DOXA SUB 750T Clive Cussler

In the intertwined worlds of maritime adventure and specialized watchmaking, few connections are as authentic and storied as the one between DOXA and Clive Cussler. The relationship, forged in the pages of high-stakes fiction and cemented in the depths of real-world marine archaeology, finds its latest expression in a new, highly exclusive timepiece. The DOXA SUB 750T Clive Cussler edition is a mechanical tribute that continues a narrative decades in the making, celebrating a shared passion for the sea, for exploration, and for the kind of robust engineering that can withstand the pressures of both.

The history of DOXA is inextricably linked to the evolution of the modern dive watch. In the 1960s, a period of burgeoning interest in recreational and professional scuba diving, DOXA distinguished itself by thinking differently. While other brands focused on military contracts and monochromatic designs, DOXA introduced the SUB concept in 1967. This was a watch designed for the general public but built with uncompromising professional specifications. Its most radical and defining feature was a brilliant orange dial, a choice born from extensive testing to determine the most visible color in the murky underwater environment. This, combined with a unidirectional rotating bezel featuring the U.S. Navy’s no-decompression dive table, made the DOXA SUB an icon of safety and function.



This reputation for purpose-built utility is what brought the brand to the attention of Clive Cussler, an author whose own life was a parallel adventure. Cussler wasn't just a writer of thrilling maritime tales; he was a genuine explorer. In 1979, he founded the non-profit National Underwater and Marine Agency (NUMA), dedicating his resources and passion to discovering and preserving historic shipwrecks. His work with NUMA was as real as the fiction he penned, involving painstaking research, daring expeditions, and a deep respect for maritime history.

It was only natural that Cussler would equip his hero, the indomitable Dirk Pitt, with a tool that reflected his own values. Across more than two dozen novels, Dirk Pitt’s constant companion on his adventures was a DOXA SUB with its signature orange dial. The watch was more than a prop; it was an essential piece of gear, a reliable instrument that saw him through countless underwater scrapes and daring escapes. This literary placement, born from Cussler's own admiration for the brand, introduced millions of readers to DOXA, forever linking the orange dial with a spirit of relentless adventure.

The connection was further solidified on the silver screen. Twenty years ago, the film adaptation of Cussler’s novel Sahara brought Dirk Pitt, portrayed by Matthew McConaughey, to a global audience. Prominently featured on his wrist was the unmistakable orange-dialed DOXA, its bold presence a beacon of the character’s rugged capability. This appearance cemented the watch as a cultural touchstone, a symbol of exploration recognized far beyond the dedicated communities of divers and watch enthusiasts. The new SUB 750T Clive Cussler edition is released in celebration of this cinematic milestone and what would have been the author's 94th birthday.

This third limited series in honor of Cussler, the SUB 750T, introduces a significant evolution in the design of DOXA's 45mm collection. While retaining the formidable presence expected of a professional-grade dive instrument, the watch has been refined for enhanced comfort and wearability. It is a timepiece designed to be as at home on an expedition vessel as it is in daily life, embodying the practical nature of the adventurers who inspired it.



The case, crafted from durable stainless steel, measures 45.00 mm in diameter and 47.00 mm from lug to lug, giving it a substantial but well-proportioned footprint on the wrist. The most notable update is its thickness. At just 11.95 mm, the case is nearly two millimeters thinner than the original SUB 750T launched two decades ago. This reduction in height dramatically changes the watch's profile, allowing it to sit lower and more comfortably, achieving an excellent balance that belies its robust specifications.

Despite its slimmer form, the watch’s capabilities as a deep-sea tool are undiminished. It features a solid, screw-down case back and a screw-down crown, both essential for ensuring its impressive water resistance rating. The SUB 750T is rated to 75 ATM, which translates to 750 meters or 2,460 feet. This level of performance places it firmly in the category of professional dive watches, capable of accompanying divers on serious underwater explorations far beyond recreational limits.

Flipping the watch over reveals a special tribute engraved into the steel case back. A finely detailed compass rose is etched into the surface, a powerful and recurring symbol in Cussler’s universe. It represents not just a tool for navigation but the very call to adventure and the unending quest for the unknown. Each cardinal point is imbued with meaning reflecting Cussler’s life: North for the constant search for truth, South for the allure of the exotic, East for discovery and new beginnings, and West for the fulfillment of a quest.

The dial is the watch's most striking feature and the element most directly tied to the Cussler legacy. Rendered in that iconic, vibrant orange, it is a statement of purpose and heritage. Legibility is paramount, and the large, blocky hands and applied hour markers are designed for instant readability. However, it’s the subtle, specific details that elevate this edition into a true homage. At the 7:30 position, the official logo of the National Underwater and Marine Agency (NUMA) is stamped onto the dial, a direct nod to Cussler's real-life passion project.



Further details are hidden in plain sight within the date window at 3 o'clock. While most dates appear in standard black, the numerals for 7, 15, and 31 are rendered in a contrasting red. These seemingly random numbers are deliberate references for fans of the novels, adding a layer of insider knowledge and personal connection to the timepiece. The entire dial is protected by a flat, scratch-resistant sapphire crystal with an anti-reflective coating, ensuring clarity in all lighting conditions.

