Posted on November 05 2021
This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated
Last Updated 9th April 2024
Some watch brands have over a hundred years of history. Others are newly launched with social media campaigns that you can't miss.
And then there are brands like Duxot.
They're not a brand with heritage or an exciting new upstart. Instead, they're a modern name that I've noted, but not quite got around to investigating.
They've been on my radar, but only as I've stumbled across them while looking for something else.
But each time that I've seen a nice Duxot model, I've made a mental note to check them out. I've finally gotten around to it.
Duxot Watches are a brand owned by Dartmouth Brands Ltd. You're probably already familiar with some of the other names in their stable - including Avi-8, Spinnaker and Dufa.
Dartmouth is a British registered company that is owned by Hong Kong-based Solar Time Ltd. This company has offices in Hong Kong and London and a presence in the US. They’re a large and influential watch manufacturer that owns several brands and builds watches for other licensed brands.
Solar Time, the owners of the Duxot brand, are based in Hong Kong. They own a watch manufacturing facility in China where their watches are produced.
Importantly, like many watch brands at this price-point - affordable, but not budget - they use Japanese movements.
Like Spinnaker, Dufa and Avi-8, Duxot makes good quality watches. They're well made and use Japanese branded movements - often mechanical.
As you'll see from my list, they regularly use sapphire crystals. They also have good water resistance. My only caution would be that Duxot can sometimes be priced higher than other brands from Dartmouth.
These are affordable watches. But they're not inexpensive models like Chinese brands Pagani Design and Corgeut. I'd see them as a step up, with more original designs.
Duxot's watches first caught my eye because of their bold retro styling. It's part of the brand's ethos. They boast that all their watches are inspired by watch designs of the 1960s, 70s and 80s.
That works for me.
Let's have a look at the best watches that they have to offer.
And then there are brands like Duxot.
They're not a brand with heritage or an exciting new upstart. Instead, they're a modern name that I've noted, but not quite got around to investigating.
They've been on my radar, but only as I've stumbled across them while looking for something else.
But each time that I've seen a nice Duxot model, I've made a mental note to check them out. I've finally gotten around to it.
Who are Duxot Watches?
Duxot Watches are a brand owned by Dartmouth Brands Ltd. You're probably already familiar with some of the other names in their stable - including Avi-8, Spinnaker and Dufa.
Dartmouth is a British registered company that is owned by Hong Kong-based Solar Time Ltd. This company has offices in Hong Kong and London and a presence in the US. They’re a large and influential watch manufacturer that owns several brands and builds watches for other licensed brands.
Where are Duxot Watches Made?
Solar Time, the owners of the Duxot brand, are based in Hong Kong. They own a watch manufacturing facility in China where their watches are produced.
Importantly, like many watch brands at this price-point - affordable, but not budget - they use Japanese movements.
Are Duxot Watches Any Good?
Like Spinnaker, Dufa and Avi-8, Duxot makes good quality watches. They're well made and use Japanese branded movements - often mechanical.
As you'll see from my list, they regularly use sapphire crystals. They also have good water resistance. My only caution would be that Duxot can sometimes be priced higher than other brands from Dartmouth.
These are affordable watches. But they're not inexpensive models like Chinese brands Pagani Design and Corgeut. I'd see them as a step up, with more original designs.
The 7 Best Duxot Watches
Duxot's watches first caught my eye because of their bold retro styling. It's part of the brand's ethos. They boast that all their watches are inspired by watch designs of the 1960s, 70s and 80s.
That works for me.
Let's have a look at the best watches that they have to offer.
The Duxot Ascensus is an eye-catching watch that embodies the brand's ethos - creating affordable retro-inspired watches. It's distinctive and oozes vintage charm.
It's exactly the kind of watch that drew me to Duxot. The basics are intriguing and the details are a pleasant surprise.
Firstly, this watch reminds me of a Super Compressor style of watch. Although this isn't a diver, it gives a nod to the dual crown divers of the 1960s and 70s.
That alone makes this an interesting piece.
And the details?
The specs are as I'd expect for a watch at this price-point. It has a reliable Japanese automatic movement, a sapphire crystal and 100M of water resistance.
But look closer at the dial. It has an outer chapter ring, a textured area with numerals and then an inner section with the logo and dial text. Despite the simple colour scheme, this watch has a complex design.
