In the ’80s, DOXA was still part of the Aubry Frères company, before its acquisition by the Jenny family in the early ’90s, to whom it still belongs. One such model is the SUB 600T. When it comes out, it is immediately recognizable as a DOXA diver with its bright orange dial. At the same time, it is as much an evolution as it is a revolution.
Looking back, it seemed as if there had been a parallel SUB universe. Gone is the curvy tonneau case. Instead, a hefty chamfered block with straight angles, an offset crown at 4 o’clock. The unidirectional bezel that allows the calculation of the dive time without decompression stops – a DOXA patent – is more massive too, with the functional benefit of improved legibility and handling with a gloved hand. The principles of the DOXA diving tool watch attuned to its time. Remember, this is the Eighties: Goodbye soft curves, hello straight lines, right angles and a functional aesthetic.
But let’s not forget that the ’80s gave us much more than just a new SUB that stands out for its looks. Thanks to its design, materials and weight, the SUB 600T is waterproof to a depth of 600 meters! True to the DOXA dogma, the SUB 600T expresses both loyalty to the basic design principle of form follows function and the promise of a watch that is both exceptional and affordable, a professional diving watch for the general public. It is not only distinctive. It also delivers. An icon is born.
Today, more than 40 years later, DOXA is doing more than just revisiting a chapter written long ago. The Swiss brand is paying tribute to the iconic SUB 600T with a new history that begins now. After the massive success of a limited titanium edition SUB 600T in Pacific blue this summer, DOXA brings out the SUB 600T in a non-limited edition to complete the DOXA SUB line-up: in stainless steel with a choice of steel bezel insert or black ceramic insert, and available in 6 vibrant, dazzling colors and with either a stainless-steel bracelet or an FKM rubber strap – in all, 24 combinations will be possible.
The palette of legendary DOXA dial colors: Orange Professional, Silver Searambler, Black Sharkhunter, Navy Caribbean, Yellow Divingstar, and Turquoise Aquamarine.
The SUB 600T with 3 hands and date remains true as ever to the aesthetic of the SUB 600T that defined DOXA in the 80s and became an icon of its era. At the same time, it comes with features that make this the reliable, desirable and eminently wearable diver’s watch for today.
At 40mm, the case diameter of the DOXA SUB 600T remains unchanged – judging by the perceived expanse of the dial, one would never guess that this is in fact the smallest diameter in the family. Made of 316L stainless steel and topped with a sapphire crystal, the case, and thus the movement it protects, is pressure-resistant to 60 bar (600 meters). This leaves plenty of margin, even for the most ambitious diver as to the depths to explore. The crown is still at 4 o’clock and the patented rotating bezel unidirectional as it should be – to calculate a safe ascent without decompression stops. The bezel, with dual indication of the dive time (minutes) and depth (feet), can be ordered either with a sandblasted steel insert or with a ceramic insert.
All dive-related indications are coated with luminescent Super-LumiNova®, including the distinctive ‘shark tooth’ markers at 6, 9 and 12 o’clock, for optimal readability in low light conditions. This collection is available with a tone-on-tone rubber strap to match the dial color or with the new 316L stainless steel bracelet that brings a ‘modern vintage’ touch to the DOXA collection. The FKM rubber strap features a new clasp: it looks like a pin buckle, but it is actually a folding buckle for quick, convenient and comfortable adjustment to the owner’s wrist. Of course, the exclusive ‘DOXA Fish’ symbol is featured as well.
DOXA SUB 600T
Indications: hours, minutes, seconds and date
Movement: Sellita SW 200-1; Mechanical, self-winding; 38-hour power reserve; Frequency: 28’800 vph (4.0 Hz); 26 rubies; DOXA decorations
Case: 316L stainless steel case; Diameter: 40.00 x 47.60 mm; Thickness: 14.15 mm; Screw-down crown at 4pm; Water resistance: 60 bar / 600 meters / 1,970 feet
Features: Sapphire crystal; Unidirectional rotating bezel, all stainless steel or with ceramic insert; Bezel markings in color (depth) and white (dive time), light dot at 12 o’clock; Bezel insert in sand-blasted stainless steel or ceramic
Dial: Orange, silver, black, navy, yellow or turquoise; Painted indices with Super-LumiNova luminescent coating; Hands painted black with Super-LumiNova luminescent coating; Painted outer minute track
Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel (316L) bracelet or FKM rubber strap; Folding clasp with ‘DOXA fish’ symbol
Price: Models with stainless steel bezel insert, Stainless steel (316L) bracelet: CHF 1,390, FKM rubber strap: CHF 1,350; Models with ceramic bezel insert, Stainless steel bracelet: CHF 1,490, FKM rubber strap: CHF 1,450