Horologii

Doxa SUB 200 130th Anniversary Celebration Limited Edition Watch Review

Released in celebration of their 130th birthday, this Doxa SUB 200 130th Anniversary Celebration Limited Edition tributes their fascinating history and reputation for becoming one of the world’s greatest diving watch specialists. The timepiece was originally unveiled at Baselworld earlier this year, and we instantly knew it would be a hit. Its stunning stainless steel case is fitted with a variety of essential features that make it an important piece of diving equipment including its no-decompression unidirectional bezel and water resistance of 200 metres.

Before we go any further into the watch itself, we should take a quick look back at the 130 years since Doxa was founded. It began in 1889 when the factory was established in Le Locle, Switzerland under the name “Georges Ducommun, Fabrique des montres Doxa.” They started out manufacturing pocket watches and equipping luxury cars such as the first Bugatti models with a clock featuring their patented 8 day movement. From there, they continued to astound with innovations that won them several awards including the Gold Medal at the Milan International Exhibition in 1906.

It was in the 1960’s, however, that Doxa really found its footing. Taking a look at the industry around them, they realised that although there were many diving watches available, they were either incredible expensive or only made suitable for military and professional divers. With the vision of a dependable and affordable diving watch and the forefront of their mind, the first Doxa Sub watch was released in 1969. This remarkable timepiece became a reference in the field of the most emblematic diving watches in watchmaking history while also remaining the benchmark for professional and military divers today.

The Doxa SUB 200 130th Anniversary Celebration Limited Edition watch continues to uphold these outstanding values alongside many new contemporary innovations that allow it to excel in water. Measuring to 42mm in size and crafted from high quality 316L stainless steel, the timepiece looks extraordinary on the wrist. It’s 200 metre water resistance makes it suitable for shallow diving while its patented unidirectional bezel comes decorated with a 60 minute scale on the outskirts. The indication of dive time in minutes allows divers to reliably calculate and monitor their oxygen levels so they know exactly when they should be returning to the surface.

Just like any diving watch, legibility is made a priority with an easy to read dial and scratch resistant sapphire crystal glass housed above it treated with an anti-reflective coating. Glow in the dark Superluminova can be found on the hands and indices as well as on the markers on the bezel. The Sharkhunter black dial of the Doxa SUB 200 130th Anniversary Celebration Limited Edition watch is kept simple and easy to read at a glance with large hour and minute hands, a bold red seconds hand and a date window at 3 o clock.

Powering each of the functions on the dial is the ETA 2824-2 automatic mechanical movement. This highly reliable Swiss calibre also provides a power reserve of 42 hours, a frequency of 28,800 vph and 25 jewels. Last but not least, the Doxa SUB 200 130th Anniversary Celebration Limited Edition watch is completed by a vintage inspired ‘beads of rice’ bracelet alongside a folding clasp with wetsuit extension engraved with the famous Doxa fish logo.

The Doxa SUB 200 130th Anniversary Celebration watch is limited to only 130 pieces and as far as we are aware, many of these pieces have already been pre-ordered. If you are interested in purchasing the timepiece, retailing at £1,150 with an expected release date of October this year, we highly recommend you do so here.

Specifications: Doxa SUB 200 130th Anniversary Celebration Limited Edition Watch (799.10.101.LE.10)

  • Case Size: 42mm
  • Case Material: Stainless steel
  • Bezel: Unidirectional
  • Glass: Sapphire crystal with anti-reflective treatment
  • Case Back: Closed
  • Crown: Screw in
  • Water Resistance: 200 metres
  • Movement: ETA 2824-2 automatic
  • Functions: Hour, minute, seconds and date
  • Power Reserve: 42 hours
  • Frequency: 28,800 vph
  • Jewels: 25
  • Dial: Sharkhunter Black with Superluminova hands and indices
  • Strap: ‘Beads of rice’ stainless steel bracelet with folding clasp with diving extension
  • Limited Edition: 130 pieces
  • RRP: £1,150