Our hands-on review of the new DOXA SUB 300 Carbon COSC. Excellent diving performances, COSC movement. Price: CHF 3,790. Tech specs.
Last March 16, we presented the full range of the DOXA SUB 300 Carbon COSC, a new diver's watch with case in forged carbon available in 6 different dial variations (you can read our introductory article here).
We had the chance to test two versions, the Caribbean ref. 822.70.201.20 with blue dial and black rubber strap and the Divingstar ref. 822.70.361.31 with yellow dial and yellow rubber strap, and we are now delighted to share our impressions and some of our pictures (others will posted on our Instagram channel).
The new case in forged carbon brings a twist to the legendary SUB 300 diver's watch that DOXA launched in 1967 and that became the favourite tool of many professional divers for its its patented bezel with two separate scales, bright orange dial and distinctive cushion-shaped case.
Instead of being crafted from a single block of stainless steel, the case of the SUB 300 Carbon COSC is obtained by alternating randomly arranged layers of carbon fibres and then heating and compacting the whole structure which, by chemical reaction, is transformed into a super rigid form. The resulting high-tech composite material is extremely light yet extremely durable. Each case has its unique iridiscent texture for a truly unique appearance.
The case (diameter 42.5 mm, thickness 13.40 mm) is equipped with a unidirectional rotating bezel - also made of carbon - that moves very precisely thanks to its perceptible 120 clicks.
The outer ring shows the given dive depths in metres. The inner ring shows in white the time in minutes at the depths indicated on the outer ring. The Descent Marker (the two dots) is used to set the dive duration starting at the current time by aligning it with the minute hand. This way the large minute hand will indicate how many minutes the diver can remain at the desired depth and return to the surface without a decompression stop.
The watch is waterproof up to a pressure of 30 ATM (approximately 300 metres / 984 feet), a performance that is achieved thanks to a pressure-resistant titanium chamber and a screw-down crown, also crafted from carbon and decorated with the "DOXA fish" symbol.
Well protected by a box-type sapphire crystal with anti-reflective treatment (similar to the Plexiglas used for the original series but with the advantage of being scratch-resistant), the dial offers excellent readability with its large minute hand and a smaller one to indicate the hour.
Indices and hands, including the central seconds one, are generously treated with a Super-LumiNova coating, very helpful during dives under low visibility conditions.
On the lower right of the dial, we find the text "SUB 300" and the name of each version, in our case "caribbean" and "divingstar". The date window at 3 o'clock completes the indications.
In position 0 the crown is tightly screwed down against the case. By unscrewing it, you can wind the watch in position 1, set the date in position 2, and set the time of the day in position 3.
The self-winding movement is based on a reliable ETA 2824-2 calibre beating at a frequency of 4 Hz (28,800 vibrations per hour) and offering a 42-hour power reserve. The COSC (“Contrôle Officiel Suisse des Chronomètres”) certification guarantees the chronometric performance and compliance with requirements in terms of precision, reliability, shock resistance, automatic winding and ease of maintenance.
Made from titanium, the screw-in case back is engraved with a sailing boat.
The well executed rubber straps are equipped with a black PVD-treated folding clasp embellished with the recurring "DOXA fish" symbol and featuring a practical extension system to increase the total length by up to 15 mm, thus making it possible to easily wear the watch over a diving suit or simply tighten or loosen the strap as needed.
Light (87 grams / 3.06 ounces) and ergonomic, the watch sits comfortably on the wrist. Due to its large bezel, it actually looks smaller than 42.50 mm. With the new carbon case, its iconic design is transformed into something new for an even bolder look.
The excellent diving performances are coupled to a mechanical movement of certified accuracy and reliability. In line with its features and the significant costs for manufacturing cases in high-tech forged carbon, the DOXA SUB 300 Carbon COSC has a retail price of CHF 3,790. doxawatches.com
Amazing watches. Need to add one of these in my collection at some point.
ReplyDeleteThat yellow dial is so cool. My favorite.
ReplyDelete