I read about the Doxa Sub 300 "Black Lung" LE late last year and thought it was intriguing but didn't think to pick one up as I just purchased the 60th Anniversary Railmaster. Fast forward a few months and I was reminded of this watch when Doxa introduced their 2018 novelty for Baselworld (the Posei
I read about the Doxa Sub 300 "Black Lung" LE late last year and thought it was intriguing but didn't think to pick one up as I just purchased the 60th Anniversary Railmaster. Fast forward a few months and I was reminded of this watch when Doxa introduced their 2018 novelty for Baselworld (the Poseidon). I had to find one on the pre-owned market as all 300 pieces were reportedly sold out within 24 hours. It was a bit of a gamble seeing how the company only sells directly to the U.S. market rather than going through ADs so I had to do my research and essentially guess what it would look like on my wrist using the dimensions I found. Thankfully, all the steps towards attaining this diver went without incident and I've been enjoying the heck out it for the past few days.
My initial thoughts/opinions:
- Although the case comes in a hair larger than 42mm, the tonneau (or turtle) shape includes integrated lugs so it wears smaller than you would expect. The lugs fall comfortably within the width of my 6.75" wrist. As usual, the close up pictures will make the watch seem a bit bigger. The case height comes in at around 12mm so it doesn't feel top-heavy or cumbersome. Plus a portion of that is a highly-domed sapphire crystal - which is a gift that keeps on giving from an aesthetic standpoint.
- The bezel action has a good amount of resistance while still being easy to turn. The "clicks" sound good and there is little to no play. The pips are not lumed, however. In fact, the lume in general is not the brightest I've seen.
- This is my first experience with a beads of rice bracelet and I find it to be very comfortable as it provides a little extra flex not offered by standard links. I know this isn't a "true" beads of rice bracelet but I'm okay with that as it would make resizing a much more tedious endeavor. The clasp feels secure and includes 4 holes for micro-adjustments.
- The dial features Doxa's trademark orange which gives the watch a refreshing pop of color in a sea of blacks and blues.
- I'm not an anti-date window person (although that's my preference) but this one has been positioned well and allows for decent symmetry along with the stick markers. In most cases, the date window could look better when it's painted the same color as the dial but I think white works nicely in this example.
- The movement is the ubiquitous ETA 2824-2 but it is COSC certified and at this time of writing, my particular piece has been -1 per 24 hours.
- From what I've read, when Doxa first featured the black and yellow Aqua-Lung logo on the dial, they found that it was too difficult to read the black hands - especially the smaller sized "dwarf" hour hand - as they hit the 7-8 o'clock position. So instead, they redesigned the logo as a black outline and only a few of the prototype black and yellow logos were produced. Well, I can now tell that they made a good practical decision as it truly is a bit harder to see the hands between 7 and 8. But to me, having this version of the logo is worth it because it offers a lot of charm and just plain looks cool.
- The screw-down, solid case back has a sailboat logo and minimal text which includes an individualized number out of 300.
It has only been a few days and I'm well aware that I am in the honeymoon phase of ownership but this SUB 300 offers a lot of visual bang for the buck PLUS it genuinely feels like it was built to last...as any good diver should. Please excuse the mediocre-at-best iPhone pics
. Thank you very much for reading!
About the Doxa Ref. Sub300
The Doxa SUB 300 is a notable offering within the brand's collection, distinguished by its relatively slender profile compared to some of its counterparts. This reference is recognized for its adherence to chronometer standards, indicated by its COSC certification, which assures a high degree of timekeeping precision. It represents a contemporary interpretation that balances historical design cues with modern horological requirements.
This particular SUB 300 model features a stainless steel case, typically measuring around 42.5mm in diameter, though its design contributes to a perception of reduced thickness on the wrist. It is powered by an automatic movement, often a variant of the ETA 2824-2, which provides a power reserve of approximately 38 hours. The watch is fitted with a sapphire crystal, enhancing its durability and scratch resistance, and offers a water resistance rating suitable for its intended use.
For collectors, the SUB 300 appeals to those seeking a robust and precise tool watch with a distinct aesthetic. Its COSC certification adds a layer of technical appeal, positioning it as a reliable performer. The design, while contemporary, maintains a clear lineage to Doxa's heritage, making it a relevant piece for enthusiasts interested in the brand's evolution and its commitment to certified accuracy.
Specifications
- Caliber
- ETA 2824-2
- Case
- Stainless steel
- Diameter
- 42.5mm
- Dial
- Orange
- Water Resist.
- 300m
- Crystal
- Sapphire
