Doxa refreshes the SUB 200 range with a new steel bezel, proving that small changes can offer a big impact

Tom Austin

• Doxa has unveiled a refreshed SUB 200, introducing a brand new bezel choice in polished chrome steel.
• The brand new bezel affords a extra conventional and technical look, bringing a brighter aesthetic however remaining true to the model’s heritage.
• Launching in all eight Doxa colourways, the brand new SUB 200 can be accessible on both a metal beads-of-rice bracelet, colour-matched rubber strap, or textile strap for the Sea Emerald mannequin.

There’s a paradox on the coronary heart of recent dive watches: they’re designed to be visually useful and distinct, but of their efforts to face out, they find yourself trying remarkably alike. The Submariner-style aesthetic is the benchmark, and with good cause, too, as a dive watch, it’s virtually faultless; nonetheless, Doxa has at all times completed issues in another way. The entry-level SUB 200, which is considered one of their best-sellers, has at all times stood out as barely totally different from the remaining, and it simply acquired a delicate refresh within the type of a brand new chrome steel bezel, giving the already modern and distinctive design a more energizing look in time for summer season within the Northern Hemisphere.

Launched in 2019, the Doxa SUB 200 has stood the check of time properly. Amongst a crowd of divers with aluminium or ceramic bezels, text-heavy dials and atypical design language, the SUB200 stood out as a powerful different whereas not straying too far-off from the style. It affords a retro vibe, with out leaning too far into it with fake patina, and picks out options from the model’s previous, significantly the unique reference 11804-4. The newest replace fortunately hasn’t ditched the sensible sapphire bezel inlay choice, however somewhat added to it, now working the chrome steel bezel alongside it within the catalogue.

Every thing else stays the identical as earlier with the newest launch, the big however not too imposing 42mm 316L chrome steel case nonetheless that includes every little thing it’s essential dive to unreachable depths. Its 200 meters of water resistance comes because of a screw-down crown and case again, together with a domed sapphire crystal up entrance. Doxa haven’t disclosed the origins of the automated motion contained in the SUB 200 this time round, nonetheless, it appears to nonetheless be the acquainted ETA 2824-2, embellished by Doxa and providing a 38-hour energy reserve.

One other of the numerous facets of the SUB 200 is alternative; choices are considerable throughout the SUB 200 vary by way of dial colors and straps. So, now, if the unique sapphire bezel felt too fashionable for you, the chrome steel bezel affords a extra tool-like really feel, very similar to the remainder of the Doxa vary. From the muted blue Caribbean and the darkish black Sharkhunter to the colourful yellow Divingstar and, in fact, the long-lasting orange Skilled, there’s a broad alternative of dial choices, every now showing barely totally different, contrasting towards the brand new bezel.

I have to say, I feel I really desire this new metal inlay. It brightens every little thing up and, to my eyes, makes every little thing extra legible and makes the dials actually pop. Alongside this, there’s a spread of colour-matched FKM beaded-style rubber straps on provide and the fabulous beads-of-rice bracelet, a Doxa fan favorite. As earlier than, the inexperienced Sea Emerald configuration is obtainable with a inexperienced nylon NATO-style strap, which might be my decide of the bunch when paired with the brand new bezel.

In a sea of the identical previous dive watches, the Doxa SUB200 has at all times stood out as one thing a bit totally different; a connoisseur’s alternative that additionally represents nice worth. It’s an amazing choice for somebody who’s searching for a dive watch that has heritage and has that retro really feel all of us like, but additionally affords some modern choices to spice issues up a bit. The selection of a brand new chrome steel bezel sharpens up the road and makes it really feel extra like a conventional Doxa by way of and thru, whereas nonetheless retaining the identical sensible bang on your buck.

Doxa SUB 200 S/S bezel value and availability

The Doxa SUB 200 chrome steel bezel vary is out there now immediately from all Doxa retailers. Value: £920 (Sea Emerald on NATO), £1,050 (fashions on rubber straps), £1,090 (fashions on chrome steel bracelets)