VIDEO: Bright candy dials meet carbon fibre in the new DOXA SUB 300 Carbon range

Thor Svaboe

Thanks to the vintage looks of its steel case, the DOXA SUB 300 is a cult diver’s watch. But ever since the SUB 300 Aqualung US Divers in carbon fibre came out, its dark presence has haunted the dreams of DOXA fans (in a good way). Sleek and moody, the DOXA SUB 300 Carbon turns up the emphasis on the SUB 300 as a pure diver’s tool, while at the same time underlining the blisteringly fresh dials.

If, like me, you fancy the stealthy embrace of carbon fibre, this is very much your ticket. I do warn you though, you will have serious decision issues, as we have six colourful references in the DOXA SUB 300 Carbon collection to choose from. As a whole new sub-category (pun intended) within the DOXA portfolio, the smooth tactility of the high-grade carbon fibre takes the brand to another level. As icing on the candy coloured cake, these babies are COSC-certified, chronometer spec diver’s watches.

Professional

Part of the rise of DOXA from niche favourite to Instagram star is the Swiss brand’s tight focus on diving watches. That’s why it seems apt to start with the zesty orange of the Professional in the classic DOXA colour.

The SUB 300 case offers serious comfort for a diver’s watch with a shape that makes it shrink on the wrist. The carbon fibre adds an extraordinary lightness, while also appealing to the less vintage-obsessed.

Here we have a more contemporary look while retaining the distinctive flair that DOXA is loved for in the organic shape that’s unlike all the other ’60s skin divers out there.

In addition, the tactility of the case is transformed through the silky demeanour of the carbon fibre. The pure functionality of a 300m depth tool is present, while the box crystal creates vibrant reflections, framing the intensely fruity orange dial. With the choice of a black or orange rubber strap, you choose just how fresh you want to go.

Searambler

Even in these carbon-fibre tool watches, the DOXA dials have a serotonin-boosting effect. But the Searambler in its crisp silver brings a more classic late ’60s look to the table, delivering sharp functionality in a vibrant suit.

The vintage look, especially on a black strap, somehow metamorphoses into more of an instrument vibe. This watch presents a slightly more focused, formal demeanour than its colourful brethren.

All dial details are razor-sharp, with the pop of the large minute hand and zesty orange bezel markings. From the small details of the half-crosshair dial design to the time-capsule font of the text, the busy vintage dial is a lesson in graphic balance.

Diving Star

The Diving Star – DOXA’s name for the freshest lemon yellow on a diver’s dial – is enough to cheer up any rainy day. The hour markers in gloss black, seem to pop even more, with a broad centre section of Super-Luminova.

The hands are classic DOXA with a thin sword hour hand and a broadsword minute hand underlining the tiny margins at stake on a dive. As a first entry to the colourful world of DOXA diver’s watches you can’t go wrong with this, just be prepared for random questions in public that stem from such a bold wrist presence.

Go for the yellow rubber strap for the full permanent grin effect, or the stealthy black rubber to emphasise legibility on a dive.

Caribbean

Deep blue is one of the dial colours du jour and the dusty matte Caribbean from DOXA is a great match for dark carbon fibre with the white dial accents making this one of the most legible of all the new carbon-bodied DOXAs.

Orange works damn well with blue, making the bezel accents and that massive minute hand stand out at several feet while still surprising you with its lithe presence at just 13.4mm thick.

You have a choice of rubber straps, but the look of this on black rubber is something special, the blue becoming more intense, emphasised by the orange tool hand reminding you of the task at hand.

Shark Hunter

If the new SUB 300 Carbon series reminds you of a brace of fruit lollies that are just a bit too tangy, the Shark Hunter is the stealthy option you’re looking for. The pure uncompromised monochrome makes you really notice the carbon fibre, its grey-silver flecks giving you a quiet glimmer in the sun.

Like the Caribbean, the dial markers and crisp minute track are a pure white that are countered by the brawny presence of the large orange minute hand. Every time I try on one of the new SUB 300 Carbon references I am surprised by the lightness of the case, and the fact that the 42.5mm in diameter wears a lot smaller, only compounded by the featherweight composite.

Aquamarine

The brightness of the Aquamarine colour has never had a better frame than juxtaposed with carbon fibre, emitting an almost audible “pop” as you strap it on. For maximum effect, the soft comfort of the matching aquamarine strap with the black DLC clasp and its dive extension is as fresh as an ocean dip on a hot summer’s day.

The black and white of the markers, hands and sharp Super-Luminova application is like glossy liquorice and an impressive final piece to try on in the new SUB 300 Carbon range.

To sum up, whichever dial you choose from this range, the playful colours shouldn’t distract from the fact that what you’ve got here is a serious and highly accurate diver’s watch. The 2824-2 is a bullet-proof Swiss movement with a decent 42 hour power reserve, and not just that, but fully COSC-certified. Try to pick a favourite and you might lose an hour or two, before coming to the dangerous conclusion that you want more than one.