Doxa is making history again. Having been the first watchmaker to introduce a “Professional” orange dial for dive watches, this time the Swiss watchmaker is diving into uncharted waters with its first automatic dive watch with left-sided crown – the SUB 300T Aristera.
As the name "Aristera" – Greek for “left” – suggests, this new release caters specifically to left-handed people with a crown positioned at 9 o’clock so that the watch wears naturally on the right wrist for optimal comfort and ease of use.
But this is no ordinary “destro” dive watch. Building on the legacy of the iconic SUB 300T collection launched in 1968, Doxa has re-engineered the movement and adapted its testing to ensure that lefties experience the same emblematic design and underwater functionality that the collection is known for.
Legacy of the SUB 300T
Doxa’s current SUB 300 and SUB 300T both draw inspiration from the brand’s groundbreaking SUB 300 dive watches that were introduced in the late 1960s. The SUB 300 is a faithful aesthetic reinterpretation of the original SUB 300 "No T" that debuted in 1967, while the SUB 300T similarly revives the spirit of the SUB 300T Conquistador, which followed in 1969.
The original SUB 300 line was groundbreaking for incorporating practical innovations like a patented unidirectional bezel, featuring both a dive time and no-decompression limit scale. Its large notches made it easy to adjust, even with diving gloves on. Additionally, the bright orange “Professional” dial and oversized minute hand enhanced visibility in dark, murky waters.
Iconic Traits – Now for Lefties
All these iconic traits are present in the modern-day SUB 300 and SUB 300T, and the latter even retains the Conquistador’s helium release valve.
Although the SUB 300T Aristera has a left-sided crown, it retains all the hallmark features of the SUB 300T. It boasts the “Professional” orange dial that remains the calling card of the collection, while a rotating bezel with an aluminium insert allows divers to track no-decompression times.
But the inverted configuration is not just a mirror-image conversion. To reposition the crown to 9 o’clock and keep the date window at 3 o'clock, Doxa had to rotate the movement 180 degrees requiring technical adjustments and an adaptation of its final testing procedures.
Rugged, Robust and Readable
The calibre in question is a Swiss automatic movement, using a Sellita SW200 base, adorned with exclusive Doxa decorations, beating at 4 Hz and providing a robust 38-hour power reserve.
Under the flat anti-reflective sapphire crystal, all dive-related indications are coated in Super-LumiNova, ensuring they remain legible even in the darkest depths.
Made from a solid block of 316L stainless steel, the 42.5mm case bears the emblematic cushion shape of the SUB 300 line, while the screw-down crown and screw-in caseback help to provide impressive water resistance to 1,200 metres, allowing for deep-sea explorations.
On the caseback, a unique engraving of a sailing vessel in reverse relief celebrates the watch’s left-handed design.
Versatility Above and Below the Surface
The SUB 300T Aristera doesn’t just perform underwater; it’s versatile enough for everyday wear. In addition to the legendary stainless steel "beads of rice" bracelet, the watch also comes with a lightweight NATO strap for a more casual look. Whether you’re diving into the ocean or at your desk, this watch has you covered.
Available in October 2024 and priced at CHF 2,290, the SUB 300T Aristera is limited to just 300 pieces, making it a must-have for left-handed collectors and diving enthusiasts alike. Pre-orders are available now on Doxa’s website.
