DOXA - Army Watches of Switzerland Edition

1 0 Wednesday 27 April 2022 Edit this post

DOXA is introducing today a reissue of the "Army" model that the brand released in 1969 in collaboration with the Swiss Army, presented at the time as “the ideal watch for military divers”.

A special edition limited to only 100 pieces, the new DOXA Army Watches of Switzerland Edition is faithful to the original design with some technical updates like the black matte ceramic case and a COSC-certified precision movement.

Jan Edöcs, CEO of DOXA, explains: “The DOXA Army is – due to its history with the Swiss Army, and its unusual original design – one of the most sought-after vintage DOXA pieces for collectors. It is truly a pleasure and an honour to call this cult model of our brand back to active duty with this new Limited Edition. Following the official recognition of the Swiss Army Divers by Swiss Federal Councillor Viola Amherd six months ago, we feel proud and privileged to celebrate not only an exceptional watch born more than 50 years ago, but also the excellent collaboration with our partner ‘Watches of Switzerland’.”

Based on design and specifications of the SUB 300 and SUB 300T models unveiled at Baselworld in 1967, the original DOXA Army was characterised by matte black case, matte black insert diving bezel and sand-beige dial.

The original DOXA Army - 1969

It was also one of the very first watches to use a coating process for its case. The stainless-steel case was blackened by oxidation, giving it a matte black finish that prevented any glare, a key criterion for military equipment. This visual effect, quite original at the time, is maintained in today's reissue through the choice of matte black ceramic for the case.

Measuring 42.5 mm x 44.5 mm with a thickness of 11.95 mm, the typical cushion-shaped case is equipped with a unidirectional rotating bezel, also made of matte black ceramic, that allows the wearer to calculate the time of immersion. Numerals and triangle at 12 o’clock are coated with Super-LumiNova luminescent material.

A scratch-proof sapphire crystal protects the beige dial with large orange hour and minute hands, also coated with Super-LumiNova that glows in green in the dark.

The screw-down titanium crown and threaded titanium case back contribute to make the watch water resistant up to a pressure of 30 ATM (approximately 300 meters / 980 feet).

The movement of choice is a chronometer-certified version of the automatic Sellita SW200-1 movement that beats at the frequency of 4 Hz (28,800 vibrations per hour) with an autonomy of 38 hours power reserve. The COSC (“Contrôle Officiel Suisse des Chronomètres”) certification guarantees not only the chronometric performances of the watch but also its compliance with the highest standards in terms of precision, reliability and shock resistance.

The watch is delivered in a packaging designed specifically for this edition and sporting the original camouflage pattern used by the Swiss Army at the time the watch was first issued. The box includes two straps: one made from black FKM rubber with black PVD-coated folding clasp. and one NATO strap with a camouflage pattern.