In 2017, Doxa has released several “anniversary” timekeepers that celebrate the brand’s first semicentennial in the business of making professional diving tools. While the blackfaced Sharkhunter and the silver-faced Searambler attracted their fair share of attention from collectors and, um, more normal enthusiasts alike, it was the Sub 300 “Black Lung” Limited-Edition automatic diver that broke the brand’s own sales record with the whole bunch being pre-ordered during the first 24 hours after registration officially commenced.
Deep Blue Master 2000 10 Year Anniversary Automatic Diver in Black/Orange (ref. M2KILBLKORGBLKORG)
Introduced to celebrate the brand’s tenth anniversary, the 2016 Deep Blue Master 2000 10 Year Anniversary collection arrives in a choice of three color schemes including two versions in black and blue that feature a combination of white and orange accents. The version in black and orange (ref. M2KILBLKORGBLKORG,) is the most interesting -or at least the most striking- among them. Delivering an impressive level of legibility in all lighting scenarios that I can imagine and combining good build quality of the case and bracelet with the dependability of a time-proven Swiss-made movement, it may be a bit expensive compared to their earlier models of similar design, but still offers good value for money if you can afford one.
Eberhard & Co. Scafograf 300 Automatic (Ref. 41034)
The 2016 Eberhard & Co. Scafograf 300 (ref. 41034) looks like a faithful recreation of the classic Scafograf from the 1950s. Offering you a nice combination of a robust Swiss-made movement, adequate water resistance rating of 300 meters, and an elegant exterior, it is mildly overpriced but will probably be successful in the long run when all sorts of discounts and rebates kick in.
Into the Dark: 2015 Nixon 51-30 Darth Vader Edition
The upcoming premiere of Star Wars: The Force Awakens is just a couple of months away and Nixon has already unveiled a sort of “official” Star Wars-themed collection. Besides the inevitable “Stormtroopers”, and “Imperial Pilots”, there is also a full-black limited-edition Nixon 51-30 Darth Vader that pays homage to the most iconic character of the series. And, yes: all three models are dedicated to agents of the dark side of the Force. Ah, that irresistible attractiveness of Evil!
Not that Feminine: the 2015 Breitling Superocean II 36 Diver for Ladies
The new Breitling Superocean II 36 Diver sports the usual styling that the series is known for. Basically offering the same unisex model in a slightly smaller size, the timekeeper won’t surprise you with new ideas, but will rather deliver the usual blend of sportiness, good build quality and a bullet-proof (albeit, mass produced) mechanism that will keep time as you would expect from a COSC-certified movement. What else there is to want?
Cuervo y Sobrinos Historiador Vuelo Automatic
As defiantly eclectic as it is, the Cuervo y Sobrinos Historiador Vuelo still makes a strong impression with its deliberately oversized stainless steel body and a dial that could make your eyes bleed if only it wasn’t matched so convincingly well to the energetic shape of the case. Not designed according to the book that most Swiss-based watchmakers live by, this new Historiador may be a timekeeper of choice for a person who looks for something entirely new.