezel with depth in feet, and is compatible with the US Navy dive tables, the official guide for divers. These watches also include the beads-of0rice bracelet and flat cushion case that is reminiscent of the 60’s style at the time.
The DOXA SUB 300T Professional Automatic is a modern rendition of an iconic diving watch. This three-hand diver’s watch merges the classic design elements of the SUB 300T Conquistador with modern technical advancements characteristic of today’s high-performance diver’s watches. Crafted from premium 316L stainless steel, it is engineered to endure pressures up to 120 bar, making it waterproof to a depth of 1,200 meters. Additionally, it boasts a patented unidirectional rotating bezel with an integrated no-decompression dive time calculator.
DOXA SUB 600T
The DOXA SUB 600T was originally released in 1982 and was known around the world for being the ultimate tool-watch for professional divers. Today, we see the SUB 600T reimagined with the classic 80’s flair with bright colours and bold designs.
Features like the oversized shark tooth markers at 12, 6, and 9, the minimalistic and uniquely offset DOXA branding, the playful tilt of the 4 o’clock screw-down crown, and the large hour markers all contribute to enhancing the dial, regardless of the signature colour you select.
The DOXA SUB 600T Professional is a powerful timepiece. Made from the signature 316L stainless steel and sapphire crystal glass, the movement is protected and provides up to 600 metres of water resistance. The crown remains positioned at 4 o’clock, and the patented rotating bezel is unidirectional, ensuring it accurately calculates a safe ascent without decompression stops.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where Are DOXA Watches Made?
When the DOXA name was taken over by the Jenny famil in 1997, the manufacturing of DOXA watches was moved to Bienne, Switzerland. Here, iconic models and collections have been revived into the catalogue that we see today.
Are DOXA Watches Considered Luxury?
Since 1889, each DOXA watch has been considered a piece of affordable luxury. Working with the best materials and crafting unique movements to create unique designs. Made in the heart of Swizterland, DOXA watches are not just a luxury but a commitment to the art of horology.
Why Are Doxa Watches Orange?
Orange holds significant importance at DOXA, being the original color of their renowned professional dive watches. Scientifically, it offers the best legibility at depth.
