A New More Compact Case
Has Doxa struck gold with this new release? The latest addition to the lineup, the Doxa SUB 200t, boasts not only a new case shape but also a new size. With its 39mm case, it bears a striking resemblance to the SUB 300t, featuring an identical case shape. We had the opportunity to go hands-on with my personal favourite, the Sea Emerald. The captivating dial, with its bold highlights, truly sets it apart.
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The Emerald Green Is A Real Headturner
The Sub 300T case has gone on a keto diet and slimmed from 42.5mm x 44.5mm x 13.65mm down to 39mm x 41.5mm x 10.7mm. Although the 300T still exists, the 200T has done some shape-shifting and evolved with this more svelte design. This is quite a reduction making this much a much better fit for those with a smaller wrist. This is one of the trends for 2024, with brands reducing cases slightly, Doxa have been listening and are on point with this.
The 200T now mirrors the design of the proven 300T, albeit in a reduced size. With the smaller case, the weight has decreased, resulting in notably comfortable wear. The 39mm case showcases a combination of brushed and polished surfaces, characterised by wide sweeping flanks that arc from lug to lug. Atop the case sits a unidirectional diving bezel, featuring both timing and decompression scales.
Not only has the case and weight been reduced, but so has the water resistance, dropping from 1200m down to a modest 200m. While still well beyond the needs of most users, this change may only impact seasoned divers. Nevertheless, as a tool watch, it remains highly capable and built to withstand far more than the average user could subject it to.
So Much Choice, Something For Everyone
A Rainbow Of Watches
The 8 new colours and 2 strap or bracelet options now give you 13 variants to choose from. But for me, it’s the Sea Emerald that is the real stand out, the depth of colour and the shine of the sunray dial take this to another level. With the golden hands and hour markers, this combination I feel will be the highlight of the new offering.
Featuring a selection of Iconic or Sunray dials, the DOXA Sub 200T embarks on a contemporary journey with its sleeker case design. However, it maintains the formidable technical prowess that has defined the SUB collection since its inception in 1967.
Available in 8 colours – 7 classic tones with Professional Orange, Searambler Silver, Sharkhunter Black, Caribbean Navy, Divingstar Yellow, Aquamarine Turquoise, Whitepearl White and a new Sea Emerald Green -there is a choice of flat dial or sunray-brushed finish on some of the colours, with so much choice, there should be something for everyone.
The Sweetspot
Even with a slimmer profile of 10.70mm for enhanced wearability, DOXA adeptly preserves the authentic essence of the SUB models. Fashioned with precision from top-grade 316L stainless steel, the SUB 200T incorporates DOXA’s patented unidirectional rotating bezel, accompanied by a convenient date display at 3 o’clock and a screw-down crown. The watch boasts a dial shielded by a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal featuring an anti-reflective coating.
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Great Value For Money
As is customary, Doxa provides two choices for wearing the SUB 200T on your wrist. For EUR 1,550, you can opt for the FKM Rubber Strap. Alternatively, if you prefer the Beads-of-Rice steel bracelet, the price will be EUR 1,590. Each option comes equipped with a steel folding clasp that includes an adjustable wetsuit extension.
My Thoughts
While I’m accustomed to larger watches, the comfort of the bracelet on the Sea Emerald made it almost unnoticeable on my wrist. Wearing it was a genuine pleasure, and the vibrant green dial provided a refreshing departure from the usual dark colours we’re accustomed to. As expected from Doxa, the bracelet’s quality is top-notch, a sentiment echoed by enthusiasts of the 300t.
As a longtime admirer of Doxa, I own a vintage 300t Sharkhunter Aqualung from the late 60s. The new Sub 200t injects new vitality into the lineup and is poised to replicate the success of its larger sibling. As with any watch, trying it on before making a purchase is crucial, and fortunately, there are now more Doxa stockists available for enthusiasts to explore.
Amidst a landscape where watches appear to be steadily climbing in price, the Doxa Sub 200t is seen as a saving on the larger 300t. The competition within the sports watch segment, particularly within the £1500.00 range, has arguably reached unprecedented levels. However, the pricing of the Sub 200T from Doxa suggests a willingness to enter the fray.
Specifications
Case
- 316L stainless steel
- Size: 39 mm x 41.50 mm x 10.70mm
- Lug width: 18 mm
- Crystal: Sapphire, antireflective coating
- Crown: Screw-down crown
- Caseback: Stainless steel, screw-in
- Water resistance: 20 ATM, approx. 200 meters or 660 feet
- Choice of Iconic or Sunray
- Painted hour-markers highlighted with Super-LumiNova® luminescent material
- Hands highlighted with Super-LumiNova® luminescent material
- Outboard painted minute track
Indications & Bezel
- Hours, minutes, seconds, date
- Stainless Steel Unidirectional rotation
Movement
- Swiss, self-winding mechanical
- DOXA decorations
- 28,800 vibrations per hour (4 Hz)
- Power reserve: approx. 38 hours
- Bracelet & Strap
- Stainless steel ‘beads of rice’ bracelet with folding clasp and wetsuit extension
- FKM rubber strap, matching the dial colour, with folding clasp and wetsuit extension