Doxa Sub 300β – A dive watch with 60’s style

The latest 300 model from Doxa is the 300β (Beta), a modern interpretation of the classic Sub, with some welcome new features. The 300β has the same 42.5 mm oval case, but a 12 mm height that is nearly 2 mm slimmer than the 300T. The watch is water-resistant to 300 meters and has a new ceramic bezel that matches the dial color.

A name that may not be familiar to many watch enthusiasts, Doxa has a loyal following among divers. The brand was founded in 1889 in Le Locle, Switzerland, and in the 1960s Doxa made its mark in the world of dive watches with the introduction of the Sub 300. Designed with the help of legendary diver Jacques Cousteau, the Sub 300 introduced the brand’s now signature features: an oval case design, orange “professional” dial, helium escape valve, and patented bezel with no-decompression dive scale.

The Sub 300β also caught the eye of Clive Cussler, the bestselling author of the Dirk Pitt adventure novels. The Doxa watch became a signature accessory of Pitt, and a symbol of his daring and resourcefulness. Cussler’s novels helped popularize the Doxa brand among a wider audience and created a cult status for the Sub 300 series.

The Doxa Sub 300β wears similar to other mid-to-large dive watches. Think Oris Aquis Date, Omega Seamaster, Tudor Black Bay, or Christopher Ward C60. The rubber strap is thick, which did lead to some discomfort after a full day wearing the watch. It’s likely that after continued wrist-time the strap would soften. The oversized clasp, which has a micro-adjust feature, also has some sharp edges, which was another point of discomfort. However, the watch is available with a classic Beads of Rice bracelet, a Doxa hallmark, which I highly recommend.

Doxa makes their watches in a variety of colors, the “Professional” orange, “Caribbean” blue, “Searambler” white, and more. The “Aquamarine” colorway features a black dial and bezel with light blue hour markers and minute hand. On this model, the hour hand is black, which blends into the dial and makes the watch harder to read in some conditions. The Caribbean version has a white hour hand, which looks to be more legible. Of course, in all cases, the watch is brightly lumed for underwater use.

The Doxa 300β is a watch with character and charm. The oval case shape stays true to the original 60’s and 70’s style, with updates that make the watch more wearable. This is a definite tool watch, and unapologetic about that fact. The extra-large minute hand and very clicky unidirectional bezel are great for timing dives or more pedestrian activities. Those with smaller wrists should check out the newest 200T models at 39 mm.

Priced at $2,290 US dollars on the BoR bracelet, and with a reliable Sellita SW200 movement inside, the Doxa Sub 300β is an excellent value. The stainless steel case is very solidly built and sure to last a long time with normal use including rugged outdoor activities. For better or worse, Doxa’s limited distribution network ensures a level of exclusivity for those wanting a more unique look, and the Clive Cussler link provides some “IFKYK” with the true watch crowd. Four stars and a big thumbs up!

Pros

Classic design in a new, slimmer case

Rugged construction with a reliable movement

You’ll be the only one in the room with a Doxa

Cons

Chunky design could be a turn-off to some

Some wearability issues with the thick strap and sharp-edged clasp

Limited distribution network means hard to try on in person

Quality
85

Style
80

Value
85

Wearability
80