The History of Doxa Watches
Founded in 1889 by Georges Ducommun in Le Locle, Switzerland, Doxa quickly established itself as a maker of high-quality timepieces, mainly with dress watches at first.
The founder, Georges Ducommun was 21 years old when he founded Doxa under the name “Georges Ducommun, Fabriques Doxa”.
“Doxa” is the Greek word for glory. The meaning behind the name also represents the brand’s ultimate goal: a brand reputation for value, quality and exceptional workmanship.
Georges Ducommun was passionately committed to creating watches that embodied unyielding durability and exact precision. After his death in 1936, the leadership of the company passed to his son-in-law, Jacques Nardin, who was also the grandson of Ulysse Nardin, the founder of the prestigious watch brand of the same name. Under Jacques’ guidance, Doxa maintained its emphasis on producing timepieces suited for travel and sports, while still catering to a diverse clientele. The brand continued to introduce innovative features, such as alarm functions, ring-watches, and technical enhancements like a date-displaying pointer and a jumping second hand.
Innovation and Growth
A major turning point for Doxa came with the introduction of the Doxa SUB in 1967. This was one of the first dive watches intended for the general public and featured a patented no-decompression dive table bezel, a bright orange dial for better underwater readability, and a robust case design.
Challenges and Revival
Doxa, like many traditional watchmakers, faced challenges during the quartz crisis in the 1970s. In an attempt to adapt, Doxa joined forces with a group of Swiss watch manufacturers, pooling their resources together in an attempt of being economically more efficient. This strategy ultimately proved unsuccessful. Following a sale, Doxa ceased its operations around 1980.
The Jenny family acquired the Doxa brand in 1997, and started to re-introduce popular models in limited quantities at first.
The revival proved to be a resounding success, and Doxa saw a surge in popularity, especially among diving watch enthusiasts. The brand began reissuing classic models like the Doxa SUB, which garnered a cult following.
Doxa Watch Movements: What Movement Does Doxa Use?
Doxa watches are usually equipped with Swiss automatic movements. These movements are generally either ETA movements, or Sellita movements.
Since 1793, ETA SA, a Swiss movement manufacturer, has been at the forefront of creating and crafting calibers for the watchmaking industry. This long-standing expertise has been instrumental in establishing ETA SA as one of the largest producers of watches and movements in the world. ETA is part of The Swatch Group.
Sellita, established in 1950 and located in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Neuchâtel, Switzerland, is a renowned producer of mechanical movements for watches. Initially, it played a significant role as a key assembly partner for ETA’s movements until 2003. Post-2003, leveraging the expired patents of ETA movements, Sellita began creating its own movements. Today, it stands as a principal movement manufacturer in the Swiss watch industry.
Doxa Brand Reputation
Doxa continues to innovate while staying true to its brand heritage. The brand has released updated versions of its classic models and introduced new timepieces that reflect its commitment to quality and innovation in watchmaking.
Throughout its history, Doxa has remained a respected name in Swiss watchmaking, known for its commitment to precision, quality, and innovation, especially in the field of diving watches.
Takeaway: Are Doxa Watches Good Watches? Are They Worth the Money?
All in all, Doxa’s reputation is built on its pioneering role in dive watch innovation, distinctive design, commitment to quality, and a strong connection with the diving community. Despite its challenges in the past, the brand has successfully managed to retain and even grow its appeal among watch enthusiasts. The brand is a pillar of watch history, and they’re building on their classic designs, which we naturally love – just look at the SUB 200 collection. Doxa is a great choice for a true watch enthusiast who’s looking for a timepiece from a brand with an impressive heritage. Doxa might have been unfairly overlooked up until a few years ago, but today, they’re becoming more and more popular (again), and rightly so!
Buyer’s Guide: Doxa Watch Collections
*By clicking on the product links in this article, we may receive a commission fee at no cost to you. Thank you for your support.