I like it. It's quite sporty, without being a sports model. The dual crown case - a chunky 44mm wide - is unusual. And I think that is where Duxot will win fans. They're doing something a little different.
For me, this is the brand's best watch and an ideal place to start.
It's exactly the kind of watch that drew me to Duxot. The basics are intriguing and the details are a pleasant surprise.
Firstly, this watch reminds me of a Super Compressor style of watch. Although this isn't a diver, it gives a nod to the dual crown divers of the 1960s and 70s.
That alone makes this an interesting piece.
And the details?
The specs are as I'd expect for a watch at this price-point. It has a reliable Japanese automatic movement, a sapphire crystal and 100M of water resistance.
But look closer at the dial. It has an outer chapter ring, a textured area with numerals and then an inner section with the logo and dial text. Despite the simple colour scheme, this watch has a complex design.
I like it. It's quite sporty, without being a sports model. The dual crown case - a chunky 44mm wide - is unusual. And I think that is where Duxot will win fans. They're doing something a little different.
For me, this is the brand's best watch and an ideal place to start.
Duxot Ascensus DX-2015-11
|
The Duxot Maris is a more straightforward mid-sized divers watch. It has 200M of water resistance and is again powered by a Japanese mechanical movement. It's a durable piece that would make an ideal everyday watch.
Of the different variations, I'm quite taken with this white dial version. The simple colour palette, bold markers and cathedral hands combine to give this a familiar look, without it being a Submariner clone.
Again, the vintage inspiration is evident. But it's toned down. The hands are more ornate than on most modern divers, but the bezel and dial text have a contemporary feel. The lack of crown guards subtly reinforces the vintage styling, while the case feels modern.
The overall effect is pleasing. It's not particularly unique. Instead, it's a good example of an affordable modern dive watch, that features retro touches.
But the price is important here.
You can pick this model up for half that of the Ascensus. So if budget is crucial - and it is for a lot of watch fans- then this could be the best Duxot watch to try.
Of the different variations, I'm quite taken with this white dial version. The simple colour palette, bold markers and cathedral hands combine to give this a familiar look, without it being a Submariner clone.
Again, the vintage inspiration is evident. But it's toned down. The hands are more ornate than on most modern divers, but the bezel and dial text have a contemporary feel. The lack of crown guards subtly reinforces the vintage styling, while the case feels modern.
The overall effect is pleasing. It's not particularly unique. Instead, it's a good example of an affordable modern dive watch, that features retro touches.
But the price is important here.
You can pick this model up for half that of the Ascensus. So if budget is crucial - and it is for a lot of watch fans- then this could be the best Duxot watch to try.
Duxot Maris DX-2001-55
|
The Fortius is more obviously retro and is reminiscent of barrel case dive watches from the 1970s. It's a great example of a modern watch with a vintage aesthetic. And this variation, with the gold accents, is the best of the bunch.
Let's get the specs out of the way - by now you know what to expect. This model has an increased water resistance of 250M and a sapphire crystal. And again, it runs from a Japanese automatic movement.
The case design is probably familiar to you. It's similar to iconic divers from Doxa and Bulova. It also reminds me of Seiko's older dive watches, although they often feature a crown at 4 o'clock. Either way, this case shape is recognisably vintage.
And it allows Duxot to build around that vintage base. They've done this with basic markers, bold hands and a textured dial. The gold accents - on the dial, hands and bezel - round out the design nicely.
I'm a fan of leather straps on dive watches and this model demonstrates why. But this watch also ships with a mesh bracelet too. So you get to choose which you prefer.
The final point to consider is the size. I prefer smaller dive watches and the Fortius comes in at 40mm wide. That's a good choice and suits me better than the 44mm of the Ascensus.
If you want a strong retro look and a mid-sized diver, take a closer look at the Fortius.
Let's get the specs out of the way - by now you know what to expect. This model has an increased water resistance of 250M and a sapphire crystal. And again, it runs from a Japanese automatic movement.
The case design is probably familiar to you. It's similar to iconic divers from Doxa and Bulova. It also reminds me of Seiko's older dive watches, although they often feature a crown at 4 o'clock. Either way, this case shape is recognisably vintage.
And it allows Duxot to build around that vintage base. They've done this with basic markers, bold hands and a textured dial. The gold accents - on the dial, hands and bezel - round out the design nicely.
I'm a fan of leather straps on dive watches and this model demonstrates why. But this watch also ships with a mesh bracelet too. So you get to choose which you prefer.
