The OX Oceanix FROG300 series is a bold statement in the realm of professional diver's watches. Born from a vision conceived not in a sterile workshop, but in a lively beachside "chiringuito" in Almería, Spain, the FROG300 represents a break from convention. Joseph Bolart, a mechanical engineer, master in industrial design, and NAUI Instructor, funneled his lifelong passion for horology, inherited from his grandfather, into this ambitious project. OX Oceanix, launched globally on July 4, 2023, aims to disrupt the watchmaking world with timepieces that challenge established norms.
The FROG300 isn't merely a diving instrument; it's an embodiment of a singular lifestyle. It's designed for those who embrace challenges, who find comfort in extreme environments, and who seek out adventure. OX Oceanix describes the FROG300 wearer as someone who might start their day battling the elements and end it, perhaps, exploring a hidden underwater paradise. This sentiment speaks to the watch's core identity: a tool built for resilience and exploration.
Courtesy of OX Oceanix
OX Oceanix's commitment to high-precision engineering is evident in the FROG300's construction. It's built to withstand the rigors of professional diving, complying with the ISO 6425 standard for saturation diving watches up to 300 meters (1,000 feet). The emphasis on robustness and durability is paramount, ensuring the FROG300 can endure the harshest conditions. Beyond its ruggedness, the watch boasts a trio of useful functions that OX believes could even be life-saving: a second independent True GMT time zone, an Advanced Dive Time adjustable underwater, and the ID+SYS™ feature for emergency situations.
Comfort, often an afterthought in large tool watches, is central to the FROG300's design. OX Oceanix stresses that the watch is meant to feel like an extension of the wearer. The eccentric titanium G3i case, designed for left-wrist wear, along with the internal crown positions, contribute to a comfortable and secure fit. The 45mm case diameter, paired with a relatively short lug-to-lug distance of 44mm, means the watch will sit well even on medium-sized wrists.
The heart of the FROG300 is the premium 9075 True GMT Miyota caliber, beating at 4 Hz and providing a 42-hour power reserve. This Japanese-made movement features a jumping hours complication for the second GMT time zone, a feature usually found in much more expensive timepieces. This speaks to OX Oceanix's commitment to providing high-end functionality without an exorbitant price tag.
Courtesy of OX Oceanix
A standout feature of the FROG300 is its internal unidirectional diving bezel, a feature for precise timing during dives. This bezel is operated by an advanced Dive Time crown that, uniquely, can be adjusted both on land and underwater. This is a significant advantage, allowing divers to readjust their dive time during decompression stops, a feature OX claims is unmatched in the mechanical watch world. The dial is designed for maximum legibility, with a deep matte black background providing a strong contrast to the hour and dive time indices.
The integration of the ID+SYS™ emergency data system, incorporated into the caseback, is a truly distinctive feature. This system, which requires no battery or connection, is designed to assist rescue teams in emergency situations. While OX hopes it will never be needed for its intended purpose, it underscores the brand's commitment to providing practical, potentially life-saving features.
The FROG300 series offers several distinct variations, each with its own character and appeal. The Full Titanium MY24 model, for example, features a two-tone finished Grade 3i titanium bracelet, appealing to those who prefer the feel of metal over a rubber strap. It emphasizes sophistication and technical prowess, offering extreme resistance to harsh elements while maintaining next-generation comfort.
Courtesy of OX Oceanix
The Black Edition is described as a classic and practical combination, with a black dial and black rubber strap. It's a nod to traditional diver's watch aesthetics, but with all the advanced features that set the FROG300 apart. The eccentric case, True GMT function, and internal bezel with underwater functionality all contribute to a tool watch that's truly out of the ordinary.
The Tahiti Lime version, with its blue dial and vibrant lime green strap, is an instant eyecatcher. The two-tone pattern on the dial is designed to evoke the shimmering surface of the ocean, and the lime green strap adds a burst of color inspired by the tropical fruit. Despite its playful aesthetic, this model is no less a robust tool, complying with both ISO 6425 and Military MILSTD810 standards.
The Orange Rescue Edition pays tribute to rescue professionals, with its bold orange strap and "RESCUE" inscription. Orange is a color universally associated with safety and rescue operations, highlighting the watch's connection to those who risk their lives to save others. The technical features, like the sandblasted titanium case and True GMT function, remain consistent with the FROG300's commitment to performance.
