I have recently become a Doxa convert. It's not that I didn't like them before; I just had little exposure and was – to be frank – mildly ignorant of their history, design ethos and capability.
All that changed when WatchGecko had an orange Sub 300 Carbon in for review. It opened the Doxa floodgates. Recently, I was caring for a 1960s vintage 300 that belonged to a friend, and last weekend, I was ogling a huge Doxa display in a watch shop in Sheffield. They even had the limited edition Clive Cussler model, wonderfully pre-weathered and batterer, which the staff were happy for me to handle. I now fully appreciate the unique design of the 300 series and have a much more appreciative perspective of what an impact this brand had on the formative years of dive watches.
DOXA SUB 300 'ß' BETA Caribbean - Credit WatchGecko
So when Doxa label a watch as BETA or ß, that catches my attention. The implications of using the second letter in the Greek alphabet are synonymous with technical improvement, new design, and something better than what has come before. It's a brave label to deploy, as someone will judge accordingly.
The Sub 300 Beta (ß) is a striking watch, and the name Caribbean fits it perfectly. In every visual way, it is a 300 series with all the design elements you would expect, like a professional helium escape valve, but there is something different.
DOXA SUB 300 'ß' BETA Caribbean - Credit WatchGecko
We have a new, slightly redesigned 42.5 mm diameter case and, most notably, a reduced height of 11.95 mm. Black ceramic is on display via the bezel and the screw-down crown. They add a premium feel to what is already a high-end watch range.
The dial is gorgeous, with a blue representing the most perfect ocean. Wave patterns enhance the aquatic feel, and a sunburst effect mirrors how light dances across water. I don't want to sound too poetic, but this dial is very evocative.
DOXA SUB 300 'ß' BETA Caribbean - Credit WatchGecko
Orange accents play over the entire watch, from professional decompression dive markings on the bezel to highlights on the dial and the super bold minute hand. An orange fish graces the crown, which naturally screws deep within the case in Doxa's renown secure position.
Superior quality strap options are available. There is a dual finish "Beads of Rice" steel bracelet or two FKM rubber traps with bespoke clasps. As long as you can keep it clean, the white rubber strap is about as striking as you can get, but I would probably take the safe route and go for the blue rubber, which beautifully complements the Caribbean dial. It is also worth noting that the fit of the straps to the watch is impressive. You could not fit a human hair between the case lugs and the strap head.
DOXA SUB 300 'ß' BETA Caribbean - Credit WatchGecko
How is this 300 better, or BETA, than other models?
Technically, as a dive watch, the spec is not so different, but using Doxa's description, the ß model is "beyond conventional". And that's the perfect way to describe it. The colour is unique, as is the use of ceramic. The design and reduced size have elevated the 300 range to more than a famous tool watch. This is a tool watch with a style that could be worn daily, whether you dive or not, on a Caribbean adventure. It will look equally stylish in the evening as it will function 20m below the water, looking at coral reefs the same colours as your watch.
The BETA Caribbean is a welcome divergence from Doxa, and, I believe, is probably the best-looking 300 to date. The price of £2150 for the FKM variant makes it a serious rival to the much more expensive Omega Seamaster or Breitling Superocean.
DOXA SUB 300 'ß' BETA Caribbean - Credit WatchGecko
Doxa 300ß Caribbean Technical Specifications
- CASE – Stainless steel, 42.50 mm x 44.50 mm. Height 11.95mm.
- MOVEMENT – Doxa modified ETA 2824-2
- CROWN - Screw-down ceramic crown.
- BEZEL – Ceramic dual function
- GLASS - Sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating
- DIAL - Wave and sunburst pattern with orange accents
- WATER RESISTANCE - 300 meters
- BRACELET – Steel or FKM rubber
- PRICE - £2150 for FKM. £2190 for steel.
- When the reviewer would personally wear it: This does feel like a holiday watch. It is not a drab UK winter watch. It makes you want to travel to sun-drenched beaches, strap on your snorkel and then enjoy a cocktail in the evening. This watch would look perfect at all times.
- Who the reviewer would recommend the watch to: Anyone about to travel to the above-mentioned location or a professional diver who just wants a great watch that’s far removed from the typical black dial steel diver on offer.
- Best characteristics of the watch: Brand history. The ceramic finish is superb. The recessed crown is an engineering joy. The dial transports you to somewhere else.
- The worst characteristic of the watch: The white FKM strap. It looks great, but from bitter experience, I know they just don’t stay that way. I’d have to buy the blue strap as well.
