In this edition of Downtime, we dive – pun intended – into the world of Jan Edöcs, CEO of Doxa, to discover what makes him tick when he's not immersed in the watch industry.
Whether it’s reminiscing about his early career, talking about his longstanding personal connection to Corfu or sharing his love for sports, Jan gives us a glimpse into the man who has helped revitalise the iconic dive watch brand since his arrival at the helm in 2019.
Hi Jan. So, tell us: What is your favourite book?
Currently, ‘The Easy Way to Stop Smoking’ by Allen Carr. I stopped smoking for two years after reading it 12 years ago, but I started smoking again, so I’m reading it again in the hope it will work its magic one more time!
Your favourite movie?
I recently watched the Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F revival on Netflix with my partner. It brought back memories from when I was young and watched the originals. It’s not the best movie, but it was funny and nostalgic for me!
Your favourite album?
I don’t have one specific album, but I enjoy music depending on my mood. I love Yanni, a Greek piano player, and I’m a big fan of Queen.
Your favourite food?
Beef fillet, top quality, cooked medium, with a nice salad and side dishes.
Your favourite drink?
Water for refreshment, but for pleasure, red wine is my go-to.
Your favourite holiday destination?
Corfu, Greece. I’ve been going there since I was 14 and I have many friends there. I visit every year with my kids.
Your favourite TV show?
I enjoy watching Spanish-language crime dramas. They have an intriguing type of plot that lets you turn your brain off and just follow along. But in general, nothing beats watching sports – I’m a big fan of ice hockey, soccer and tennis.
Your favourite podcast?
I don’t really listen to podcasts, but I do enjoy chill-out music, like the DJ Regard on YouTube. My kids introduced me to it and it’s great for relaxing.
Your favourite piece of clothing or sartorial accessory?
My gold chain, a gift from my mother when we were on holiday in Corfu. It’s not the most beautiful piece, but it holds sentimental value. My son also has one now.
Your favourite activity that you do in your free time?
Walking, especially exploring cities on foot. I like to walk through different neighbourhoods of a city, taking in everything from the artistic to the modern and historical areas. It’s a great way to discover new places.
Tell us something about you that might surprise us.
People are often surprised when I sit down at a piano and start playing. I’ve played since I was three years old and I can play by ear.
What’s one item (not a watch) that you can’t live without?
It might sound strange, but my stock market app. I check it daily to see how my investments are performing!
What is on your ‘bucket list’?
Building a house in Corfu is definitely on my bucket list. Beyond that, I’d love to take a world tour – just travel the world without knowing exactly when I’ll return home.
Who is someone who has inspired you in your life and/or career?
My father. He wasn’t in the watch business but in pharmaceuticals and he taught me the value of hard work. When I was 14, he bought me a suit and had me sell products to pharmacies. It pushed me into the commercial world at an early age.
Name a famous person or historical figure, dead or alive, that you would like to have lunch with. Why?
Roger Federer. I’m a big tennis fan and, as a Swiss, I admire how he’s achieved so much while staying grounded and never becoming arrogant.
What was the first watch you remember owning? What was special about it?
I have a collection of 300 Swatches at home and I think one of my first watches was a Swatch prototype from 1979, when I was eight years old. Later, when I had begun working for Omega in the late 1980s, I got an Omega De Ville.
And finally, a wrist check: What watch are you currently wearing? And what do you like about it?
Today, I’m wearing the Doxa Army. I chose it because it matches my military green shirt.
I usually pick my watch based on my outfit, but my go-to piece is my SUB 300 Carbon, which is super light and comfortable for everyday use.
For more information about Jan’s company, please visit the Doxa website.
