DOXA shakes up the codes with its SUB 300 Carbon, a bold reinterpretation of its iconic model. Discover how this legendary diving watch from the 1960s is reinventing itself with 21st-century materials, combining watchmaking heritage and technical innovation.
A timeless design propelled into the future
The DOXA SUB 300 is inseparable from the brandโs identity. Its UFO-shaped cushion case, dual-scale bezel and uniquely geometric dial shapes have made it an icon since 1967. The Carbon version retains these distinctive elements while propelling them into a new era:
โ Ultra-light forged carbon caseโ 42.5 mm diameter for a strong presence on the wristโ Distance between lugs reduced to 45 mm for optimal comfortโ Contained thickness of 13.4 mm despite the 300 meters of water resistance
This marriage between vintage design and high-tech material creates a striking contrast that does not leave you indifferent.
Forged carbon: an exceptional material
Unlike the more common woven carbon, the forged carbon used for the SUB 300 Carbon offers unique properties:
โ Organic texture that changes depending on the lightโ Lightness comparable to titaniumโ Increased scratch resistance compared to PVD/DLC coatingsโ Natural black color without risk of chipping
This avant-garde choice of material allows DOXA to stand out in the highly codified world of diving watches.
A dial faithful to the original, available in 7 colors
DOXA remains faithful to the DNA of the SUB 300 with a dial that has changed little in 50 years:
โ DOXA logo in the upper left quadrantโ โSUB 300โ inscription and model name in the lower rightโ Small crosshairs at 3, 6, 9 and 12 oโclockโ Triple bar indices for optimum readabilityโ Characteristic hands with a large orange minute hand
The brand offers 7 color variations for the dial, from the classic orange โProfessionalโ to the white โSearamblerโ and the turquoise โAquamarineโ.
A proven but unpretentious movement
At the heart of the SUB 300 Carbon beats the ETA 2824-2 caliber:
โ Reliable and easy to maintain Swiss automatic movementโ COSC chronometric certification (+4/-6 seconds per day)โ 38-hour power reserveโ Frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour
Although this movement is nothing exceptional, it ensures precision and reliability in all circumstances.
A custom-made rubber bracelet
Unlike the classic SUB 300 and its iconic โrice grainโ strap, the Carbon version comes on an FKM rubber strap:
โ Specific design flaring at the lugsโ Color matching the dial depending on the model chosenโ Folding clasp with tool-free micro-adjustmentโ Optimal comfort thanks to the perfect fit to the lugs of the case
A price that is controversial
With a price set at 3,890 Swiss francs (excluding taxes), or around 1,340 francs more than the steel version, the SUB 300 Carbon is positioned in a high price range:
โ Direct competition with brands like Tudor offering in-house movementsโ Significant additional cost compared to the steel version, despite the absence of a metal braceletโ Positioning which may make some enthusiasts hesitate despite the appeal of forged carbon
A watch that divides opinions
As is often the case with modern reinterpretations of iconic models, the SUB 300 Carbon provokes mixed reactions:
โ Purists regret the absence of the โrice grainโ bracelet and the high priceโ Innovation lovers praise the use of forged carbon and the resolutely modern lookโ Some appreciate the bold mix of vintage design and high-tech materialsโ Others criticize the lack of refinement of the folding clasp
A versatile everyday watch
Despite the debates it arouses, the SUB 300 Carbon stands out as a versatile diving watch:
โ Exceptional lightness and comfort thanks to the carbon caseโ Unique look that attracts attention without being ostentatiousโ Robustness for everyday use as well as in extreme conditionsโ Perfect readability in all situations
The DOXA SUB 300 Carbon succeeds in the bold challenge of modernizing an icon without distorting it. By combining the timeless design of the original SUB 300 with cutting-edge forged carbon technologies, DOXA offers a diver's watch that stands out in a saturated market. While its high price and certain aesthetic choices may be debatable, it is nonetheless a fascinating piece that proves that innovation still has its place in traditional watchmaking.
Whether you are a die-hard DOXA fan looking for a unique piece or a diving watch enthusiast looking for originality, the SUB 300 Carbon is certainly worth your attention. It embodies the challenge that many watch brands face today: remaining true to their heritage while embracing the technologies of the future.
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