Synchron Watches

Synchron: Vintage Dive Vibes with a Side of Collector Backstory

Synchron isn’t trying to be a household name. It’s trying to be a very specific name — one whispered among dive watch collectors, Doxa nerds, and

folks who still have screenshots from early ‘70s dive watch catalogs saved on their phone.

This is a brand that leans hard into retro military styling, super compressor silhouettes, and limited-run, modernized tool watches that feel like

they could’ve been issued by a navy no one talks about.

Brand History: Revival, Reissue, and a Bit of Doxa Drama

Originally, Synchron was a Swiss watch distribution group active in the 1960s and ‘70s — best known for acquiring and distributing watches from

brands like Doxa, Borel, and Cyma. It was never a watchmaker itself.

Fast forward to today, and the Synchron name was revived by Rick Marei, the same guy behind the modern Doxa comeback in the early 2000s

and later behind Aquadive and ISOfrane straps.

His mission? Use the Synchron name to build modern dive watches inspired by cold war-era design, but with the kind of build quality, lume, and

spec sheets that today’s collectors expect.

Oh, and the reissued Synchron Military? It ruffled some feathers with Doxa fans — and that only made it more interesting.

Collector Highlights: The Military Watch That Sparked the Buzz

  • Synchron Military – The debut reissue. A modern take on the rare Doxa Army / Military diver from the 1970s. Bead-blasted case, orange minute hand, crosshair dial, and C3 Super-LumiNova that lights up like a flashlight.

  • Military Poseidon Edition – A collab with the legendary Swedish dive gear brand. Bright yellow accents and upgraded straps. Pure '70s nostalgia.

  • Military Black Edition – All-black PVD case, stealth dial — looks like a classified mission briefing in watch form.

  • Aquadive Integration – While technically separate brands, Synchron watches share case construction and manufacturing DNA with modern Aquadive divers — meaning cushion cases, deep WR ratings, and serious tool specs.

All models feature ETA-based automatic movements (usually 2824-2), sapphire crystals, 300m water resistance, and limited production runs.

Why Collectors Should Care

  • Real ‘70s dive watch design DNA — not just inspired by, but actually tied to the originals

  • Legit military aesthetic — nothing ornamental, just rugged form and function

  • ETA automatic movements — reliable, easily serviced, and well-known

  • Low production numbers — many runs are under 500 pieces

  • Controversial enough to be cool — the Doxa crossover made this a talking point brand

  • Part of the Marei indie ecosystem — same hands behind Doxa’s revival and modern Aquadive

This isn’t a mass-market play. It’s for the guy who wants to explain his watch’s backstory over bourbon.

What They’re Making Now: Tactical Throwbacks with Daily Wearability

Synchron’s collection is focused and mission-specific:

  • Synchron Military in multiple variants — orange accents, yellow Poseidon collabs, stealth black

  • Small-batch runs only — when they sell out, they’re gone (and prices go up)

  • No wild complications — just dive bezels, screw-down crowns, and clean layout

  • Tool-forward sizing — typically 42–43mm, but wear shorter due to cushion cases

Most watches come with ISOfrane or Tropic-style rubber straps, bead-blasted cases, and old-school legitimacy with new-school build.

Fed’s Take

Synchron is what happens when a watch guy revives a brand not to make money — but because he wanted the watch to exist again.

I’ve sold the Synchron Military to dive nerds who already had a dozen Seikos and wanted something rarer. I’ve had Doxa fans buy one just to

compare… and keep both. And I’ve worn one — and it honestly feels like a vintage piece that got a full 2020s rebuild.

No fluff. No pretense. Just a cool watch with a backstory and a purpose.

If you want a dive watch that doesn’t say Rolex, Omega, or Seiko — but still feels legit on every level — Synchron is worth a second look.

Old-School Looks. Modern Build. Cold War Cool.

If you’re after a diver that feels like it came out of a declassified NATO supply catalog — and you like your tool watches with a little edge —

Synchron delivers.

Delray Watch occasionally sources Synchron watches — especially limited-run Military editions and Marei-era reissues.

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