The final point to consider is the size. I prefer smaller dive watches and the Fortius comes in at 40mm wide. That's a good choice and suits me better than the 44mm of the Ascensus.
If you want a strong retro look and a mid-sized diver, take a closer look at the Fortius.
Duxot Fortius DX-2019-03
|
The Altius is a departure from the dive watch aesthetic of the first three models. It's very much a German-style pilots watch. Still vintage-inspired, but with more of a militaristic appeal.
Like most German Flieger watches, this model is large. The case is 46mm wide and it also has a large crown. This is how pilots watches really were. They were large so that they were legible and the crown was designed to be easy to turn when wearing gloves.
It's arguable how practical that is for a modern watch.
But the design is certainly popular. It harks back to the early days of the Luftwaffe and the German heritage brands that supplied their watches.
And for the most part, the Altius is faithful to those original designs. It's not a homage to a particular model but recreates the general appearance well.
Aside from the large case and crown, the Altius also features a black dial with very legible numerals. There's a small sub-dial for the seconds and a neat date window.
And once more, this is an automatic model.
In keeping with the spirit of Flieger watches, this model uses a leather strap.
It's big and it's bold. The case is bronze coloured too, which won't be for everyone. But if you love the classic German aviation watch design, then Duxot have a contender. It's definitely worth a closer look.
Like most German Flieger watches, this model is large. The case is 46mm wide and it also has a large crown. This is how pilots watches really were. They were large so that they were legible and the crown was designed to be easy to turn when wearing gloves.
It's arguable how practical that is for a modern watch.
But the design is certainly popular. It harks back to the early days of the Luftwaffe and the German heritage brands that supplied their watches.
And for the most part, the Altius is faithful to those original designs. It's not a homage to a particular model but recreates the general appearance well.
Aside from the large case and crown, the Altius also features a black dial with very legible numerals. There's a small sub-dial for the seconds and a neat date window.
And once more, this is an automatic model.
In keeping with the spirit of Flieger watches, this model uses a leather strap.
It's big and it's bold. The case is bronze coloured too, which won't be for everyone. But if you love the classic German aviation watch design, then Duxot have a contender. It's definitely worth a closer look.
Duxot Altius DX-2021-03
|
The Duxot Accelero is a very affordable alternative to the Rolex Daytona. It's not an exact replica, but it's certainly close enough to draw comparisons. And if you don't have two years to sit on a Rolex waiting list, only to spend more than £10k on a watch, then this could be an ideal solution.
Like the Rolex, the Duxot is styled like a 1960s racing chronograph. Unlike the Rolex, the Accelero is powered by a meca-quartz movement.
There are some colourful variations of the Accelero, and I'd advise opting for one of the more vibrant models. For me, this red variation is stunning.
And at 40mm wide, 13mm thick and with a 20mm bracelet, this is a very comfortable watch. Like Rolex's original, it's a versatile sports watch that works well in most settings.
The Duxot has some minor design points that set it apart from the Daytona. The date window at 12 o'clock for example. It's quirky and gives the watch some of its own character.
As does the combination of a red dial and bezel.
This is for fans of the Rolex. It doesn't mimic the more famous original, but it ticks the same boxes. There are a lot of Rolex Daytona homages about, and this is one of the better ones.
Like the Rolex, the Duxot is styled like a 1960s racing chronograph. Unlike the Rolex, the Accelero is powered by a meca-quartz movement.
There are some colourful variations of the Accelero, and I'd advise opting for one of the more vibrant models. For me, this red variation is stunning.
And at 40mm wide, 13mm thick and with a 20mm bracelet, this is a very comfortable watch. Like Rolex's original, it's a versatile sports watch that works well in most settings.
The Duxot has some minor design points that set it apart from the Daytona. The date window at 12 o'clock for example. It's quirky and gives the watch some of its own character.
As does the combination of a red dial and bezel.
This is for fans of the Rolex. It doesn't mimic the more famous original, but it ticks the same boxes. There are a lot of Rolex Daytona homages about, and this is one of the better ones.
Duxot Accelero DX-2018-55
|
The Audentis is another take on the chronograph style. It's less colourful, more restrained and slightly more dressy than the Accelero.
It's also larger than the Accelero and doesn't give off the same vintage vibes. Other than both being quartz chronographs, these are two very different watches.
