Of those two choices, I would prefer the Doxa. It is more understated even with the many colored dials. There is something about the Longines that is too "blingy" for me. If it didn't say Longines on the dial, I would assume it was an Invicta.

 

Yes I agree Longines is also blingy to me.

 

It's not blingy, it's just very very nice. Wheras the Doxa 200 is just blah. With a little extra effort the Doxa could have been much better.

I will say, I like the Orange and the 150th anniversary versions of the Doxa, but I'd buy one of their original subs first.

 

The Longines gives you a better quality for your money. It's a Longines Hydroconquest is a mainstay, whereas this new Doxa is a complete departure to generate sales with a ho-hum watch at their new lower price point . I've had 3 different Longines HydroConquests years ago in 42mm and they are very nicely finished overall.

The Doxa 200 looks hastily produced with little attention to any details. It's selling by name only I'm afraid.

Get the Longines. You will be glad you did.

 

I had the Longines 41mm HC and I regret selling it. Excellent quality and the fit and finish was very good.
My wrist is 7 inches so, 17.78cm The watch fit extremely well and wore a bit small. My wrist is very flat so I can wear sizes from 38 to 43 with ease. The 41mm may actually be sized ok for your wrist.

While the HC looks blingy in photos, I didn't find it over the top in person at all.

I own a Doxa 1200 and it too is exceptional and very close to the Longines in fit and finish. A different, more tool like vibe than the more polished Hydroconquest.

All that said, I am unsure about the new Doxa 200. I am still considering one but as mentioned above, the 200 doesn't seem to have the same attention to detail as the Doxa Subs and it seems to be positioned as their gateway/entry level model based on pricing and features. I will certainly reserve complete judgement until I can see and examine one in person but it does leave me wondering.

I do agree that the Longines will likely give you quality for your money and it's very comfortable wearing watch from a brand with a long history, of which Doxa has as well but in a different way.

 

I like the look of the Longines Hydroconquest Ceramic but it doesn't come with 39mm size.
As I know the besel of 39 is painted aluminium. Does it get scratched easly?

 

I've had my Hydroconquest for over two years, wearing it as my every day watch, and the bezel has never taken a scratch. It's pretty tough.

 

I have both and they each have their own merits. The Longines looks great and wears well, however I'm a fan of domed crystals and the Longines falls flat in that regard.

The Doxa is beautiful, not hastily put together as some have said, and is a real eye catcher. It also has a more vintage look which depending on the situation may not be what your looking for.

All in all I'm very happy with both. I wore the Longines yesterday and am wearing the Doxa now. I think some people are put off by what they feel a Doxa should cost and others are put off by that middle tier Longines occupies. I say try them both on if you can and buy the one that fits you best.

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Do you know what is the material of the besel insert of the doxa?

 

Unfortunately I don't have opportunity to test those on my wrist. I need to order both.

 

What size wrists do you have? The hydro will def take up more space, the crown guards alone are massive...

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Two very different watches, the Hydroconquest is a modern (desk) diver like the TAG Aquaracer, the Doxa Sub200 is a reissue of a vintage diver that should be compared more directly to the Legend Diver.

In terms of quality they should be more or less the same, I have a Doxa Sub300 but I have to admit that even the original watch was a Omega Seamaster 300 ripoff so I should recommend the Longines...in reality I would recommend either a LLD or a new Sub300T.

 

I like Legend Diver very much. But the lug to lug length is more than 50mm as I know so I am afraid it could be big for my taste on my wrist.

 

I prefer the Doxa as it “speaks” to me in a way that the Longines doesn’t - you could say that it floats my boat.

 

I prefer the Doxa as it "speaks" to me in a way that the Longines doesn't - you could say that it floats my boat.

I think it is like a diver version of Speedmaster)

 

If you already have your doubts about the Longines, then go with the Doxa. Plus, for me, the Doxa has more of a vintage vibe and is characteristic of the dive watches from the 60s and 70s.

 

I think his doubts are about the Doxa -- The "vintage vibe" isn't an everyday watch for everybody. I personally don't like the crystals that distort my view of a instrument where legibility is of utmost importance to me.

That said I know the vintage vibe is BIG business in the watch industry

 

I've had the Blue dial & the black dial but the silver was my favorite. These are the larger models. Picked it up for 500 smackers. I'd buy it again today if I could find it :-d

 

I've had the Blue dial & the black dial but the silver was my favorite. These are the larger models. Picked it up for 500 smackers. I'd buy it again today if I could find it

The silver one is really beautiful

 

I own examples of both. Although I do feel that Longines has better overall quality, I prefer Doxa, though not that model you picked. I prefer the traditional cushion case style.

