Doxa’s vintage divers are so iconic and ubiquitous that we’ve become used to this from the watchmaker. Favorites of explorers like Jacques Cousteau and Clive Cussler, the brand’s timepieces born in the ‘60s and ‘70s, such as the SUB 300, are still made today with their designs still holding up, especially in this current heyday of retro revivals and reissues. However, Doxa’s latest dive watch collection shows us just how well it can adjust to today’s watchmaking proclivities.
Expanding its range, the Swiss label has unveiled the Doxa SUB 300 Beta (stylized β), a line of more accessible divers for those who’d like to strap these on for weekend adventures in the city. Available in five different dial colorways, each with three strap options (stainless steel, black rubber, and color-matching rubber), the timepiece paralys the success of the SUB 300 β Sharkhunterfrom a couple of months ago — which itself was based on the legendary SUB 300T — into a wider-ranging collection. The Sharkhunter featured an all-black design with some gold accents and was decidedly niche. Conversely, the non-Sharkhunter Betas are much more versatile. It keeps the ceramic bezel from its predecessor (in either black or blue here) while opting for a stainless steel case instead.
Although the tonneau-style case echoes vintage divers, the color choices and dial pattern help the new watches look more contemporary, especially the white-dial variant. While retaining the 300m of water resistance from its forerunners, the watch sports a 42.5mm case size and manages to thin out the case by almost 2mm (13.65mm to 11.95mm). We still get the double-scale saw-tooth dive bezel, helium escape valve, anti-reflective sapphire crystal, and screw-down crown (although this has been changed to ceramic like the bezel). However, the wavy dial feels more aesthetic than utilitarian — a welcomed addition under the age-old SUB 300 umbrella.
Pre-orders on the SUB 300 Beta watches are currently available now, starting at $2,250 from Doxa. Head over to the brand’s website to order one for delivery later this month.