But I like both. I can see why you would choose this subtle watch. It's doesn't overcomplicate things. There's no tachymeter, contrasting sub-dials or large pushers. Instead it has a plain bezel and a simple colour scheme.
It's more formal than the Accelero and has a slightly larger case. The case is paired with a larger bracelet too - this one being 22mm wide. So overall, it's a more substantial watch.
In keeping with the more dressy styling, the water resistance is a token 50m. But it does have a sapphire crystal. Like the Accelero, this is a quartz model and very affordable.
It's also larger than the Accelero and doesn't give off the same vintage vibes. Other than both being quartz chronographs, these are two very different watches.
But I like both. I can see why you would choose this subtle watch. It's doesn't overcomplicate things. There's no tachymeter, contrasting sub-dials or large pushers. Instead it has a plain bezel and a simple colour scheme.
It's more formal than the Accelero and has a slightly larger case. The case is paired with a larger bracelet too - this one being 22mm wide. So overall, it's a more substantial watch.
In keeping with the more dressy styling, the water resistance is a token 50m. But it does have a sapphire crystal. Like the Accelero, this is a quartz model and very affordable.
Duxot Audentis DX-2022-11
|
The final watch that I'd like to highlight nails the retro barrel case look. The Tortuga, like the Fortius, emulates the cushion case divers of the 1960s and 70s.
This is a legitimate dive watch with 200M of water resistance a functional rotating bezel. It's powered by the microbrand favourite - Seiko's NH35A automatic movement. And of course, it has a sapphire crystal.
There's nothing flash here. The Tortuga, like the watches it mimics, is a tool watch. An attractive tool watch with a cool retro style. But it's still a tool.
And that works well here.
It has a clear lineage and recognisable DNA. But above all else, this is a functional watch. This is reinforced by the conservative colour palette and the simple hands and markers.
The dial has different textures and a neat date window, but neither of these detracts from the simple dive watch ethos.
At 45mm wide, this watch is too big to be a desk diver. But why hide this under a shirt cuff? This watch is designed to be in water - where a large legible watch is more suitable than a slim, dainty piece.
It's a great watch to round out my list with. It shows the brand at its best. Making functional mechanical watches designed with a specific purpose in mind.
Duxot Tortuga DX-2026-11
|
Conclusion
Duxot may have slipped under your radar. They did for me.
It took a while before I noticed them enough to sit down and start doing some research. When I did I was pleasantly surprised. Having already written about Duxot's sister brands - Avi-8, Spinnaker and Dufa - I should have already been familiar with Duxot.
So I started to dig around.
What I found was a collection of well-made Chinese watches, powered by Japanese movements. For the most part, automatics.
And the styling?
The brand boasts that their watches are influenced by classic designs from the 1960s, 70s and 80s. Some, like the Accelero pay homage to Rolex, while the Fortius and Tortuga are more reminiscent of retro Japanese divers.
That gives you a nice mix of styles and price points.
Price may be an issue with Duxot. They're affordable watches - but they're not cheap. So I'd suggest that you follow some of my links and shop around.
And when you've done that?
Let me know your thoughts in the comments below.
Related Posts
Machia's German V5 Chronograph has an Exciting Backstory
As each new watch passes across my desk I have the job of digging into the brand's back story. With the smaller bra...
Read More
Holgar's Sport Is An Affordable And Exciting Swiss-Made Watch
One of the most enjoyable features in the world of niche watch brands is the way a founder's personality is express...
Read More
Mr Jones Nuage Will Have You Falling In Love With Timekeeping Again
I'll be the first to admit that there's no real need for a wristwatch.Sitting at your desk with the time constantly d...
Read More
DWISS R2 Showcases the Best of Independent Swiss Watchmaking
There's a sweet spot where enthusiasm and skill meet.In the world of watches, there are plenty of small brands run by...
Read More
Pompeak's Sub-Aquatic is a Handsome British Diver with a Swiss Heart
If it's not broken don't fix it.You'll have heard that saying a million times, usually because it rings true. It's ce...
Read More
AVI-8's Hawker Typhoon Sheila Raises Funds to Rebuild a Legend
Hot on the heels of Avi-8's Flyboy Tuskegee Airmen comes a watch inspired by the RAF's Hawker Typhoon. The Tuskegee w...
Read More
Your article convinced me to try the brand. I found a Tortuga Chrono for$129 usd. I haven’t received it yet but because of your review on the brand I’m very optimistic! Cheers