 

Sorry double post.

 

It seems to me that you're more attracted to the Longines name and what you think it stands for than the actual Hydroconquest watch. You've repeatedly said there's something about the design that is a bit offputting to you. If something about a watch's design is offputting, remove it from your consideration. Don't try to convince yourself that you like a watch because the brand appeals to you or because the herd likes it and you feel you should like it to. You won't be happy and you'll have spent a pretty considerable amount of money on a watch you don't like.

I suggest you sit down and write down exactly what traits you are looking for in a watch, and maybe even some traits you do not want. Size, dial color, bezel material, strap type, complications, crystal type, etc... Then start searching for watches that meet those traits.

 

I want a watch that has a trait. I am not an English speaker and not sure if it is the right word.
For example when I see Oris Aquis or Tag Heuer Carrera or Longines hydroconquest on someone's hand I know what watches those are.
The other factor is the quality.

 

Ok here what I came up with.

Diver
Around 1000 USD
Automatic movement with good accuracy and serviceable
At least 100m water resistant
Lug to lug not more than 48
Ceramic besel
Sapphire crystal
Black or blue dial not too busy
Metal braclet with versatility of changing to other straps (which I think Longines HC doesn't have).
Distinctive style
Not blingy
Brand with hystory

Watches that I like and can't afford
Rolex submariner, Tag Heuer Aquaracer, Oris Aquis

 

Ok here what I came up with.

Diver
Around 1000 USD
Automatic movement with good accuracy and serviceable
At least 100m water resistant
Lug to lug not more than 48
Ceramic besel
Sapphire crystal
Black or blue dial not too busy
Metal braclet with versatility of changing to other straps (which I think Longines HC doesn't have).
Distinctive style
Not blingy
Brand with hystory

Watches that I like and can't afford
Rolex submariner, Tag Heuer Aquaracer, Oris Aquis

Is there a reason you believe the HC can't change straps? Looks like it can to me and there's certainly nothing stating that it can't.

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By the way the look of the Longines Hydroconquest Ceramic leaves no questions for me. But it is 41mm in diameter and more than 50mm lug to lug.

 

Also have you looked at Christopher Ward? There's several smaller size divers, classic looks, short lugs for under $1000.

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Christopher Ward has really nice watches but I am not sure if they have their own factory or just outsourceing those.

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Has anyone mentioned Squale 50 atmos? Aren't they around $1K?
Also, Seiko Shogun. Only problem is no ceramic bezel. Though I think you can get an aftermarket one for the Shogun. I think they tick all the other boxes.

 

Has anyone mentioned Squale 50 atmos? Aren't they around $1K?
Also, Seiko Shogun.

So it appears I tend to pay attention to the brand rank.
And never heard about Squale. Does it stand with Longines?

 

Your wrist is slightly bigger than mine I'm at 6.75 inches.

This is a 40mm CW for reference. I also have a squale 50 atmos which wears a little bigger.

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Actually I more look for a brand with heritage, not only being famous.
I have certina DS Action Precidrive and I don't know why I want a step up to a watch with automatic movement and higher rank.

 

Well Squale , Certina, Doxa and especially Longines all have heritage though sometimes resurrected …. they all do what they are supposed to with decent movements. I would say the only brand non-watch geeks would recognise on your wrist would be Longines. Having said that its hard for anyone to find the perfect watch - I know there is normally one little thing that I'm not sure about ... so on that basis buy the one you like the best, don't worry what other folk will think about it as most won't even notice what you are wearing - or save your money in the hope that the perfect one for you hits the market! On the vintage market you could probably pick up a vintage Longines Admiral for a decent price... heres my two - 38 and 40mm

Another quality option at reasonable price and size would be the Sinn 104

 

The true Beads of Rice bracelet,with Screw Pin adjustment alone makes this a NO CONTEST!Doxa Sub200 will also hold it's value better than Longines,the sales forums are littered with hugely discounted pieces.Get the Doxa,you won't regret it...

 

What about the movement comparison?
And I am not sure if this doxa is a part of the continuation of Doxa heritage.

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I have 41 mm HC (with aluminum bezel - I DO NOT like the HC Ceramic bezel), a Doxa 1200T and a Squale 50 Atmos.

I'd recommend the HC over the new Doxa 200. The 200 shape does not speak Doxa to me.
I love my Squale 1521 and would recommend that over the Doxa 200.
The jury is still out on the new Doxa lineup, way too early to tell what the new ownership will bring to long term values, etc.

The HC is my daily-driver, work/dress watch so it gets the majority of the wrist time and among the trip above, the most versatile over all occasions.

 

I just noticed Squale 1545. I think it is a nice one. And the price is much cheaper.