Hands-on review of the DOXA SUB 300 BETA with a lot of exclusive pictures and wristshots. Price from €2,410.
In December of last year, DOXA introduced the new SUB 300 BETA collection, comprising five main versions designed for pairing with various bracelet and strap options, for a total of 15 different references. The collection is also referred to as SUB 300β, with the symbol β ('beta') representing a departure from the ordinary.
After the initial overview of all the available variations, we had the chance to go hands on with the SUB 300 BETA Caribbean version in two variations: one with a steel bracelet (ref. 830.10.201.10) and another with a white rubber strap (ref. 830.10.201.23).
Now, we are now delighted to share our impressions and live pictures.
The SUB 300 BETA does not replace the other SUB 300 lines, such as the SUB 300T, SUB 300 COSC, or SUB 300 Carbon COSC, but complements them by offering a sleeker profile, along with the adoption of a new ceramic bezel and a wave-patterned sunburst dial. The SUB 300 BETA achieves an original look, in a variety of fresh colours, and successfully blends tool-watch engineering with stylish details.
All the key elements that have made the DOXA SUB 300 iconic since its introduction in the 1960s are preserved: the cushion-shaped case, the patented bezel with two separate scales, and the easily readable dial with the oversized minute hand.
Measuring 42.50 mm in diameter, the DOXA SUB 300 BETA features an almost flat sapphire crystal, resulting in a total thickness of 11.95 mm (in contrast to the 13.65 mm of the SUB 300T or the 13.40 mm of the SUB 300 COSC which, differently from the other models, features a raised box-shaped crystal).
Crafted from corrosion-resistant 316L stainless steel, the case is waterproof up to 30 ATM of pressure (approximately corresponding to a depth of 300 metres / 984 feet) and alternates polished and satin-brushed surfaces to highlight the beautiful lines. The valve positioned on the caseband at 9 o'clock enables the release of helium.
The bezel and the screw-down crown, decorated with the "DOXA fish" symbol, are made in ceramic.
The patented unidirectional bezel rotates precisely, thanks to its perceptible 120 clicks, allowing the diver to calculate and monitor no-decompression dive times.
The outer ring shows the given dive depths expressing it in metres. The inner ring shows 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 from the current time.
Once set by aligning it with the two dots, the large minute hand indicates how many minutes the wearer can remain at the desired depth and return to the surface without a decompression stop.
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.
Thanks to its moderate weight and comfort on the wrist, the SUB 300 BETA will make you feel at ease whether you are wearing it for professional or recreational uses. On the wrist, it looks smaller than 42.50 mm. For reference, the wrist in our pictures measures 18 cm / 7 in.
Protected by a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal with an anti-reflective treatment, the sunburst-finished dial features a new, subtle wave motif that beautifully plays with light.
Readability is excellent thanks to the large minute hand, orange or tone-on-tone, that stands out in comparison to the smaller hand indicating the hour.
Indices and hands, including the central seconds one, are generously treated with a blue-glowing Super-LumiNova coating, essential during dives under low visibility conditions. The date window at 3 o'clock completes the indications.
The chosen movement is the reliable SW 200 Calibre produced by Sellita, one of the largest manufacturers of Swiss mechanical watch movements, and adorned with DOXA decorations. Operating at a frequency of 4 Hz (28,800 vibrations per hour), this self-winding movement provides a power reserve of approximately 38 hours.
The screw-in solid case back is engraved with a sailing boat, symbolizing the special link of this model with the sea world.
The SUB 300 BETA can be matched to the iconic ‘beads of rice’ stainless steel bracelet or to a high-quality FKM rubber strap, offered in a choice of colours. FKM (Fluroelastomer) rubber is particularly resistant to extreme heat and aggressive chemicals.
Both the bracelet and the rubber strap are equipped with a double folding clasp featuring the embossed DOXA fish logo and a diver’s extension that can increase the total length by up to 15 mm, useful for quick adjustment over a wetsuit or simply when the weather changes significantly. The lug width is 20 mm.
A watch of great appeal whether you choose it for its diving performances or just for its eye-catching look, the new DOXA SUB 300β is priced at CHF 2,150 / Euro 2,410 / US$ 2,250 with a rubber strap or CHF 2,190 / Euro 2,450 / US$ 2,290 with a stainless steel bracelet. doxawatches.com
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