Doxa SUB 200
Specs:
- Movement: Automatic
- Caliber: ETA-2824-2
- Power Reserve: 38 hours
- Case Width: 42 mm
- Lug Distance: 19 mm
- Price: Under $1,000
This 3-hand stainless steel diver’s watch sports a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating. The SUB 200 has a unidirectional rotating bezel and is available in 6 dial colors, with the option of a tone-on-tone rubber strap or a steel bracelet.
Doxa SUB 200 C-GRAPH
Specs:
- Movement: Automatic
- Caliber: Sellita SW-510
- Power Reserve: 48 hours
- Case Width: 45 mm
- Lug Width: 20 mm
- Price: Under $3,000
Available in 6 dial colors and offering the option of a tone-on-tone rubber strap or steel bracelet, the SUB 200 C-GRAPH sports the additional functionalities of a chronograph. This stainless steel watch features a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal with an antireflective coating.
Doxa SUB 300T
Specs:
- Movement: Automatic
- Caliber: ETA 2824-2
- Power reserve: 38 hours
- Case Width: 42.5 mm
- Lug Width: 20 mm
- Price: Under $2,000
This reinterpretation of the 1968 SUB 300T Conquistador comes in a choice of six colors. Equipped with the patented unidirectional bezel with diving table and a case rated to a depth of 1200 meters, it is up to any challenge. All dive markings feature Super-LumiNova® inserts.
Doxa SUB 600T
Specs:
- Movement: Automatic
- Caliber: Selitta SW200
- Power reserve: 38 hours
- Case Width: 40 mm
- Price: Around $1,500
In 2021, more than 40 years later, DOXA is doing more than just revisiting a chapter written long ago. We are paying tribute to the iconic SUB 600T with a new history that begins now. After the massive success of the limited titanium edition SUB 600T Pacific Blue this summer, DOXA is bringing out the SUB 600T in a non-limited edition to complete the DOXA SUB line-up. The reborn SUB 600T comes in stainless steel with the choice of a steel or black ceramic bezel insert, 6 vibrant colors and either a stainless-steel bracelet or an FKM rubber strap to match the dial color – in all, 24 combinations will be available.
Doxa SUB 1500T
Specs:
- Movement: Automatic
- Caliber: ETA 2892-2
- Power reserve: 50 hours
- Case Width: 45 mm
- Price: Around $2,500
True to DOXA’s pioneering spirit, the SUB 1500T breaks new ground with a cushion-shaped 316L steel case rated to 160 ATM, equivalent to 1,500 meters. The SUB 1500T, which comes equipped with the patented unidirectional bezel with diving table and a helium release valve, has a diameter of 45 mm.
WRITTEN BY
Maté D
SEE ALSO
Furlan Marri Watches: Brand Review
Furlan Marri has positioned itself as offering exceptional value for money, and this is a major reason the brand has won the hearts of seasoned enthusiasts and newer collectors alike.
UNIMATIC Watches: Brand Review
I’m genuinely excited about UNIMATIC as a brand. They set an excellent example for other microbrands, as they already established themselves as a leading independent microbrand, prioritizing craftsmanship and unique designs.
Jowissa Watch Review: Everything You Need to Know About the Brand
Jowissa might be a somewhat overlooked brand as there isn’t a lot of chatter about the brand online. So let’s take a look at the facts!
Best Seiko Watches: The Ultimate Guide to Seiko Watches
Navigating the endless options Seiko has to offer can feel a little daunting. This guide was created to help you in deciding what timepieces are worth adding to the collection.
Bremont Watches: Brand Review
Bremont, a British brand that established itself as a very reputable and respected brand. The brand delivers beautiful, evergreen designs paired with very impressive technical specifications.
Nivada Grenchen Brand Review: A Successful Resurgence of a Historic Brand
Nivada Grenchen stands as a testament to the timeless elegance and pioneering spirit of Swiss watchmaking. With a rich history that dates back to the early 20th century, this brand has consistently pushed the boundaries of precision, design, and innovation.