Synchron Military - From time to time there comes an hour that shakes the institution. Okay, so this is a very small corner of the watch world we're talking about, but still... The Synchronized Army is here, and it's not without controversy.
In our latest vintage diver's watch podcast, Balazs and I briefly discussed the new Synchron Military and the frenzy it created on its first day of release. We envisioned a "Biggie vs. Tupac"-style showdown. Frankly, we were not out of place at all. Synchron has shots that have first priority over a larger but unattached mark. If you're here just to look at the watch, you'll be wondering, "What's Mike talking about?" you might be thinking. "As retiree Terrell Owens once said, 'Get your popcorn ready!'
Synchron Military
Let's make one thing clear from the start: Synchron Military is a tribute watch, and in most cases the discussion ends only after that statement. People either support or strongly oppose these copycats. A slightly different wrinkle to this story is the watch brand and the man behind the watch. The inspiration part of this new model is the DOXA army. This watch is an incredibly rare diver from the 70's, believed by some to be a Swiss military watch. A fantastic article on the Blomman Watch Report does a great job of countering this statement.
Wts] Synchron Military Diver
Maybe the original DOXA was meant for the military and it was all messed up. Who knows, but the result was a very unique watch in the shape of the DOXA SUB 300T with its black coated case. However, there have been the usual SUB changes with the aforementioned case color, different bezels and phone. The black and white dials also brought a completely different look to the familiar case. Eventually, the case face abandoned the Synchro mark in favor of a target shooting motif with the word "army". Finding one of these watches is incredibly difficult, with most production numbers being less than 100. What's more, most of the survivors have lost their black color – most brands' early attempts at plating were sketchy at best. It was not easy to find such a watch before. This is where Synchron Military comes into play.
On March 10th, those of us already signed up for email alerts from Synchron brands woke up to something very exciting. By the way, Synchron is owned by Rick Murray and includes Tropic, Isofrane and Aquadive. The post advertised a "homage to a very rare diver from the 1970s" and then we saw it - a 300m Synchro Trooper.
Now what makes this build so original is that Synchron once owned DOXA. The original army was actually created during the Synchro Age. So saw Synchron Military and made a connection. For clarity, this link no longer exists. DOXA and Synchron are not related. Another interesting point here is that Rick Murray is behind the release of Synchron. Until the end of 2018, Rick was the general manager of the DOXA SUB line. If you're holding a vintage-inspired SUB from a few years ago, it was to blame. So yeah, this new release isn't your usual homage. And what does DOXA say about Synchron Military?
Later that Wednesday, DOXA posted the DOXA Army Vintage on their Instagram account. I say vintage because it had a tritium dial. This was surprising since it had the traditional SUB arms, but the meaning was clear. DOXA told us ARMY is coming back and "only the original deserves your trust." While we don't know what was going on in Switzerland that day, some felt that DOXA was struggling after watching Synchron Military. The comments elicited excited head shakes.
Synchron Military Reissue. Discontinued Model. Full Set.
The next day, a macro photo hit Instagram with the right hand and a closer look at the dial. So yes, there will be two modern versions of the highly desirable (and often requested) watch, and we're glad to see the DOXA.
With the back and forth out of the way, that leaves a much bigger question. Specifically, is Synchron Military any good? Fortunately, the answer is yes—it's actually pretty good. We have almost the same body design as the Synchron era SUB 300T. I compared it to my Sharkhunter 300T and except for a slight difference in rim diameter, it is identical. This means a diameter of 42 mm, a thickness of 45 mm and a total thickness of 14 mm. The six-hole screw in case back design is the same as the vintage model, and even the thickness of the case back is similar. The only visual difference is the crown. This new model is signed and milled to the same depth as the original. It just sticks further.
The Synchron Military is available in either stainless steel or, more historically accurate, black PVD in editions of 250 pieces. (Update: The PVD version shows a different rim on the site - it also shows a faded shine.) Each one is individually numbered as part of a total edition of 500 pieces. Regardless of the model, you'll find a 37mm 120 click panel with bright sapphire inserts and matching sapphire crystals. The frame has angled teeth for easy turning. The action of the app is solid and feels quality.
While becoming somewhat rare these days, the watches use the ETA 2824-2. As before, the date is inside a small window at 3 o'clock. Rick chose to use distressed Super-LumiNova on the caseback, dial and hands to give it a NOS "found on antique" look. Some may criticize this, but I think it really adds some warmth to a black and white dial. In addition, this thing is a torch in the dark! As for the hands, they look great and there is no "outside the lines" paint or lume bleed. The dial itself is of similar quality with excellent printing and detailing. That Synchron logo is also perfectly at home at 11 o'clock.
Synchron 70's Military Homage
The Synchron Military comes with a 20mm Tropic or Isofrane strap. My stainless steel model arrived at Tropic and I haven't found the need to change it yet. It looks perfect and fits just like my old 300T wears. I think a vintage Expandro strap would fit, and a current 300T would too (let us know if anyone has tried this). These watches aren't small, but they fit most wrists perfectly. Oh, and that crown? A lot of people have asked if it sinks into the wrist, but I can say for sure. When fully extended, it has a slight wobble at the crown. I also had to plant the screw a few times before it was smooth. Other than that, I can say that this watch seems to be of the same quality as my Black Lung from a few years ago.
The fact that this watch feels so good is amazing considering its price. The Synchron Military is still on sale for an introductory price of $990, while supplies last. The regular price is $1,290, but the watch will not be included (the steel model is sold out). Excellent value for money for such a well executed watch. Now some people associate this with the fact that the inscription "Swiss Made" is not found on the dial. Although not widely discussed, non-Swiss parts are typical of many of our watches. However, many of these watches still have the words "Swiss Made" on the dial. Rick said the assembly and quality control is done in Switzerland, so I'll leave it at that. Finally, when you talk to Rick, if you've had a new Aquastar, the same vendors will work here.
If you're a fan of vintage DOXA, vintage dive watches, or just cool designs, the Synchron Military seems like a no-brainer to me. I really like the build quality and the watch itself looks good. Pricing is seriously affordable in the watch world, with many brands attempting to mark up 50% or more. And then there is the flow of controversy. I find it interesting and that makes this watch feel like more than just a regular tribute. Let's see what DOXA brings. What I love most about Synchro is that I didn't see it coming. It just goes to show that we can still have serious fun with this hobby and it doesn't have to be too expensive.
Brandon's goals for 2023 are to improve mom's watch, work smarter and buy three exclusive Brandon Baynes 2s
Doxa 1200t/300t/synchron Military/aquadive Bathyscaphe
Enter: Grand Seiko SBGW295 - New performance
Synchron brain implant, karhu synchron 2020, synchron motor, synchron electric clock motors, synchronous synchron motor, karhu synchron, hansen synchron motor, synchron sprecher, synchron clock motor, synchron, synchron 610 clock motor, synchron bank
0 Comments