DOXA SUB 300 Carbon Seafoam

A Reimagined Icon

Words by: Hourstriker Staff
September 22, 2025
A new collaboration between the historic dive watch specialist DOXA and luxury retailer The Watches of Switzerland Group brings forth a timepiece that merges high-tech materials with a unique, soft color palette. The DOXA SUB 300 Carbon Seafoam is a limited-edition model that reimagines a classic design, pushing it into a contemporary space while respecting its deep roots in underwater exploration. This release is built upon a foundation of shared values between the two entities, culminating in a watch that is both a capable tool and a distinct piece of design, offered exclusively through the retail partner’s network. The watch leverages a forged carbon case, a material celebrated for its lightweight and durable properties, and pairs it with a dial color that is a first for the brand, creating a visual and tactile experience that stands apart from its steel siblings.



DOXA’s history is intrinsically linked with the evolution of the modern dive watch. Founded in 1889 in Le Locle, Switzerland, the brand spent its early decades establishing a reputation for reliable timepieces. However, its most significant contribution to horology came in the 1960s. Recognizing the growing popularity of recreational scuba diving, DOXA embarked on a project to create a watch designed specifically for this new audience, not just for military or commercial divers. The result, launched in 1967, was the SUB 300. It was a revolutionary product, introducing several key innovations that would become industry standards. Most famously, it featured a bright orange dial, a color chosen after extensive testing for its superior visibility underwater.

Courtesy of DOXA


Beyond the dial color, the original SUB 300 introduced the first unidirectional rotating bezel with an integrated no-decompression dive time calculator, a feature patented by the brand. This allowed divers to align the bezel with their minute hand and easily track their bottom time in relation to the U.S. Navy's no-decompression limits, a critical safety feature. The watch's reputation was further solidified when it became the timepiece of choice for Jacques-Yves Cousteau and his team of divers. Distributed in the United States through Cousteau's U.S. Divers Company, the DOXA SUB became an icon of the adventurous spirit of the era, a reliable instrument seen on the wrists of those exploring the planet’s final frontier. This history forms the bedrock upon which all modern DOXA SUB watches are built.



The partner in this exclusive release, The Watches of Switzerland Group, stands as a formidable force in luxury retail. As the largest luxury watch retailer in the United Kingdom, its influence extends significantly into the United States as well. The group operates a portfolio of prestigious retail brands, including Watches of Switzerland, Mappin & Webb, Goldsmiths, Mayors, and others. This extensive network comprises hundreds of showrooms across the UK, US, and Europe, including a large number of dedicated mono-brand boutiques operated in partnership with some of the most respected names in the watch industry. Their presence is a marker of quality and access, connecting discerning customers with exceptional timepieces. This collaboration with DOXA is a testament to the group's ability to secure exclusive and highly desirable products for its clientele.



The SUB 300 Carbon Seafoam is the physical manifestation of this partnership. The choice of forged carbon for the case material immediately sets this watch apart. Visually, the case is not a flat, uniform black but a complex tapestry of dark gray and black tones in a swirling, marbled pattern. This organic texture means that no two cases are exactly alike, giving each of the 100 pieces a subtle individuality. The material is formed by compressing carbon fibers at high temperatures and pressures, resulting in a composite that is exceptionally strong yet remarkably light, weighing a fraction of what a comparable stainless steel case would. This modern, technical appearance is a stark and effective contrast to the vintage-inspired silhouette of the classic cushion case.

Courtesy of DOXA


The case measures 42.50 mm in diameter and 45.00 mm from lug to lug, with a thickness of 13.40 mm. These dimensions are consistent with the modern SUB 300 line, providing a substantial presence on the wrist that remains comfortable due to the lightness of the carbon material. A pressure-resistant inner chamber made of titanium houses the movement, providing a robust and secure core for the watch. The case back, also titanium, is solid and screwed down, engraved with the Watches of Switzerland logo and the unique limited-edition number for each piece. The use of titanium is a practical choice, valued for its high strength-to-weight ratio, corrosion resistance, and hypoallergenic properties, ensuring comfort against the skin.



The dial of this limited edition is its most defining feature. The "Seafoam" green is a soft, pastel hue exclusive to The Watches of Switzerland Group. It is a departure from DOXA’s typically bold and primary color palette, offering a more understated and contemporary aesthetic. The dial is finished with a sunray pattern, which causes light to radiate from the center, creating a dynamic play of light and shadow that shifts with the angle of the wrist. This subtle finishing adds a layer of depth and visual interest to the otherwise clean dial layout.



The dial architecture is pure DOXA. It retains the brand's signature handset, characterized by a large, prominent minute hand and a comparatively small hour hand. This design choice dates back to the original SUB 300 and is based on the functional reality of diving, where tracking minutes is of primary importance for safety. The hands and the applied blocky hour markers are generously filled with Super-LumiNova, ensuring excellent legibility in low-light conditions. A date window is cleanly integrated at the 3 o’clock position, adding a practical everyday complication. The brand's name and model designation are printed in black, providing crisp contrast against the light green background.

