BY DHANANJAY PATHAK
The duo of Doxa and Aqualung are back yet again with another exciting dive watch, the Doxa SUB 300 Carbon Aqua Lung Sharkhunter. This new dive watch not only highlights the historic connection between the two brands but also tries to make a modern and futuristic statement by making use of lightweight carbon.
The association between diving equipment manufacturer Aqua Lung and Doxa goes back to the 1960s and has been honored time and again through many true to original re-issues of the vintage references. Like the original watches, what made the modern-reissues special was the presence of the Aqua-Lung logo on their dials. And, while the new Doxa SUB 300 Carbon Aqua Lung also keeps the vintage spirit intact, it does so with a modern twist by making extensive use of forged carbon throughout the watch.
First and foremost is the case. Measuring 42.5mm wide and 13.2mm in thickness, the case on this watch retains the peculiar tonneau style shape of the original SUB 300. But that is where the similarities end, as the case on the SUB 300 Carbon Aqua Lung has been crafted entirely from forged carbon which not only looks cool but also makes the watch extremely lightweight as compared to its stainless-steel cousin. To put things into perspective, the entire watch just 87g which is certainly lightweight for a dive watch. Sitting on top of the case is the signature Doxa bezel that has the US decompression table executed in white and yellow. Like the original, the case is water-resistant to 300 meters, which is supported by a threaded crown at 3, and a closed case back.
Like the case, the dial on this watch also showcases the forged carbon influence. The abstract black and white back patterns provide a great backdrop for the high contrast white hour and minute markings. Furthermore, the Aqualung logo in the lower-left along with the broad minute hand in yellow brightens things up. At 3 o’clock is a date window with a black date that blends well with the rest of the dial without standing out.
Powering this watch is the tried and tested ETA 2824-2, which operates at a frequency of 4Hz and offers a power reserve of around 38 hours. Like many previous re-issues, Doxa has gone the distance to use a COSC certified movement that would remain accurate to within -4 to +6 seconds a day. Interestingly, to protect the movement, it has been placed inside a titanium container.
The new Doxa SUB 300 Carbon Aqua Lung Sharkhunter is limited to just 300 pieces and would come attached to an integrated black rubber strap. The retail price on this bad boy has been set at CHF 4,790.
Visit Doxa here.
