Vintage Doxa Automatic Date 'TV Screen' Cushion Case
Dress Watch / Casual Tool Watch · Doxa (Historically independent, part of the Synchron Group during the 70s). Mid-range luxury tier with a strong heritage in diving and tool watches.
Period: Vintage (Early 1970s); characterized by the 'TV Screen' or cushion geometry popular during the Space Age and funky 70s era.
Type
Dress Watch / Casual Tool Watch
Brand
Doxa (Historically independent, part of the Synchron Group during the 70s). Mid-range luxury tier with a strong heritage in diving and tool watches.
Movement
Mechanical Movement (likely Automatic, though possibly Hand-wound); features 'Incabloc' shock protection as indicated on the dial. Common calibers for this era include ETA 2780 series or Synchron-era movements.
Dimensions
36mm case width, 40mm lug-to-lug, 11mm thickness, 18mm-20mm lug width. It wears larger due to the square-ish cushion shape.
Description
This vintage Doxa represents the experimental and bold design language of the 1970s. Moving away from traditional round cases, it utilizes a chunky cushion-shaped 'TV Screen' silhouette. The standout feature is the vibrant blue fumé dial which transitions from a bright cobalt center to a dark midnight blue at the edges, reflecting the era's obsession with color and texture. While Doxa is famous for its Sub divers, this model showcases their ability to produce stylish, everyday dress-casual timepieces.
Key Features
Unique hexagonal/cushion case shape, 'Incabloc' shock protection text, blue gradient dial, and radial finish on the gold-toned case.
Dial Description
Blue gradient/fumé dial with a vertical 'cat's eye' or sunburst effect. Features white block applied indices, a date window at 3 o'clock, and simple baton hands with thin luminous strips.
Case Material
Gold-plated (Electroplated) base metal or stainless steel with a radially brushed top surface and polished beveled edges.
Crystal Type
Acrylic/Plexiglass; flat or slightly domed typical of the 1970s.
Bezel Details
Integrated fixed bezel; part of the unibody cushion case design with distinctive radial brushing.
Crown & Pushers
Small, recessed push-pull crown at 3 o'clock with fine knurling.
Bracelet or Strap
Navy blue suede/leather strap with tonal stitching and a gold-toned pin buckle.
Caseback Details
Likely a solid screw-down or snap-on stainless steel caseback, typical for Doxa watches of this period.
Movement Type
Mechanical Movement (likely Automatic, though possibly Hand-wound); features 'Incabloc' shock protection as indicated on the dial. Common calibers for this era include ETA 2780 series or Synchron-era movements.
Water Resistance
Non-water resistant; despite Doxa's reputation for divers, this dress-style vintage piece should be kept dry.
Origin & Provenance
Swiss Made; Manufacture located in Le Locle, Switzerland.
Age Estimate
Circa 1970-1975 based on the 'TV Dial' design and the 'Incabloc' text branding.
Cultural Significance
Represents the transition of the mechanical watch industry as it fought to stay relevant through bold, avant-garde designs just before the peak of the Quartz Crisis.
Condition Notes
Very Good condition; the plating on the case edges appears intact with crisp brushing. The dial is clean with no visible oxidation. Movement condition unknown but 'Incabloc' suggests robust construction.
Value Estimate
$350 - $650 USD depending on the specific movement caliber and proof of service.
Care & Maintenance
Service every 5-7 years; avoid all water contact as vintage gaskets are likely degraded. Keep away from strong magnetic fields (electronics) to preserve accuracy.
Similar Watches
Omega Constellation 'TV Dial', Tissot Visodate Cushion, Mido Commander cushion cases.
Interesting Facts
During the 1970s, Doxa was part of the Synchron Group alongside brands like Cyma and Borealis, which is why many Doxa watches from this era share design DNA with other Swiss labels.