DOXA Army

When dive watches were first introduced to the market, they were intended as tools that professional divers relied on. Rotating bezels that measure elapsed dive time were used to keep track of available oxygen in the diver’s tank.

As diving technology progressed, so did the military use of diving teams, and thus, the military’s need for reliable dive watches. Doxa supplied the Swiss Army with dive watches in 1969, developing a unique model now known as the Doxa Army.

About Doxa Army Watches

With a redesign aimed for tactical use, the Doxa Army watches feature a distinct dial design and simplified bezel, departing from the iconic Doxa design cues. Maintained is the iconic cushion case design, and robust reliability that solidified Doxa’s name in dive watch history.

With an origin story relating to the formation of the Swiss Army Diving Unit, the Doxa Army watches have a legitimate connection to military history. The design garnered many fans, which is why Doxa has released a version of the Doxa Army design for the general public.

Doxa Army History

Founded in 1889, Doxa started working on their first dive watch in the late 1960’s. In 1968, the Doxa Sub 300T was released, which featured the now famous orange dial and iconic Doxa dive timing bezel. The bezel features the air timing table for no compression dives, allowing divers to more accurately time their ascension to the surface.

Shortly after the release of their original dive watch in 1968, Doxa worked with the Swiss Army to provide watches for the military. In 1969, the Doxa Army was developed for the Swiss Army Diving Unit. The watch featured a simplified bezel, a black oxidized steel case, and a unique dial aimed to enhance legibility.

The black case was desired to reduce reflections, making the watch as covert as possible. Only 146 watches were produced, and only 128 of those were issued to active members, as the Swiss Army Diving Unit was kept out of the public eye. Because of this, original Doxa Army watches are quite rare.

The rarity did not stop the design from becoming a cult favorite. In 2022, Doxa partnered with the retailer Watches of Switzerland to create a 100-piece limited edition modernizing the original Doxa Army watch. With a case made of black ceramic, a modern FKM rubber strap, and a sapphire crystal, the re-edition maintained the looks of the original but brought modern reliability and durability to the table.

Following the popularity of the 2022 limited edition, Doxa has released another version of the Doxa Army, featuring a stainless steel case with the option of a green or black ceramic bezel insert, along with the option of a bronze bezel with the green bezel, the Doxa Army models in the current catalog are less tactically focused and intended for a more casual audience, but still aiming to please fans of the original Doxa Army design.

How Much Do Doxa Army Watches Cost?

With each model within the Doxa Army range being largely the same except for bezel color, material, and strap choice, the price range is quite narrow. Prices start at $2,050 for the watch on a rubber strap with a steel bezel and go to $2,290 for the watch on a steel beads of rice bracelet with a bronze bezel. The two color choices for the bezel are green and black, with color-matched rubber straps available.

The models on the bracelet include a ratcheting dive extension in the clasp. The rubber strap models include a deployant buckle with a ratcheting dive extension.

The good thing about these options and the small price difference is that deciding which model to choose is based on personal preference and less on the associated cost. Below is a breakdown of various options and configurations.

What’s Unique About Doxa Army Watches?

The most unique aspect of the Doxa Army watches, especially compared to other Doxa dive watches, is the redesigned dial and simplified bezel insert. Gone are the bright colors, and in their place is a black and white dial designed for underwater legibility.

The bezel is simplified, focusing on the elapsed dive time, and removed is the ascension time table. The design is intended for military use, with a focus on accomplishing the required mission and thus removing any unnecessary information.

Like other Doxa watches, the case maintains the cushion case design and measures 42.5mm wide and 44.5mm lug-to-lug, making it wearable on a large range of wrists despite its wider diameter.

Doxa Army Movements

Inside all Doxa Army watches are the Sellita SW200-1, an automatic winding 3-hand mechanical movement with a date, hacking, and hand-winding functions. The movement has a 38-hour power reserve and beats at 28,800 bph. The movement includes some decorations done by Doxa.

Doxa Army Watch Colors

The Doxa Army line of watches features a contrasting beige (faux vintage age) and black dial, with bright orange hands for underwater legibility. The color choices for this model include green and black for the bezel insert and the strap. There is also the option of a bronze bezel with a green bezel insert, either on a strap or bracelet.

Doxa Army Watch Materials

The Doxa Army collection stays with traditional materials for a dive watch, with the case, case back, and bracelet made of stainless steel. Should you opt for one of the strap options, the straps are made of rubber. There is the option of either a steel or bronze bezel, both of which come with a ceramic bezel insert in either green or black.

The rubber models come with a steel deployant clasp. The crystal covering the dial is made of sapphire, offering the scratch-resistant durability expected from a modern dive watch.

Buying Doxa Army Watches

There are a number of avenues one can pursue if they are interested in purchasing a Doxa Army Watch. Doxa sells the watches on its own website, and a number of authorized dealers sell Doxa watches on its websites and in its brick-and-mortar stores.

Exquisite Timepieces is an authorized dealer for Doxa watches, both in-person and online. Should you have any questions about the Doxa Army line of watches or any other models, the staff at Exquisite Timepieces will be happy to assist you.

Caring for Your Doxa Army Watch

Doxa has a reputation for building robust dive watches that will withstand a great deal of trying situations. Still, servicing your watch regularly is vital for it to be maintained and enjoyed for the many years it is intended for.

Exquisite Timepieces is able to take care of all servicing procedures for your Doxa watch and ensure it remains in top condition. Should any problems arise with your Doxa timepiece, Exquisite Timepieces will be able to assist you.

Many service issues are easily resolved in-house, and more complicated service needs are easily facilitated with the brand, as Exquisite Timepieces is an authorized Doxa retailer.

Doxa Army FAQ

How much is a DOXA Army?

Doxa Army watches start at $2,090 USD with a steel bezel and rubber strap and go up to $2,290 for a model with a bronze bezel and steel bracelet.

What is the history of the Doxa Army watch?

The original Doxa Army design was developed for the Swiss Army Diving Unit in the late 1960s. A modern interpretation was developed as a limited edition in 2022, and then Doxa developed a version for standard production that is available in their current catalog.

What movement is in the Doxa Army?

The Doxa Army collection uses the Sellita SW200-1 automatic movement.

Find your new Doxa Army watch with Exquisite Timepieces

Whether it is your first purchase or adding to an existing collection, Exquisite Timepieces is an authorized retailer for Doxa, both in our store in Naples, Florida, and online.

As an authorized dealer, all new Doxa timepieces come with their full manufacturer warranties and will be shipped free of charge and fully insured. Should you have any questions, please reach out and contact us, and an Exquisite Timepieces representative will be happy to assist you.