In comparison to the standard valjoux 7750 subdial layout, the Coppa registers are at the 9 o'clock and 12 o'clock position are switched. This can be seen in the above photo which compares the Coppa to a Marvin Matchless chronograph using the Valjoux 7750. The chronograph hand, accentuated by a red arrow on the tip, is activated by the top pusher and reset using the bottom. It has the smoothest sweep movement on any watch I have seen.
The movement in the Coppa is a 40 jewel Lemania 283. This movement is based on an ETA 2892 with a Dubois Depraz Chronograph module which was developed by Dubois Depraz for Audemars Piguet. The same Lemania movement is used in chronographs, like the Girard Perregaux 280 and the Paul Picot Chrono. The Dubois Depraz chrono module is used in the Audermars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore and Glashütte Chronograph. The difference being that to acquire those models you would need to spend anywhere from $7000 to $20.000. It has been said that module-type chronograph calibres have some disadvantages against movements where the chronograph mechanics are fully integrated. It seems that they require a lot more disassembling when being repaired, however, I don't consider this a problem as I would be hesitant to let any watchmakers other than Doxa service or repair a Coppa. Some movements also have a tendency for the sweep second hand to take a jump of about half a second when the chronograph is activated. This is not the case with the Coppa. The lemania module starts and stops very smoothly without the jump. One of the consequences of the module being placed on top of the base movement is that the chronograph buttons and the winding crown are not on the same level at the side of the watch. This just adds to the character of the Coppa and in no way affects the wearing or operation of the watch. The crown is screwed, helping to give the Coppa a water-resistant rating of 100 meters, and takes just over 3 full rotations to unscrew it.
The lemania 283 movement has the following technical specifications;- Friction Protection: 40 Jewels, Power reserve: 42 hours, Diameter: 30.00mm, Thickness: 6.50mm. Because the base ETA 2892 movement (which is recognised for it's accuracy and durability) ,operating at 28,800 pulsations/hour is using a Glucodur quality balance and an Nivarox #1 Hairspring the end result is one of the most reliable automatic movements on the market. One of the unusual things about the Lemania movement is that the date optic is part of the movement. It magnifies the date without the need for an unsightly bulge on the crystal or the distortion of the underside crystal optics. Regarding the crystal on the Coppa, it is an anti-reflective, quad coated, scratch-resistant sapphire crystal.
Compared to the 59mm lug to lug length of the re-issue SUB 300T models, the Coppa weights in at a "normal" 45mm and diameter of 41mm (excluding the crown). It is closer in size to the original SUB 300T than the re-issues. It is just over 13mm thick. The case is slightly eccentric in shape, having an extra 'ridge" along the crown and pusher side. With the supplied leather strap, the Coppa feels light and comfortable on the wrist
Another of the unique things about the Coppa has to be the caseback. It incorporates one of the hand engraved medallions with the Coppa Milano Sanremo Logo. Each caseback is individually numbered out of 250.
People have asked me what I don't like about the Coppa. The answer is "not much". The D emblem on the crown seems to be a rather hastily prepared item. It is etched on rather than being a forged crown with a raised emblem. I think it would have been much better with an embossed crown as used on the re-issue SUB 300T models. It seems such an oversight on Doxa's part that I can only suspect that they had difficulty getting crowns made for the race deadline and had to go with the etched ones.
The only other 'niggle" I have is the strap. I personally don't like leather straps. Although the Coppa strap is padded and has a signed buckle, it is not for me. Unfortunately to change for a metal band is not an easy task. This is because the lug width is 19mm. This is an odd size which was more common years ago but has dropped out of favour for 20mm.
To solve the problem, I shaved a half a milimeter off each side of the end pieces of a Breitling style bracelet I had. The polished bracelet may not be for everyone but I think it transforms an already stunning watch into a work of art.
For me the Coppa is just about perfect. The weight, the style, the design and the overall fit and finish just gives it the edge over any of the watches I already own or would like to own. I always liked the Breitling Navitimer and Omega Speedmaster, but realistically anyone can own one. That can't be said about the Doxa Coppa Milano Sanremo. It is limited to 250 watches and the likelyhood of anything like it with the same movement being made for anything like the price is virtually nil. The other thing about the coppa is that it really is a wear on any occasion watch. Much as I love my SUB 300T Seahunter, you just can't say that about it. The Coppa oozes style and commands attention. If you want a unique watch that, technically, is head and shoulders above just about anything else on the market today and which very few other people will have, then grab a Doxa Coppa Milano Sanremo before they are all gone. You'll be glad you did.
A Flying Doctor Production
Dr. Peter McClean Millar