DOXA's legacy is deeply rooted in its commitment to creating purpose-built timepieces, particularly renowned for their diving watches. Now,
Doxa takes a bold step forward with the introduction of the SUB 300T Aristera Professional, a watch that not only upholds the brand's heritage but also breaks new ground by catering specifically to left-handed individuals.
The SUB 300T Aristera is a testament to DOXA's continuous innovation, pushing boundaries while staying true to its core values. Its unique design, featuring a crown positioned on the left side of the case, is a striking departure from the norm, showcasing DOXA's dedication to inclusivity and meeting the diverse needs of watch enthusiasts. The striking orange dial, a hallmark of DOXA's SUB collection, immediately commands attention, reminiscent of the brand's rich diving heritage. Paired with the gleaming stainless steel case and bracelet, it exudes a bold yet refined aesthetic.
Courtesy of DOXA
DOXA's history is intertwined with the world of underwater exploration. The brand's journey began in 1889, but it wasn't until the mid-20th century that DOXA truly made its mark. In 1967, DOXA launched the groundbreaking SUB 300, a watch that revolutionized the diving watch landscape. It was among the first purpose-built dive watches available to the general public, boasting features like a bright orange dial for enhanced visibility underwater, a patented no-decompression dive table bezel, and exceptional water resistance.
The SUB 300's success solidified DOXA's reputation as a pioneer in the field of dive watches. It was embraced by professional divers and enthusiasts alike, becoming synonymous with underwater exploration and adventure. Over the years, DOXA continued to refine and expand its SUB collection, introducing new models with innovative features and designs.
The SUB 300T collection, to which the Aristera Professional belongs, holds a special place in DOXA's history. Launched in 1968, the SUB 300T Conquistador was the world's first commercially available dive watch equipped with a helium release valve. This groundbreaking feature allowed professional divers to safely decompress during saturation dives, further cementing DOXA's commitment to providing tools for the most demanding underwater environments.
The SUB 300T Aristera Professional pays homage to this legacy while incorporating modern advancements. It retains the iconic design elements of its predecessors, such as the cushion-shaped case, the unidirectional rotating bezel with the no-decompression dive table, and the vibrant orange dial. These features not only serve a functional purpose but also evoke a sense of nostalgia, connecting the watch to DOXA's storied past.
Courtesy of DOXA
The most striking aspect of the SUB 300T Aristera Professional is its crown placement on the left side of the case. This seemingly simple change has a profound impact on the watch's ergonomics, making it a true game-changer for left-handed individuals. By repositioning the crown, DOXA has ensured that the watch can be comfortably worn and operated on the right wrist, eliminating any discomfort or awkwardness that left-handed users might experience with traditional watches.
This thoughtful design choice exemplifies DOXA's commitment to inclusivity. The SUB 300T Aristera Professional is more than just a "lefty" version of an existing model. It's a statement that everyone, regardless of their dominant hand, deserves a watch that fits seamlessly into their lifestyle.
The SUB 300T Aristera Professional isn't just about its unique crown placement. It's a meticulously crafted timepiece that blends functionality, durability, and aesthetics. The watch is powered by a Swiss automatic movement, ensuring precise timekeeping and a smooth sweeping seconds hand. The case, made from robust stainless steel, can withstand the rigors of underwater exploration and everyday wear.
The watch's dial is a masterpiece of legibility. The bright orange color provides excellent contrast against the black hands and markers, making it easy to read the time even in low-light conditions. The Super-LumiNova coating on the hands and markers ensures visibility in the darkest depths of the ocean.
Courtesy of DOXA
The unidirectional rotating bezel, another signature feature of DOXA dive watches, is a crucial tool for divers. It allows them to track elapsed time underwater, ensuring they stay within safe limits and avoid decompression sickness. The bezel's aluminum insert adds a touch of vintage charm, harkening back to classic dive watch designs.
The watch's brushed stainless steel finish adds to its rugged appeal, hinting at its ability to withstand the elements. The crown, now positioned at 9 o'clock, is a testament to DOXA's ingenuity. It's not just a simple relocation; it's a carefully considered design choice that enhances the watch's ergonomics for left-handed users. The crown is knurled for easy grip, even with wet hands, and screws down securely to ensure water resistance.
The bezel, another key element of any dive watch, is a joy to operate. It rotates smoothly with a satisfying click, thanks to its 120-click mechanism. The aluminum insert, a nod to vintage DOXA models, provides a subtle contrast against the stainless steel case. The bezel's markings, including the no-decompression dive table, are crisp and legible, making it a practical tool for underwater navigation.
But it's the dial that truly captures the essence of the SUB 300T Aristera Professional. The vibrant orange color, a DOXA trademark, is both eye-catching and functional. It ensures excellent visibility underwater, even in murky conditions. The applied hour markers and hands, filled with Super-LumiNova, glow brightly in the dark, further enhancing legibility.
The date window, positioned at 3 o'clock, maintains symmetry with the crown, showcasing DOXA's attention to detail. The date disc features black numerals on a white background, ensuring easy reading at a glance. The dial's overall design is clean and uncluttered, allowing the essential information to take center stage.
Courtesy of DOXA
Flipping the watch over reveals a solid stainless steel caseback adorned with a special engraving. A sailing vessel, its sails full in reverse relief, pays tribute to left-handed users. The inscription "Limited Edition XXX/300" adds to the watch's exclusivity, making it a coveted piece for collectors.
The SUB 300T Aristera Professional comes with two strap options: a stainless steel "beads of rice" bracelet and a NATO-style strap. The bracelet, with its distinctive design and comfortable fit, complements the watch's sporty aesthetic. The NATO strap, made from durable nylon, offers a more casual alternative, perfect for everyday wear.
While the SUB 300T Aristera Professional impresses with its looks, it's equally capable beneath the surface. The watch is water-resistant to an impressive 1,200 meters (approximately 4,000 feet), making it suitable for even the most daring dives. The helium release valve, a feature typically found on professional dive watches, allows helium molecules to escape during saturation dives, preventing damage to the watch.
The watch's heart is a Swiss automatic movement, renowned for its precision and reliability. It beats at a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour, ensuring smooth operation and accurate timekeeping. The movement is decorated with exclusive DOXA engravings, adding a touch of refinement. With a power reserve of approximately 38 hours, the watch will keep ticking even if you take it off for a day or two.
The SUB 300T Aristera Professional is more than just a tool watch; it's a statement of individuality. It's a watch that celebrates those who dare to be different, who embrace their unique perspective on the world. It's a watch that's as comfortable in the boardroom as it is on a diving expedition, reflecting the versatility of the modern adventurer.
Courtesy of DOXA
The watch's limited production run of 300 pieces adds to its allure. It's not just a timepiece; it's a piece of horological history, a testament to DOXA's legacy of innovation and craftsmanship.
The DOXA SUB 300T Aristera Professional is priced at 2,290.00 CHF / 2,490.00 EUR / 2,490.00 USD. It will be available in October 2024 at DOXA retailers and can be pre-ordered on the official DOXA website.