Dodane 1857

Overview

Dodane 1857 is a French watch manufacturer specializing in pilot and aviation chronographs, with a heritage in military and civil aviation instruments. Founded in 1857, it produced Type 20 and Type 21 watches for the French Air Force from the 1950s to 1994, and was revived in the 2000s by the fifth generation to reissue historic models like Type 21 and Type 23. The brand focuses on flyback chronographs with Swiss movements, positioned in the niche market for aviation tool watches.¹²³⁵

History

Dodane 1857 was founded in 1857 in La Rasse by Alphonse Laurent Dodane and his father-in-law François Xavier Joubert, initially producing ébauches and later aviation chronographs. It supplied Type 20/21 pilot watches to the French military from 1954 to 1994 under various brands. The original company entered receivership in 1992, dissolved in 1994, and faced bankruptcy again in 2022 under Cédric Dodane, but the brand persists with reissues.²⁴⁵⁷

Product Lines

Manufacturing

Products are made in France, with the company based in La Rasse and Besançon. Movements are Swiss-made, such as Dubois Depraz chronograph modules with 57 jewels and flyback function. Cases and assembly emphasize French heritage with details like unidirectional bezels.¹²³

Notable Products

• Type 21 Chronograph - Flyback chronograph with three totalizers to 1/5th second, 100m water resistance, 42-hour power reserve.
• Type 23 Chronograph - Pilot's navigation chronograph with clean dial, used by French Air Force pilots.
• Type 20 - Classic oversized military pilot watch produced 1954-1994.

Reputation

Dodane 1857 is respected by enthusiasts for its authentic French aviation heritage and reliable pilot chronographs, particularly the Type 20/21/23 series supplied to the military. Professionals note strengths in historical accuracy and flyback functionality using quality Swiss movements. Criticisms include small production scale and past financial instability, with some viewing reissues as less innovative than originals.¹²⁵⁸