Synchron pulls a coup with a Doxa re-issue right under Doxa's nose
Since 1997 Synchron Group has brought diving classics such as Aquadive, Isofrane and Tropic back to life. To celebrate its 25th anniversary they are now releasing another classic – this time from their historic Doxa catalogue. The Synchron Military Diver Re-Edition is based on the Doxa Army. The watch, which was seriously unusual already when it was launched, is built on a Doxa Sub300T case but without the NoDeco bezel that characterises the manufacturer's divers. The history around the Doxa Army is shrouded in obscurity, but based on images of product catalogues from the 70s the watch was sold to the civilian market alongside Doxa's other range.
Text: Ola Jacobsen
Since 1997 Synchron Group has brought dive classics like Aquadive, Isofrane and Tropic back to life. To celebrate their 25th anniversary they are now releasing yet another classic – this time from their historic Doxa catalogue. The Synchron Military Diver Re-Edition is based on the Doxa Army. The watch that was seriously unusual already when it was launched builds on a Doxa Sub300T case but without the NoDeco bezel that characterises the manufacturer's diving watches. The history around the Doxa Army is shrouded in obscurity but based on pictures of product catalogues from the 70s the watch was sold to the civilian market alongside Doxa's other range.
From the pictures the new watch's case is very similar to the neat Doxa Sub300 case, both in shape and brushing. The only thing that differs is the deep cut-out for the crown, which makes the generously sized crown stick out considerably beyond the case.
Dial and hands are also very similar to the original. Here Synchron has chosen brown Super Luminova to imitate aged tritium, as on the sought-after originals.
It can't be a coincidence that the same man, the watch lover and entrepreneur Rick Marei, who persuaded Doxa's owner to revive the Doxa Sub line and is behind the immensely popular Sub300 re-issues, is now launching precisely this watch through Synchron where he is active now.
The Synchron Military is made in 500 examples, 250 the DLC case and 250 in steel. According to the press release the watch will never be made again. A clear dig at the current Doxa owner Jenny, who has started manufacturing and selling the Doxa Sub300 model, even though it was previously recreated and sold only in a limited edition to enthusiasts.
A few hours after the launch Doxa counters with a picture of its Doxa Army version on Instagram, with the text ”The DOXA Army of the 70’s is back. Stay tuned. Only the original deserves your trust.”
Time to pop popcorn.
Facts: Synchron Military Diver Re-Edition
Material: 316L stainless steel, with or without DLC treatment
Size: 42 mm in diameter, 45 mm from lug to lug, 12,5 mm thick, 14 mm including case back
Movement: Automatic ETA-2824 Elabore
Water resistance: 300 metres
Crystal: Domed anti-reflective coated sapphire crystal
Bezel: Counter-clockwise rotating with 120 clicks. Luminous 60-minute scale with sapphire crystal
Strap: 20 mm Isofrane or Tropic rubber
Available: March 2021
