On vintage divers, Doxa 300 alts

alane24 · Feb 23, 2022

Looking for those smaller or obscure brands that offered a diver that looks like a classic Doxa 300T with that cushion case and striking design details. I think the Bulova Oceanographer checks some of those boxes.

What else?

alane24 · Feb 23, 2022

Another that's vaguely similar

S.H. · Feb 23, 2022

Seiko 6306/6309 ? On some aftermarket BoR bracelet I feel it is in the same league:

https://www.uncleseiko.com/collecti...ts/beads-of-rice-bracelet-for-6309-diver-22mm

alane24 · Feb 23, 2022

S.H.
Seiko 6306/6309 ? On some aftermarket BoR bracelet I feel it is in the same league:

https://www.uncleseiko.com/collecti...ts/beads-of-rice-bracelet-for-6309-diver-22mm

Definitely! But I'm looking for more obscure.

Dan S · Feb 23, 2022

Certina. But they are no cheaper than Doxa if you're looking to save money. But why not just get a Doxa 300T? They are great watches and not overly common.

connieseamaster · Feb 23, 2022

Not exactly the same case shape, but many of the Doxa cases were made by Jenny who also made cases for Squale, Invicta, Phillip, Aquadive, and others.

alane24 · Feb 23, 2022

Dan S
But they are no cheaper than Doxa if you're looking to save money.

True, and this is sort of the point. I thought it might be fun to reveal some more affordable alternatives to the DOXA's

alane24 · Feb 23, 2022

connieseamaster
Not exactly the same case shape, but many of the Doxa cases were made by Jenny who also made cases for Squale, Invicta, Phillip, Aquadive, and others.

Thanks for the info, this helps

Dan S · Feb 23, 2022

Anthony Lane
True, and this is sort of the point. I thought it might be fun to reveal some more affordable alternatives to the DOXA's

OK, that helps. So you're not just looking for something more obscure, but also something less expensive. That wasn't clear to me from the OP and the follow-up, since you rejected the Seiko Turtle suggestion even though they are a lot less expensive than the Doxa Sub. 👍 In that case, I guess a Seiko 6105-8000 would be out of the question.

Do you have a specific budget?

alane24 · Feb 23, 2022

Dan S
Do you have a specific budget?

I'm not shopping for one now, I just wanted to pitch this idea and see what you folks would recommend since I haven't really researched this topic. Budget-wise whatever's for sale today will likely be out of my budget next week! 🤔

(I am keeping my eyes peeled for smaller French brands that mimic the infamous Dodane/Airain skin diver with the huge Arabic numerals...)

Dr.Sascha · Feb 24, 2022

Dan S
Certina. But they are no cheaper than Doxa if you're looking to save money. But why not just get a Doxa 300T? They are great watches and not overly common.

Yeah, the Certina DS diver's are excellent pieces. You can get the Argonauts for 1200-1500, though the big divers (DS-1 and DS-2) will run you more.

Perhaps a Yema? https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/203804188232?hash=item2f73ad1e48:g:W7EAAOSw8XRfmttl

This Titan seems to fit the bill:https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/274737954969?hash=item3ff7a88099:g:HgoAAOSwArFgYcgH

Or this Vulcain: https://www.chrono24.com/vulcain/vintage-diver-bullseye--id22277243.htm

This Sandoz is also kinda funky (but costs the same as the Bulova): https://www.chrono24.com/sandoz/sandoz-redfish-oltrashock-vintage-diver-44mm--rare--id21199699.htm

And the Bulova itself, of course: https://www.chrono24.com/bulova/bul...kelite-bezel---vintage---1970--id18968895.htm

Many of the minor brands did cushion cases w/bezels and round furniture at some point (e.g. Caravelle, Mondain). You just have to keep searching and be patient.

JwRosenthal · Feb 24, 2022

I think the ship has sailed on “bargains” in this sector of the market. There are tons of cheap chrome plated early 70’s watches in this style (that go for too much money even under $300), but the competition for the good ones is fierce- there are no sleepers anymore.

S.H. · Feb 24, 2022

JwRosenthal
I think the ship has sailed on “bargains” in this sector of the market. There are tons of cheap chrome plated early 70’s watches in this style (that go for too much money even under $300), but the competition for the good ones is fierce- there are no sleepers anymore.

Indeed. Anything diver-shaped is sought after these days, obscure or not. Even a good 6309 is at least 500eur now even you know where to look, it is nice but fairly basic and no bargain at this level.

I'd recommend forgetting about divers for now and buying dressier watches, obscure or not (except the R-word and pie pan Constellations, too hyped). They may just get back in fashion in a few years anyway, who knows...

alane24 · Feb 24, 2022

JwRosenthal
I think the ship has sailed on “bargains” in this sector of the market.

I have gotten very lucky in the last month obtaining two nice watches that both were under 200 USD, however, one was local sitting in an antique shop of all places and the other was a nab off Etsy...very lucky. Agree with you though, it seems like EVERY gem on eBay has dozens of followers and bids are going down 6 days before the end of the auction. It's insane.

Since black dialed skin divers seem to be on fire right now I thought it could be fun to look for some quirky 70's colorful cushion case type divers. Maybe there's a little gap in that market, but probably not.

On vintage divers, Doxa 300 alts

alane24

alane24

S.H.

alane24

Dan S

connieseamaster

alane24

alane24

Dan S

alane24

Dr.Sascha

JwRosenthal

S.H.

alane24

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