If 2019 has shown us one thing in horology, it is the incredible importance of the year 1969 to the world of watchmaking. 1969 gave us the first automatic chronograph, the first quartz timepiece, and the introduction of the first-ever helium escape valve in a dive watch. This last innovation, of course, came courtesy of the DOXA Sub 300T Conquistador. The instantly recognizable diver, with its double depth and time-marked rotating bezel, wild assortment of dial colors, and hefty cushion case is easily the most iconic watch ever produced by the brand. As a celebration of the Sub 300T Conquistador’s 50th anniversary, and as part of the ongoing overhaul of the brand’s product lines, DOXA has revived the Sub 300T nameplate to supersede the current Sub 1200T. In addition, the new 300T will bring the full range of bold original DOXA Sub colors back to regular production.
The largest digression from the current DOXA Sub 1200T for these new models comes with the dial, now available in six classic colorways. These include the Professional (the signature DOXA orange dial color scheme), the Divingstar (a bold lemon yellow), the Aquamarine (a vibrant turquoise, as the name suggests), the Caribbean (a rich navy blue), the Searambler (a sunburst silver finish), and the Sharkhunter (the black dial, and perhaps the coolest epithet ever given to a watch). Each of these unique variants faithfully recreates the look of the original Sub 300T Conquistador, maintaining the classic Sub handset, distinctive hour indices, and semi-sector dial layout.
These diverse versions offer a wide array of personalities to the basic DOXA design, each drastically affecting the overall design of the piece. For example, the silver sunburst dial of the Searambler takes away some of the visual weight from the dial, allowing the piece as a whole to feel more flowing and a touch less utilitarian, while the orange and black of the Professional is bold, aggressive, and unmistakable from any distance. All indices, hands, and the bezel lume pip on the Sub 300T are coated in a generous fill of Super-LumiNova for instant legibility in low light or deep water.
Aside from the dial variations, the new Sub 300T remains nearly identical to the current Sub 1200T. The signature DOXA cushion case remains at a 42.5 millimeter diameter and 14 millimeter thickness, including the sapphire crystal. Despite the name change, the Herculean 1,200 meters of water resistance has also been maintained, a nearly unbeatable feat at this price point. The one major difference in design to previous versions is the addition of the orange DOXA fish emblem to the crown, injecting an additional pop of color to the case.
The DOXA Sub 300T is powered by an ETA 2824-2 automatic movement. This reliable workhorse features custom decorations by DOXA, alongside a 42-hour power reserve and 28,800 bph beat rate. DOXA offers the new Sub 300T on a choice of either a beads of rice bracelet with signed folding clasp or an FKM rubber strap color-matched to the dial variant.
Overall, the new DOXA Sub 300T is a brilliant extension of the rapidly growing Doxa lineup and an affectionate nod to one of the most historic divers in watchmaking history. The vibrant colors and charismatic branding are every bit as bold and unique now as they were in the 1960s, making for an unmistakable look. The DOXA Sub 300T lineup is priced at $1,890 and is available now at retailers on the beads of rice bracelet. Rubber strap models will become available starting December 15,2019. You can learn more at doxawatches.com