Courtesy of DOXA


Surrounding the dial is the iconic unidirectional rotating bezel, a hallmark of the DOXA SUB design. For this edition, the bezel is also crafted from forged carbon, matching the case and creating a cohesive visual unit. It features DOXA’s patented dual scale, with an outer ring for dive depth in meters and an inner 60-minute scale. All markings on the bezel are filled with white Super-LumiNova, making them easily readable underwater. The bezel's edge is serrated, providing a secure grip for rotation, even when wearing gloves. The action is firm and precise, with distinct clicks to prevent accidental movement that could compromise dive time tracking.



Protecting the dial is a domed sapphire crystal. This shape is a deliberate nod to the curved plexiglass crystals used on the original 1960s models, adding a touch of vintage character to the watch. However, unlike plexiglass, modern sapphire crystal is extremely scratch-resistant, second only to diamond in hardness. The crystal is also treated with an anti-reflective coating to minimize glare and maximize legibility, a crucial feature for a watch intended for use in bright sunlight or challenging underwater environments. The screw-down crown, located at the 3 o’clock position, ensures the watch’s water resistance and is protected by the slight overhang of the cushion case.



At the heart of the SUB 300 Carbon Seafoam is a Swiss mechanical automatic movement. This caliber is a COSC-certified Chronometer, a prestigious designation that serves as a guarantee of its accuracy and reliability. To achieve this certification, each uncased movement is individually tested by the Contrôle Officiel Suisse des Chronomètres over 15 days in five different positions and at three different temperatures. Only movements that maintain an accuracy within -4 to +6 seconds per day earn the title of Chronometer. This level of precision ensures that the watch is a trustworthy instrument for timekeeping.



The movement operates at a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour (4.0 Hz), which translates to a smooth sweep of the seconds hand and contributes to its stable performance. It is built with 26 jewels to reduce friction on critical components, enhancing longevity and maintaining accuracy over time. The self-winding mechanism means that the motion of the wearer’s wrist powers the watch, winding the mainspring automatically. When fully wound, the movement provides a power reserve of approximately 38 hours. While not visible through the solid case back, the movement is decorated by DOXA, reflecting the brand’s attention to detail throughout the timepiece.

Courtesy of DOXA


A dive watch is only as good as its water resistance, and the SUB 300 Carbon Seafoam is rated to a depth of 300 meters, or approximately 984 feet. This is a professional-grade specification that makes it suitable for scuba diving and any other water-based activity. This high degree of water resistance is achieved through a combination of the titanium inner chamber, the screw-down crown, and the solid screw-down case back, all of which work together to create a hermetically sealed environment for the delicate movement inside.



Versatility in wear is provided by the inclusion of two distinct strap options. The primary strap is a black FKM rubber strap. FKM is a high-performance synthetic rubber known for its exceptional resistance to heat, chemicals, and saltwater, making it an ideal material for a dive watch strap. It is soft and flexible, offering a comfortable fit on the wrist. The strap is fitted with a black PVD-treated stainless steel folding clasp that features the DOXA fish symbol. A key functional element of the clasp is its adjustable ratcheting wetsuit extension, which allows the wearer to quickly and easily lengthen the strap to fit over the sleeve of a wetsuit without the need for any tools.



Included as a secondary option is a NATO-style strap in a Seafoam green color that perfectly matches the dial. This strap offers a different aesthetic, lending the watch a more casual, rugged, and military-inspired look. The woven fabric is durable and comfortable, and it fastens with a simple pin buckle. The NATO strap design has the added benefit of securing the watch head to the wrist even if one of the spring bars were to fail. This thoughtful inclusion of a second, color-matched strap significantly enhances the value and adaptability of the package, allowing the owner to change the look and feel of the watch to suit different occasions.



The DOXA SUB 300 Carbon Seafoam is a strictly limited edition of just 100 numbered pieces. This scarcity, combined with its unique material and color combination and its exclusive retail channel, makes it a particularly noteworthy release for collectors and enthusiasts of the brand. It represents a modern evolution of a classic design, successfully integrating advanced materials like forged carbon without losing the functional design language that has defined the SUB 300 for over half a century.

Courtesy of DOXA


This exclusive release is priced at $3,990 USD. Given its limited production of only 100 pieces, it is positioned as a special offering for dedicated followers of the brand and collectors seeking something unique. The DOXA SUB 300 Carbon Seafoam will be available exclusively from The Watches of Switzerland Group, with sales beginning on September 22nd, 2025. It will be offered through the group's showrooms in the United Kingdom and the United States, as well as on their e-commerce website.



Case: Forged carbon case with titanium chamber and screw-down case back, 42.50 mm x 45.00 mm diameter, 13.40 mm height, domed sapphire crystal, screw-down crown, unidirectional rotating carbon bezel, water-resistant to 300 meters (984 feet).

Movement: Swiss mechanical automatic, self-winding, COSC certified Chronometer, 38-hour power reserve, 28,800 vph (4.0 Hz) frequency, 26 jewels.

Dial: Seafoam green color with a sunray finish, baton markers, hands and indices feature Super-LumiNova coating.

Strap: Black FKM rubber strap with a PVD-coated folding clasp featuring a ratcheting wetsuit extension. An additional Seafoam green NATO strap is included. Lug width is 20.00 mm.

Price: USD 3,990.00

Notes: Limited to 100 numbered pieces, this is an exclusive collaboration with the Watches of Switzerland Group. The Seafoam green dial and the forged carbon case create a unique combination for the SUB 300 line.
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