• DOXA SUB 300 Beta Divingstar The Modern Evolution of a Dive Icon
  • DOXA SUB 300 Beta Divingstar

    The Modern Evolution of a Dive Icon

    Hourstriker Staff
    Words by: Hourstriker Staff
    March 26, 2024
  • Doxa has been a leader in innovative diving watches since the 1960s. The company's name comes from the Greek word for "glory," and its timepieces have lived up to that name by being worn by some of the world's most accomplished divers. Doxa's rich history is intrinsically linked to the history of scuba diving itself. The company was one of the first to develop a professional-grade diving watch in the 1960s, and its watches have been used by underwater pioneers like Jacques Cousteau and Team Cousteau. Doxa's diving watches are known for their bold colors, robust construction, and unique features.

    One of Doxa's most famous diving watches is the SUB 300, which was first introduced in 1967. The SUB 300 was designed for professional divers and featured a number of innovative features, including a bright orange dial for high visibility underwater, a decompression bezel, and a helium release valve. The SUB 300 quickly became a favorite among professional divers, and it is still considered a classic dive watch today.

    Courtesy of DOXA
    Courtesy of DOXA


    The Doxa SUB 300 collection is a family of professional-grade diving watches that have been continuously produced since 1967. The SUB 300 has been worn by some of the world's most famous divers, including Jacques Cousteau, Sylvia Earle, and James Cameron. The Doxa SUB 300 is a true icon in the world of diving watches, and it is still a popular choice for professional and recreational divers alike.

    The Doxa SUB 300 collection is known for its bold colors, robust construction, and unique features. The most recognizable feature of the SUB 300 is its bright orange dial, which was chosen for its high visibility underwater. The SUB 300 also features a decompression bezel, which can be used to calculate decompression times during a dive. Another unique feature of the SUB 300 is its helium release valve, which allows helium gas to escape from the watch after a deep dive.

    The Doxa SUB 300 has been updated a number of times over the years, but it has always retained its core design principles. The latest iteration of the SUB 300 is the SUB 300 Beta Divingstar, which was introduced in 2021.

    The Doxa SUB 300 Beta Divingstar is a modern take on the classic SUB 300 diver. The Beta Divingstar retains the same bold design and robust construction of the original SUB 300, but it also features a number of new and updated features.

    Courtesy of DOXA
    Courtesy of DOXA


    The Beta Divingstar has a 42.5mm diameter case, which is slightly smaller than the original SUB 300. The case is made from stainless steel and is water-resistant to 300 meters. The watch has a black ceramic bezel with a diving scale, which is a more modern take on the original SUB 300's decompression bezel. The Beta Divingstar also features a sapphire crystal and a screw-down crown.

    The dial of the Beta Divingstar is available in a variety of colors, including black, blue, orange, and yellow. The dial features a sunray finish and a wave pattern, which gives it a sophisticated look. The hands and hour markers are filled with luminescent material, which makes them easy to read in low-light conditions. The Beta Divingstar is powered by a Swiss-made automatic movement. The movement has a power reserve of 38 hours.

    The Beta Divingstar comes with a choice of two different straps: a stainless steel beads of rice bracelet or a black FKM rubber strap. The bracelet and strap both feature a folding clasp with a ratcheting extension, which makes it easy to adjust the fit of the watch over a wetsuit.

    The Doxa SUB 300 Beta Divingstar is a modern and stylish take on the classic SUB 300 diver. The watch is packed with features that make it a great choice for professional and recreational divers alike. Doxa has built a reputation for quality and innovation over the years and the SUB 300 Beta Divingstar is no exception.

    Courtesy of DOXA
    Courtesy of DOXA


    At first glance, the Beta Divingstar exudes that familiar SUB 300 vibe. It retains the distinctive "cushion" or "tonneau" case shape that DOXA divers have been sporting for decades. However, a closer look reveals this isn't merely a vintage reissue. The proportions are refined, measuring a contemporary 42.5mm in diameter with a notably slimmer 11.95mm thickness. This reduced height gives it a sleeker profile, making it a touch more versatile for everyday wear.

    The watch's unidirectional rotating bezel is adorned with a black ceramic insert. Ceramic offers superior scratch resistance over the steel or acrylic bezels found on vintage models – a welcome upgrade for those who plan to use this as a true tool watch. The dive scale is presented in a clean, modern font with crisp white markings for excellent legibility.

    Flipping the watch over, the solid screw-down case back protects the precious movement within while adding to the watch's water resistance – a must-have feature for serious diving. Speaking of water resistance...

    Courtesy of DOXA
    Courtesy of DOXA


    The SUB 300 Beta Divingstar boasts a water resistance rating of 300 meters or 984 feet. That's more than enough to handle recreational scuba diving, snorkeling, and pretty much any water-based adventure you'd throw its way. Doxa didn't skimp here: a screw-down crown ensures a watertight seal, crucial for preventing moisture intrusion at depth. Additionally, as a professional-level dive watch feature, the Beta Divingstar incorporates a helium release valve. While not a feature needed by the majority of divers, it's essential for those venturing into saturation diving where a helium-oxygen mix is necessary, preventing damage to the watch as the diver decompresses.

    Doxa SUB models are known for their vibrant dials, primarily the iconic orange. The Beta Divingstar carries on this tradition with several color options including black, blue, orange, yellow, and others. While the bright colors aid underwater visibility, they also make a bold fashion statement on land. The dial's sunray finish is captivating, adding a touch of refinement, while the stamped wave structure offers subtle texture and a playful nod to the watch's aquatic purpose.

    Legibility is paramount in a dive watch, and here the Doxa delivers. Large applied hour markers and broad "sword" style hands are filled with luminescent material, ensuring readability even in murky depths or low-light conditions.

    Powering the DOXA SUB 300 Beta Divingstar is a Swiss-made automatic movement. Automatic or self-winding movements are favored by many due to their inherent mechanical nature. The intricate workings of these tiny machines provide a fascinating glimpse into traditional watchmaking. This particular movement boasts a 38-hour power reserve, meaning it can keep ticking for over a day and a half when off the wrist.

    Courtesy of DOXA
    Courtesy of DOXA


    Doxa offers the Beta Divingstar with two strap options: a stainless-steel "Beads of Rice" bracelet or a supple FKM rubber strap. The Beads of Rice is an iconic style, both comfortable and classic. The links have a satisfying taper, ensuring a secure yet comfortable fit on the wrist. Fans of tool watches will adore the integrated ratcheting wetsuit extension on the clasp. The rubber strap, a must-have for any serious diver, offers a sporty aesthetic and secure fit during underwater adventures.

    The DOXA SUB 300 Beta Divingstar is a triumphant blend of heritage and modernity. Its DNA is undeniably tied to the groundbreaking dive watches of yesteryear, yet its refined execution feels perfectly at home in the 21st century. Doxa clearly understands their audience and delivers a dive watch that seamlessly transitions from aquatic tool to a stylish wrist companion. If you're searching for a watch that embodies a pioneering spirit, delivers true diving functionality, and boasts street-smart style, the DOXA SUB 300 Beta Divingstar deserves a second look... and probably a third.
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