Jefferson wrote:
I am curious what people think about Doxa. They look amazing in pics, but i have never seen one in person. Does anyone have one? If so, how do they wear? No ADs in my area carry them and the website doesn't give locations of dealers without contacting them first. Weird.
Feel free to thow some pics up!
Your wish is my command!
Here's a thraed on my Doxa SUB 5000T (which I've now sold)
http://www.breitlingsource.com/phpBB2/v ... =6&t=11235And some pics of my Doxa SUB 600T-Graph (which I don't think I'll ever sell!). Still got it's plastic on in these quick and dirty pics.
As Roff said they are not exactly revolutionary in terms of watchmaking, but they are very solid, rugged and dependable. Lots of pro divers absolutely swear by them as being
THE best divers watches out there bar none. My 600T-Graph for example, has pushpieces that are fully functional underwater. These are real tool watches.
In terms of movements, they use fairly standard ETA stuff - they tend to be no more than very lightly modified internally (some are just standard I believe), but all are decorated by Doxa. The best ones to go for movement-wise are the likes of the 600T-Graph (running the ETA 2893), the 750T GMT (running the ETA 2894) or the 5000T (running the ETA 2892). The good thing about these models is that Doxa use the "Top" version of these movements which basically means they are the same as the Chronometer spec model, only without the certification.
Other models such as the 1000T, 1200T, etc all use the "Elabore" version of the ETA 2824 which isn't such a high spec.
Another good thing about Doxa is that they are all limited edition. My 600T-Graph for example is limited to 250 pieces, and that is split across 3 different dial colours. Even assuming that the Professional (orange) dial is the most popular, I'd still be surprised if there are more than 150 like mine in existance.
In terms of how they wear, well they definitely wear smaller than their dimensions would suggest, primarily because of the fairly small dial diameter compared to the case diameter, but also because the bracelet recesses into the case, rather than having traditional lugs protruding. For me, the 44.7mm 600T-Graph is fine (albeit right at the low end size-wise), but there's no way I could drop to the 42mm 1000T for example.
Personally I find them to be very cool retro pieces. I sold my 5000T partly because it wore quite high on the wrist (and I was using it as a daily wearing which was a problem with work shirt sleeves), but also I was put off by the way they'd updated the classic Doxa look. The centralised writing on the dial, the shiny hands and markers, and the new bracelet just didn't look "Doxa-enough" to me. The 600T-Graph is absolutely ideal as it's a 95% copy of the original late 60's/early 70's model, but with all modern technology and a bigger case size. Perfect IMHO!
In terms of pricing though, I think they are a little on the high side brand new from Doxa (especially as they don't discount.... EVER), unless you wait until their sales. The 600T-Graph was
$3790 USD at one point (
), but I picked mine up in one of their sales for just $2490 USD, which was a
much more reasonable price. In fact I'd say it was quite a bargain considering the quality of the watch and the movement. I really fancy a 750T GMT at the moment, but the retail price on their website is $2795 USD at the moment.
For that price I could buy a Breitling Seawolf (albeit from Authentic watches). Think I'll wait for a sale on that model, thanks!
Bottom line is - they are totally unique looks-wise, you'll hardly ever see them around on peoples' wrists, and they're great value if you buy either in the Doxa sales that crop up perodically, or pre-owned. They're very tough and hardwearing, but there is no doubting they are "love them or loathe them" styling-wise. As you may have guessed, I love them!
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