Pre-owned Dodane watches

Founded in 1857 by Alphonse Dodane and François-Xavier Joubert, Dodane has embodied French horological excellence for over a century and a half. Initially established in La Rasse near the Swiss border, and later in Morteau and Besançon (from 1929), the company specialized early on in precision instruments for military use, becoming a benchmark in the field of aviation chronographs.

In the 1950s, Dodane was selected by the French Ministry of Defense to produce chronographs meeting strict specifications: high legibility, accuracy within eight seconds per day, a power reserve of at least 35 hours, and a flyback function. This led to the creation of the legendary Type 20 chronograph, designed specifically for fighter pilots. Produced alongside models by Breguet and Auricoste, the Type 20 quickly became a staple in French military cockpits.

In the 1960s, Dodane continued its momentum with the Type 21, an evolution of the Type 20 offering improved reliability and easier maintenance. This model equipped helicopter pilots in the French Air Force—particularly those operating Alouette helicopters—and featured the Valjoux 231 movement, a matte black dial with luminous numerals, and a bidirectional rotating bezel.

More recently, Dodane introduced the Type 23, a modern reinterpretation that remains faithful to its military roots. It features a 316L stainless steel case, 100-meter water resistance, a flyback automatic movement, and a contemporary 42.5 mm diameter—appealing to both professional pilots and enthusiasts of technical watchmaking.

Beyond military aviation, Dodane chronographs were also used by the French Navy and other national institutions, as well as by civil aviation companies. Today, models such as the Type 20 and Type 21 are highly sought after in the vintage and pre-owned watch market, prized for their authenticity, rarity, and heritage.

At Mostra Store, we offer a carefully curated selection of pre-owned Dodane watches, all fully serviced by our in-house workshop. Each piece is selected for its quality, authenticity, and historical value. Whether you're an aviation enthusiast, a military watch collector, or simply passionate about fine timepieces, a Dodane watch is more than a tool—it's a piece of French heritage you can wear on your wrist.