Quick TakeTalk about sunshine! The DOXA SUB 300T Divingstar isn't just yellow; it's a confident blast of pure, unadulterated optimism strapped to your wrist. Forget blending in – this watch demands attention, much like a diver signaling clearly in the deep blue. Yet, beneath that cheerful exterior lies a serious piece of kit. We're talking a beefy 42.5mm steel case, a screw-down crown, and water resistance down to a staggering 1,200 meters. That's deeper than most recreational divers will ever dream of going, but knowing that capability is there? Pure confidence booster. The automatic Swiss movement inside keeps things ticking reliably with a solid 38-hour reserve, while the famous unidirectional bezel with its no-decompression scale isn't just for show – it's a genuine, potentially life-saving tool rooted in diving history. Add the helium release valve, a nod to its saturation diving heritage, and you realize this isn't just a pretty face. It's a professional instrument that just happens to look ridiculously cool, whether paired with the classic "Beads of Rice" bracelet or the functional FKM rubber, both featuring that essential wetsuit extension. It’s a conversation starter that backs up its bold looks with serious underwater credentials.
DescriptionEngineered for demanding underwater environments, the reference 840.10.361.31 utilizes high-grade 316L stainless steel for its primary case construction, selected for its superior corrosion resistance and durability. The case architecture presents dimensions of 42.50 mm in diameter, extending to 44.50 mm across its cushion shape, with a total vertical height measuring 13.65 mm. Ensuring integrity at extreme depths, the design incorporates a screw-down crown mechanism, which prevents water ingress during operation and adjustment. Complementing this is a solid stainless steel case back, also utilizing a screw-down fastening system, contributing significantly to the timepiece's impressive water resistance rating. Protection for the dial is afforded by a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal, treated with an anti-reflective coating to maximize legibility by minimizing glare under various lighting conditions, including direct sunlight and underwater scenarios. A critical component for dive time management is the unidirectional rotating bezel, calibrated in feet. Its rotation is restricted to a counter-clockwise direction as a safety measure, preventing accidental extension of indicated dive time. Integrated within the bezel is the DOXA-patented no-decompression dive time calculator, a characteristic feature allowing divers to align remaining dive time with depth. Furthermore, the inclusion of an automatic Helium Release Valve (HRV) addresses the needs of saturation divers, allowing trapped helium molecules accumulated during extended periods under high pressure to escape the watch case during decompression, thereby preventing potential damage to the crystal or case structure. The overall structure is rated to withstand hydrostatic pressure equivalent to 120 atmospheres (ATM), translating to a functional water resistance of 1,200 meters or 3,937 feet. This level of resistance confirms its suitability for professional diving applications, including mixed-gas saturation diving, echoing the pioneering spirit of the 1968 SUB 300T Conquistador, the first publicly available dive watch featuring an HRV.
Powering the timekeeping functions is a Swiss-origin mechanical movement characterized by its automatic, self-winding capabilities. This caliber operates at a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour (vph), equivalent to 4.0 Hertz, which facilitates a smooth, sweeping motion of the seconds hand and contributes to the movement's accuracy. When fully wound, the mechanism provides a power reserve of approximately 38 hours. The movement, decorated by DOXA, drives the primary indications displayed on the dial: hours, minutes, and central seconds, alongside a date function typically presented through an aperture. Legibility in low-light or deep-water conditions is paramount for a dive instrument; consequently, dive-relevant elements on the iconic yellow dial, including hands and hour markers, receive applications of Super-LumiNova®, a phosphorescent material providing sustained luminescence after exposure to a light source. Time is displayed via distinct hour, minute, and second hands, designed for clarity against the vibrant dial background. The timepiece is offered with two distinct attachment options to accommodate user preference and specific application needs. Option one consists of a stainless steel bracelet executed in the classic "Beads of Rice" style, known for its comfort and articulation. Option two is a high-performance FKM rubber strap, valued for its resistance to environmental factors and flexibility. Both the steel bracelet and the FKM rubber strap terminate in a robust folding clasp mechanism, which incorporates a practical ratcheting wetsuit extension. This extension permits quick, incremental adjustments to the strap or bracelet length, enabling the watch to be worn securely over the sleeve of a thick diving suit. The interface between the case and the strap or bracelet is standardized at a lug width of 20.00 mm, allowing for interchangeability and compatibility with aftermarket options conforming to this dimension. The overall assembly reflects a synthesis of historical design cues derived from the Conquistador lineage and contemporary advancements in dive watch technology.