When we think of DOXA, the quintessential dive watch comes to mind with its distinctive 1970s case shape and trademark bold orange dial. First developed in the late 1960s for the new scuba diving fraternity, DOXA quickly set a benchmark for reliability and innovative design, a world away from the era's monotone Submariners and steel Seamasters. And they have never lost this flair.
As the brand has evolved, so has its courage to create radical designs and the new SUB 300β Sharkhunter is the perfect case in point, most definitely not your archetypal Doxa.
DOXA Sub300β Sharkhunter - Credit DOXA
In the words of DOXA, the SUB 300β is defined by "tool watch engineering meets sleek urban fair". It's probably as good a description as any for what could best be described as one of the more unusual designs in their dive portfolio. From the external dimensions, this watch is instantly recognisable as a Sub 300 however, the finish challenges the sense and forces a double take.
With the stunning SUB 300β we are presented with a 42.5mm black ceramic case offset with a brilliantly polished 18K 3N gold bezel and crown. Gold hour markers and hands complete the look and provide surprisingly good legibility, showing that DOXA was not prepared to sacrifice the functionality of their legendary dive watch for the sake of fashion. Low light reading is assured with generous applications of Super-LumiNova in the critical areas.
DOXA Sub300β Sharkhunter - Credit DOXA
Despite its urban pseudo-Stealth look, the Sharkhunter stays true to the original military watch with the US Navy's no-decompression data engraved on the bezel. This dual-function bezel, which DOXA patents, enables divers to monitor their time underwater as a function of depth to ensure a safe, no-stop return to the surface. Based on the science developed by the US Navy, DOXA engineers incorporated two separate scales into their professional bezel, one for the outer "depth" ring and the other for the inner "minutes" ring.
The Greek letter β 'beta' sends a strong message showing that this watch is indeed an evolution of the standard model, thoroughly contemporary but making more than a nod to the current fashion trend for dive watches even in the most urban environment.
DOXA Sub300β Sharkhunter - Credit DOXA
Working on the principle that this watch is less likely to work underwater, DOXA have slightly reworked the design to achieve a slimmer watch, resulting in a profile of just 11.95mm as opposed to 13.65mm for the standard SUB 300T, as well as a bezel lowered by 0.5mm as it is less likely to be used through neoprene gloves.
The DOXA SUB 300β Sharkhunter is standard on a quality black FKM rubber strap embossed with DOXA brandings on both sides. A black PVD folding clasp with ratcheting wetsuit extension features the embossed 'DOXA Fish' symbol.
Despite its fashion overtones, DOXA are keen to stress that the SUB 300β Sharkhunter is a professional and functional dive watch built to the exacting standards we would expect from the brand.
DOXA Sub300β Sharkhunter - Credit DOXA
It is equipped with a pressure-resistant titanium container to protect the movement and the aforementioned patented DOXA unidirectional rotating bezel; all be it in 18K 3N gold. Water resistance is impressive at 300M or 30 ATM. The watch benefits from scratch-resistant sapphire crystal treated with an anti-reflective coating.
Inside this urban jewel is an ETA 2824-2 COSC-certified Swiss automatic movement, providing a power reserve of approximately 38 hours. It is shorter than many movements today but, without question, a very reliable unit.
WatchGecko thoughts? This is not a typical dive watch but could be used as one. This watch has been designed to fit the current trend of wearing dive watches in sophisticated locations. Would it look perfect on a balmy evening in Dubai Marina – absolutely! And the beauty is that you could take it snorkelling the next day.
DOXA Sub300β Sharkhunter - Credit DOXA
The DOXA SUB 300β Sharkhunter will be available in October at all DOXA Watches points of sale and on the official DOXA Watches e-commerce platform.
DOXA SUB 300β Sharkhunter Technical Specifications
- Reference: 830.20.101.20 (black dial, black matte ceramic case, 18K 3N gold bezel, 18K 3N gold crown, black FKM rubber strap)
- EAN code: 7640462133187
- Case Construction: Black matte ceramic, titanium container and screw-down titanium case back
- Diameter: 42.50mm x 44.50mm
- Height: 11.95mm
- Lug width: 20mm
- Crystal: Flat sapphire with anti-reflective coating
- Crown: screw-down, 18K 3N gold
- Water-resistance: 30 ATM (equivalent to 300 meters, approx. 984 feet)
- Dial: Matte black, grained, black hands, 18K gold-plated indexes highlighted with Super-LumiNova®, minute track, painted, glossy black
- Unidirectional Bezel: in 18K 3N gold
- Outer ring: Depth in feet (tone-on-tone black indications);
- Super-LumiNova® dot at 12 o'clock
- Inner ring: Time in minutes (tone-on-tone black indications)
- Movement: ETA 2824-2 Swiss mechanical automatic, COSC-certified chronometer, 3 hands, power reserve: 38 hours, frequency: 28,800 vibrations per hour (4 Hz)
- Bracelet: FKM rubber strap, black to match the dial. Black PVD-coated folding clasp with ratcheting wetsuit extension, embossed "DOXA fish" symbol
- Retail price: CHF 6,950.00 / EUR 7,450.00 / USD 7,450.00 / £6,950.00
Available from October 2023
