In the world of dive watches, few names carry as much heritage and cult following as DOXA. Known for their distinctive designs, bold colors, and serious underwater performance, DOXA watches have long been beloved by professional divers and enthusiasts alike. Among their most accessible and stylish offerings is the DOXA SUB 200—a modern dive watch that perfectly balances vintage charm, Swiss reliability, and everyday wearability.
Whether you’re new to the world of DOXA or considering your next addition to the watch box, this article takes a deep dive into everything you need to know about the DOXA SUB 200, including specs, design elements, and answers to frequently asked questions.
What is the DOXA SUB 200?
The DOXA SUB 200 is a Swiss-made dive watch that draws design inspiration from DOXA’s original 1960s models. Released as a more affordable and accessible option in DOXA’s legendary SUB line, the SUB 200 offers retro appeal with modern materials and performance.
It’s built to be rugged, stylish, and versatile—whether you’re diving in deep waters or heading to the office.
Key Features of the DOXA SUB 200
- Case Size: 42mm stainless steel
- Movement: Swiss automatic ETA 2824-2 or Sellita SW200
- Water Resistance: 200 meters (660 feet)
- Crystal: Sapphire with anti-reflective coating and domed shape
- Bezel: Unidirectional rotating bezel for dive timing
- Bracelet/Strap: Beads of Rice bracelet or rubber strap
- Dial Options: Multiple vibrant colors including orange, turquoise, yellow, black, navy, and silver
- Lume: Super-LumiNova on hands and markers
Why Watch Collectors Love the SUB 200
1. Vintage Styling
The domed sapphire crystal and retro case shape are direct nods to DOXA’s 1960s heritage. It looks classic without feeling outdated.
2. Color Variety
DOXA offers the SUB 200 in several dial colors that reference their famous names: Professional (Orange), Sharkhunter (Black), Caribbean (Navy), Searambler (Silver), Aquamarine (Turquoise), and Divingstar (Yellow). This makes the line incredibly fun and collectible.
3. Solid Swiss Movement
Inside is the tried-and-tested ETA 2824-2 or Sellita SW200-1 movement. Both are automatic, reliable, and easy to service.
4. Affordability
Compared to other dive watches in the Swiss luxury segment, the SUB 200 offers a lot of value—especially for a heritage brand like DOXA.
Everyday Wear and Dive Capability
Although the SUB 200 is rated to 200 meters of water resistance and includes a screw-down crown and unidirectional bezel, it’s not just for divers. With its comfortable case size, slim profile (~14mm thick), and classy “beads of rice” bracelet, it transitions easily from wetsuit to weekend.
Many owners find it a joy to wear daily thanks to its combination of lightweight comfort, legibility, and flair.
DOXA SUB 200 vs SUB 300: What’s the Difference?
While both are dive watches, the SUB 200 is a more entry-level and versatile option. Here’s a quick comparison:
| Feature | DOXA SUB 200 | DOXA SUB 300 |
|---|---|---|
| Case Size | 42mm | 42.5mm |
| Water Resistance | 200m | 300m |
| Crystal | Domed Sapphire | Flat Sapphire |
| Movement | ETA 2824-2 / SW200 | Chronometer-certified ETA |
| Price Range | Lower (~$1,000–$1,200) | Higher (~$2,000+) |
| Look/Feel | Dressier & modern | More rugged & tool-like |
FAQs About the DOXA SUB 200
Q1: Is the DOXA SUB 200 a good first luxury watch?
A: Absolutely. It combines Swiss heritage, robust construction, and a fun aesthetic at a reasonable price. It’s ideal for collectors just stepping into mechanical watches or dive watches.
Q2: Can I swim or dive with the SUB 200?
A: Yes. With 200m of water resistance, a screw-down crown, and a rotating bezel, it’s perfectly suited for swimming, snorkeling, and recreational diving.
Q3: Is the DOXA SUB 200 limited edition?
A: The SUB 200 is a regular production model, though some colorways or collaborations may be limited. Most models are readily available through DOXA’s website or authorized dealers.
Q4: What’s the difference between the rubber strap and bracelet versions?
A: The Beads of Rice bracelet adds a vintage feel and is quite comfortable, while the rubber strap is lighter and sportier. Both are high quality, and it comes down to personal style and comfort preference.
Q5: Does the SUB 200 hold its value?
A: DOXA isn’t known for high resale value like Rolex or Omega, but the SUB 200 holds value reasonably well, especially limited or rare dial colors. Its real strength lies in its everyday joy of ownership rather than flipping.
Q6: Is the dial lume strong?
A: Yes. DOXA uses Super-LumiNova on the hands and markers, providing good visibility in low-light or underwater conditions.
Q7: Where can I buy a DOXA SUB 200?
A: You can purchase directly from DOXA’s official website, or through select authorized dealers. Be cautious buying second-hand to avoid fakes.
Final Thoughts
The DOXA SUB 200 is the perfect fusion of history, function, and personality. Whether you’re a dive watch veteran or just diving into the world of mechanical timepieces, it’s hard not to fall for its colorful charm and reliable build.
With its roots in one of the most iconic dive watch brands and a design that blends retro styling with modern specs, the SUB 200 proves that great watches don’t have to break the bank—or blend in.
So if you’re looking for a bold, stylish, and adventure-ready wrist companion, the DOXA SUB 200 might just be your perfect match.