To guarantee perfect legibility in the darkest environments, whether deep beneath the waves or simply in a dimly lit room, all dive-related indicators are generously coated with Super-LumiNova®. The hands, the hour markers, and all the markings on the bezel glow brightly after being exposed to light, a critical safety feature for any serious dive watch. This commitment to functionality underscores the watch's identity as a professional instrument, first and foremost.

Surrounding the crystal is the patented DOXA unidirectional rotating bezel. An essential tool for divers, it allows for the tracking of bottom time to ensure a safe ascent without the need for decompression stops. The bezel on the SUB 750T Clive Cussler edition features markings in feet and incorporates the U.S. Navy’s no-decompression dive limits, with an outer depth ring and an inner minute ring. Its unidirectional rotation prevents it from being accidentally knocked in a direction that would understate elapsed time, another critical safety measure.

Powering the SUB 750T is a Swiss-made automatic mechanical movement, the reliable Sellita SW300. This self-winding caliber is a proven workhorse, appreciated for its durability and precision. Operating at a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour (4 Hz) and containing 25 jewels, it provides a smooth sweep of the seconds hand and robust timekeeping. The movement, which is decorated by DOXA, also boasts an extended power reserve of approximately 56 hours, meaning it can be taken off for a full two days and will still be running when picked back up.



The watch is delivered with two distinct strap and bracelet options, allowing the owner to tailor its look and feel. The primary option is a stainless steel bracelet executed in the classic "Beads of Rice" style. This design, with its small, polished center links, is not only visually distinctive but also extremely comfortable, conforming easily to the wrist. It is fitted with a folding clasp that includes a ratcheting wetsuit extension, allowing the bracelet to be quickly and easily adjusted to fit over the sleeve of a dive suit.

For a different aesthetic, the package also includes a high-quality NATO strap. The strap is rendered in a bright orange that perfectly matches the dial, with a black stripe running down the center. This option gives the watch a more casual, rugged, and utilitarian appearance, lightening the overall weight and providing a secure fit. The inclusion of both the bracelet and the strap adds significant versatility to the timepiece.

This special edition is made possible by the enduring friendship between the Cussler family and DOXA. Dirk Cussler, son of Clive and an accomplished author himself, notes, “Bold. Creative. Adventurous. That’s how my father approached life... That spirit is perfectly captured in this DOXA timepiece that bears his name.” This personal endorsement speaks to the authenticity of the project, which is more a family affair than a simple brand partnership.

Jan Edöcs, the CEO of DOXA, echoes this sentiment, recognizing the profound impact Cussler had on the brand’s identity. “Clive Cussler’s novels, celebrated across the globe, offered a natural stage for DOXA watches... As we celebrate what would have been Clive Cussler’s 94th birthday, we pay tribute to a man whose stories transported generations of readers.” This mutual respect forms the foundation of the collaboration.

Reinforcing this deep connection, DOXA has committed to donating a portion of the proceeds from the sale of each watch to NUMA. This gesture ensures that the tribute to Clive Cussler is not merely symbolic but actively supports the mission he dedicated much of his life to: the discovery, surveying, and preservation of our shared maritime heritage. It is a fitting continuation of his legacy, funding the very adventures that inspired his fiction.



The entire package is presented in a special collector’s box designed to look like a vintage logbook, further enhancing the narrative of exploration and discovery. The watch itself is strictly limited, a key detail for collectors and enthusiasts. Only 94 numbered timepieces will be produced, a number chosen to commemorate what would have been Clive Cussler’s 94th birthday on July 15, 2025. This scarcity ensures that each piece is a rare and personal tribute to the legendary author.

The DOXA SUB 750T Clive Cussler is available for purchase now directly from the official DOXA website. With its limited production of just 94 pieces, it represents a unique opportunity for fans of Cussler’s work, dive watch aficionados, and those who appreciate a well-told story. The price is set at $2,990.00 USD, positioning it as an accessible piece of Swiss-made mechanical horology that carries an immense amount of history and character.

Case: Stainless steel; 45.00 mm x 47.00 mm diameter; 11.95 mm height; 21.00 mm lug width; sapphire crystal; screw-down crown and case back; water resistant to 750 meters / 2,460 feet.

Movement: Swiss automatic mechanical (Sellita SW300); 56-hour power reserve; 28,800 vph (4.0 Hz) frequency; 25 jewels; decorated by DOXA.

Dial: Orange dial with stamped NUMA logo at 7:30; date window at 3 o'clock with red numerals for 7, 15, and 31; hands and markers feature Super-LumiNova®.

Strap: Stainless steel "Beads of Rice" bracelet with folding clasp and wetsuit extension; an additional orange NATO strap is included.

Price: USD 2,990.00

Reference Number: 825.10.351.10-SE14

Notes: Strictly limited to 94 numbered pieces. The case back features an engraved compass rose and a portion of proceeds are donated to NUMA. Unidirectional rotating bezel is marked in feet.