Doxa pays tribute to one of their biggest literary heroes once more, releasing a new run of SUB 300 models named after the venerable Clive Cussler.
In the vast world of dive watches, the industry is littered with icons from every era. But as diverse as the narratives of those watches are, there is one commonality: narrative itself. Countless stories have been written about the origins of such watches and the people who wear them. Most of these stories aren’t written by those people, though, but rather perpetuated by brands to sell an idea.
When Doxa introduced the SUB 300 in 1967, it didn’t really have a story. What it did have, however, was a purpose: to be a robust, exacting, and highly effective dive watch, accessible to anyone.
Jacques Cousteau made the watch famous among the dive community, but its true icon status would not come until one was gifted to a dive shop employee. That employee grew to love the watch so much that he began writing stories about a fearless adventurer who wore the very same watch. That adventurer’s name? Dirk Pitt, as authored by the legendary Clive Cussler.
Very rarely do watches have stories written about them by the very people who wore them, and the Doxa SUB 300 possesses such rarified air. As such, Doxa has continually paid homage to the late Cussler, with new references released annually since 2023. This year marks yet another addition to the Clive Cussler tribute line, releasing a new version of their now-iconic SUB 300 in a sleek new design.
Deep Dive
The Doxa SUB 300 Ti5 Clive Cussler is perhaps one of the most professionally oriented dive watches ever made. Set in a barrel-shaped case, it measures 42.5mm in case diameter, with a 45mm lug-to-lug and 13.4mm thickness. In profile, it bears some similarities to a Seiko Turtle but is noticeably thinner than most Turtle models.
The SUB 300 Ti5 also distinguishes itself through its case construction of Grade 5 titanium. Ultra-light, extremely tough, and more lustrous than standard Grade 2 titanium, Grade 5 titanium is built to withstand the threats of corrosion that come with a career underwater.
It also features that signature 300m water resistance, as the name suggests. I find the use of Grade 5 titanium interesting, as most watch companies use it for its combination of good looks and strength.
Yet Doxa watches are always purpose-built, so the lack of polished surfaces becomes glaringly apparent. In any case, it adds a deeper grey hue that fits the professional nature of the watch. Outfitted on a black tropic-style rubber strap, there is no mistaking the SUB 300 Ti5 for some delicate flower.
Grey Ghost
Though a titanium case does enough to elevate the serious character of the watch, the design itself does the same while paying tribute to Clive Cussler. The dial is set on a sandblasted Grade 5 titanium backdrop, which itself is placed onto another superimposed layer of titanium and lume. This effectively creates a quasi-sandwich dial, where the lumed indexes appear to be slightly inset into the grey backdrop.
Amidst the monochromatic grey and black tones, Doxa’s signature orange still shines through. Most notably, it is visible on the broad minute hand as well as the outer no-decompression bezel, showing how long one can remain at certain depths before requiring decompression stops.
However, one last hint of orange can be found on the watch: the deep grey date wheel. While most of the numbers remain standard, the numbers 7, 15, and 31 are also coloured orange. This is in direct reference to Clive Cussler’s date of birth: 15 July 1931. It is a small nod to the legendary author that does not overtake the design, but adds a spot of meaning for avid collectors and Clive Cussler fans alike.
Terrific Tech
As you might expect from a professional-grade dive watch, the Doxa SUB 300 Ti5 has no display caseback. Instead, a relief engraving of the NUMA (National Underwater and Marine Agency) emblem takes its place, representing the non-profit organisation founded and headed by Clive Cussler. Interestingly, NUMA actually originated from Cussler’s books, serving as the workplace of both Dirk Pitt and another of Cussler’s protagonists, Kurt Austin.
Within the closed caseback beats the Sellita Calibre SW200-1, an ‘old reliable’ of the watch industry with a 4Hz (28,800VpH) beat rate and a 38-hour power reserve. As the watch world progresses, the specifications of the SW200-1 do seem increasingly redundant.
However, Doxa has ensured it is manufactured to the highest degree, sporting COSC Chronometer certification. Its more accessible modern sibling, the SUB 300T, does not possess such qualifications, making the SUB 300 Ti5 the best choice for the complete professional diver.
Initial Thoughts
As the watch world has expanded, it has managed to collaborate with a myriad of diverse industries. From movies and video games to musicians and artists, it feels like every space has been fair game for horological inspiration.
However, it still remains rare to hear about watches that draw from fictional literature. Doxa already held rarified air by being mentioned in Cussler’s novels alone, but the fact that they openly collaborate with his books, and the wider NUMA organisation, gives them a uniquely legendary status within the industry.
The Doxa SUB 300 Ti5 is the latest of many peaks within the brand’s Clive Cussler subgenre. While it uses cutting-edge technology and a new, unique dial layout, the no-nonsense nature of the Doxa dive watch has remained largely unchanged. For everything it is, it is almost entirely flawless. I just wish it wasn’t limited to 300 pieces; Titanium dive watches have always held a soft spot in my heart.
Reference & Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Reference | 823.50.121.20-SE14 |
| Dimensions | 42.5mm case diameter × 45mm lug-to-lug x 13.4mm thickness |
| Case | Grade 5 titanium |
| Dial | Titanium sandwich with black & orange accents |
| Crystal | Sapphire |
| Caseback | Closed, engraved |
| Movement | Automatic Sellita Cal. SW200-1 with COSC Chronometer certification & date complication |
| Power Reserve | 38h |
| Beat Rate | 4Hz / 28,800VpH |
| Water Resistance | 300m / 30bar |
| Strap/Bracelet | Black tropic-style rubber strap with titanium pin buckle |