Doxa watches is a brand that only the most hardcore of watch collectors know about. Despite this, it makes some of the most interesting dive watches out there. While the current SUB 300 is thought of by many as the truest Doxa, the Doxa SUB 300T Whitepearl shown here offers a number of improved specifications for less money.
I've had an interest in owning Doxa for some time. I got as close as owning a Synchron Military. It is more than just an homage to the original Doxa Army but still wasn't actually a Doxa (if that topic interests you, I suggest you read more about that here). I still wanted to try the real thing and had planned to start my Doxa journey with the quintessential orange Sub 300 Professional. When a great deal popped up on a SUB 300T Whitepearl, however, I decided to give the beefier brother a try.
For those more familiar with the Rolex lineup, I've heard the Doxa SUB 300 referred to as the brand's Submariner, while the 300T is more like the SeaDweller. they look identical at a quick glance, but the T has a different case and bezel, a helium escape valve, and increased water resistance.
Based on the model name, you might think that like the SUB 300, the 300T has 300m of water resistance. It's a shocking 1200! That's even more than my Sinn U1 S, despite being slimmer in every dimension. The 300 "no T" has a slimmer side profile, and a smaller, domed crystal, rather than a flat one. It eschews the helium valve but gains a COSC movement.
First Impressions of the Doxa SUB 300T Whitepearl
The general shape of the case and bezel are very similar to those of the Synchron, albeit with a smaller crown and nicer case finishing (with some polished sections, rather than being fully brushed. The white dial works well with this watch. The larger dial and flat crystal make it visually larger than the 300, but due to its small bezel, it still wears well for a 42mm watch.
Doxa SUB 300T Whitepearl Details
As mentioned, the flying saucer-shaped case of the SUB 300T features radial brushing on its top surface, while the sides are polished.
The dual-scale bezel also uses two different finishes.
The dial features the typical offset text, with Doxa Automatic in the upper left, and the model and colorway designation in the lower right. A subtle cross-hair pattern divides it.
In the case of the Whitepearl, the date is color-matched. A black line frames it, giving it a well-integrated look.
Some variants of the SUB 300T use an orange minute hand, but the Whitepearl is monochromatic. The hour hand is a bit stubby, but this aligns with it being a serious dive watch. Tracking minutes is most important when timing dives. the large lumed square on the second hand also makes it easy to see that the watch is running.
Wearing the Doxa SUB 300T Whitepearl
For a 1200m dive watch, the 300T is quite comfortable. The lugs don't curve down at all, so it sits on top of your wrist, but it doesn't feel especially top-heavy.
Short lugs mean that it will work on smaller wrists as well.
The large crown is easy to grip, as is the flared bezel. Although the bezel clicks are good, I found the Synchron more precise and crisp.
The black hands on white dial provide great legibility in any lighting conditions. Blue Super-Luminova glows well at night too. The applications are not very thick, but work well enough and last through the night.
The bezel features a traditional countdown timer as well as a no-decompression scale. It has two pips, one of which glows.
The Strap and replacement straps for Doxa SUB 300T Whitepearl
While a beads of rice style bracelet is available, my 300T came with my favorite type of strap, FKM rubber. It is quite thick and feels to be of high quality. It's also nicely fitted to the case, with small flares at the edges.
The clasp is very cool too, with a ratcheting dive extension.
The only downside of this strap is that it has to be cut to length. You do have the dive extension if cut it too short or your wrist changes size, but it would make the watch more difficult to sell.
My favorite strap to wear on this watch is our FKM Rubber Tropical Style in white.
A Beads of Rice also looks great on it! Keep reading at the end of the article to see how other straps look on the Doxa SUB 300T Whitepearl, and shop for replacement straps.
Movement
While recent Doxas used ETA movements, like many other brands, Doxa has shifted to using Sellita calibers. The SW200-1 in the SUB 300T is a great option for a tool watch, blending affordability with robustness. It has a 38-hour power reserve and beats at 28,800vph.
Conclusion
Unless you greatly value movement accuracy from a COSC movement, on paper the 300T is the better buy than the 300. It features 4x the water resistance, plus an HEV, yet costs $600 less than the 300 "no T." While I haven't spent much time wearing a SUB 300, I do enjoy its domed crystal. It also wears smaller, despite being within a few tenths of a mm in all dimensions.
On the other hand, the SUB 300T looks a bit less funky on the wrist, and the dial to case with is a bit more in proportion. I'm finally happy with my decision to buy it, especially at its lower cost. I'd love to own a SUB 300 Carbon someday though!
Specifications
Name: Doxa SUB 300T Whitepearl
Reference Number: 840.10.011.23
MSRP: $1,850 (strap), $1,890 (bracelet)
Diameter: 42.5mm
Height: 44.5mm
Thickness: 13.65mm
Lug Width: 20mm
Movement: Sellita SW200-1
Power Reserve: 38 hours
Water Resistance: 1200m
Crystal: Sapphire with anti-reflective coating
Crown: Screw-down plus automatic HEV
Bezel: 120-click Uni-directional
Strap: FKM Rubber, folding clasp with ratcheting extension
Shop Other Straps for the Doxa SUB 300T Whitepearl:
Tropical FKM Rubber
Elastic Straps
Premium Sailcloth
Premium Sailcloth Colorway Collection
Waffle FKM Rubber
Distressed Canvas
Locking Keeper FKM Rubber
Ridge FKM Rubber
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Slim Ridge FKM Rubber:
Full Grain Epsom Style Leather:
Beads of Rice Bracelet
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Brodinkee x StrapHabit MWP FKM Strap ($35 donated to the American Cancer Society)