The Shark Skin variation features a unique gray and white pattern with blue accents, designed to mimic the tough armor of a shark's skin. This design emphasizes the watch's ruggedness and readiness for any adventure.
Courtesy of OX Oceanix
The Depth Rainbow model stands out with its colorful depth indicators on the bezel. This "Depth Colorgraph©" utilizes a four-color scale to provide a visual reference of diving depth, with red turning bluish beyond 5 meters. Combined with U.S. Navy / NAUI Dive Tables, this feature offers an additional layer of safety for divers. The yellow FKM fluoroelastomer strap further enhances visibility underwater, solidifying its status as a tool designed for serious divers.
The FROG300 models have a unique looking case. The watch's bezel is actually on the dial itself, and the face of the case surrounding it is smooth, with no numbers or markers. The crown that sits at the ten o'clock marker is large and very ridged, for easy grip. The opposite crown is placed at the eight o'clock marker, and it is flush to the case, giving a low profile, and a sleek look. The case extends past the nine o'clock position, and then slants downward toward the wearer's hand. The band connection is not at the bottom of the case, rather closer to the middle, giving the watch a much larger look.
OX Oceanix is committed to limited production, ensuring that each FROG300 is meticulously crafted. The brand emphasizes that they were "born to make a few happy each year," prioritizing quality control and attention to detail. This approach, combined with the unique features and design of the FROG300, positions the watch as something truly special.
The watches are a collaborative production. OX Oceanix is headquartered in the United States, but the watches are manufactured in Shenzhen, China. The OX® SZX Center handles the main parts, like case molds, crowns, and clasps. Components are sourced from top suppliers, including the premium True GMT caliber from Miyota® Japan (Citizen® Movement Division), which is then personalized in-house. This global approach allows OX Oceanix to combine design inspiration from the USA with the manufacturing expertise of Shenzhen.
Courtesy of OX Oceanix
The OX Oceanix team consists of founder Joseph Bolart, who handles marketing, design, engineering, and communication; Stéphane Levesque, the Chief Operations Officer, who brings extensive management experience; and Eric, a partner with over 20 years of experience in watch component manufacturing, who oversees production. Engineer Sky Ma manages the project and supplier relationships, working with a dedicated team of around 20 people focused solely on OX Oceanix watches.
The pricing for the OX Oceanix FROG300 models ranges from $1,720 USD for most variations (Black Edition, SHARK Skin, Tahiti Lime, Orange Rescue Edition, Depth Rainbow) to $1,900 USD for the Full Titanium MY24 model. Availability is limited due to the brand's production strategy, focusing on a select number of meticulously crafted pieces each year. This positions the FROG300 as a relatively accessible, yet highly exclusive, professional-grade tool watch.
Case: 45mm diameter. Eccentric Titanium G3i. Designed for left-wrist wear. Internal crown positions. Short lug-to-lug distance of 44mm. Complies with ISO 6425 standard for professional saturation diving watches up to 300m / 1,000ft.
Movement: Premium 9075 True GMT Miyota caliber. Beats at 4 Hz. 42 hours of power reserve. Jumping hours complication for the second GMT time zone.
Dial: Super-LumiNova® luminous material in W9/X1 grades applied. Internal unidirectional bezel in two tones, green and blue. Matte Black, unless it is the grey patterned dial (Shark), or blue dial. Depth Rainbow has a 4-color depth scale.
Strap: Fluoroelastomer straps in various colors (black, lime green, orange, yellow, grey). Full Titanium MY24 model features a two-tone finished Grade 3i titanium bracelet with multi-adjustable clasp.
Price: $1,720 USD (Black Edition, SHARK Skin, Tahiti Lime, Orange Rescue Edition, Depth Rainbow). $1,900 USD (Full Titanium MY24).
Reference Number: Black Edition (OXF3-BKBKTI-BLACK), SHARK Skin (OXF3-BUGYTI-SHARK), Tahiti Lime (OXF3-LIBLTI-LIME), Orange Rescue Edition (OXF3-ORBKTI-RESCUE), Depth Rainbow (OXF3-YEBMTI-DEPTH), Full Titanium MY24 (OXF3-TIBLTI-FULL1)
Notes: Features ID+SYS™ emergency data system. Advanced Dive Time crown allows for underwater adjustments of the internal bezel. Limited production.