The Doxa SUB 300T Clive Cussler delivers a dial fit for a pirate
Mitchell BarberA friend of mine has this saying. Whenever he would see something old, he would point at it and say, “Old but good”. A rusty old Land Cruiser, a guitar that has endured years of abuse on stage, whatever it is, it’s old but good. We have a fascination with objects that have taken on such marks of age. Perhaps there is a sense of reassuring familiarity about these items, or maybe it’s the look that tells people it’s worth interacting with. Good quality old things just feel good, they tell a story – a bit like Clive Cussler.
Who was Clive Cussler?
A fitting Doxa ambassador, Clive Cussler was a renowned maritime explorer, accomplished author and founder of the National Underwater and Marine Agency (NUMA). He was a busy guy to say the least, releasing over 50 books in his lifetime, some of which were converted into movies starring none other than Matthew McConaughey and Penélope Cruz. Sahara from 2005 is well worth a watch. Cussler passed away in 2020, leaving behind an incredible legacy not only to literature, but to ocean exploration too.
Known most of all for his adventure novels starring the infamous Dirk Pitt (who, incidentally, wore a Doxa), his hit novels include titles like Raise the Titanic, Pacific Vortex and Black Wind. You can see a bit of a theme with these titles – Cussler loved the ocean – and wanted to do more than just write about it.
Founded in 1979, Numa is the National Underwater and Marine Agency (NUMA). A volunteer foundation dedicated to preserving maritime heritage through the discovery, archaeological survey and conservation of shipwrecks and artefacts. Amazingly, Numa started as a fictional foundation in Cussler’s series The Numa Files. Imagine thinking: “You know what, this makes for a good story, why don’t we do it in real life!?”
Numa (the real one) has been responsible for locating and salvaging many important American Civil War vessels and artefacts, just like in the books.
The Doxa SUB 300T Clive Cussler
No brand embodies aquatic exploration as much as Doxa. And this new SUB 300T Clive Cussler special edition is the perfect tribute to both Cussler’s and Doxa’s commitment to the ocean.
You could be mistaken for thinking that this new 300T was found on one of NUMA’s expeditions after being submerged for the last 100 years. The stainless-steel case has been treated with a special ageing layer that simultaneously makes it look and feel like an heirloom. Old but good, right?
You still get all of Doxa’s tool watch trademarks here. A screw-down crown, a helium release valve and a unidirectional bezel. It wouldn’t be a Doxa if it wasn’t a proper dive watch. Flip the 42 mm case over, and you will see engravings of the shipwrecks found by Numa. It’s a detail that shows that Doxa is serious about its tribute pieces, as this wasn’t a cost-effective exercise.
A dial fit for a pirate
The dial of the watch is handmade and evokes a vintage compass in its design. Doxa says that it’s created using “hand made decorative grinding”. Now, I’m not sure what this is exactly, but I love to imagine a dishevelled old watchmaker grinding away at a few dial blanks in between glugs of rum and fistfuls of Fishermen’s Friends mints.
To further the detail, the watch also pays tribute to the great man by indicating the dates 7, 15 and 31 in red. Cussler’s birthday was July 15, 1931. Details like this are just for the wearer and make it special when those dates roll around. Old radium-style SuperLuminova on the indices and hands complete the weathered look.
Reliable power
The movement in the watch is the Sellita SW200. The watch is so distinctive in its own right that the movement fades into the background. In saying that, you’re getting a Swiss made automatic calibre with a 38-hour power reserve and 25 jewels. For what it’s worth, it’s also decorated by Doxa, so if you’re inclined to see what’s under the hood, you’ll be happy with what lays beneath.
Doxa SUB 300T Clive Cussler pricing and availability:
The Doxa SUB 300T Clive Cussler is available now from the Time+Tide Shop. Price: A$4,295, CHF2,590
| Brand | Doxa |
| Model | SUB 300T Clive Cussler |
| Reference Number | 840.80.031.15 |
| Case Dimensions | 42.5mm (D) x 13.4mm (T) x 45mm (L2L) |
| Case Material | Stainless steel |
| Water Resistance | 300 metres |
| Dial | Hand-ground decoration, sand colour |
| Crystal(s) | Sapphire |
| Strap | Steel beads of rice bracelet |
| Lug Width | 20mm |
| Movement | Sellita SW200, automatic |
| Power Reserve | 38 hours |
| Functions | Hours, minutes, seconds, date |
| Availability | Now |
| Price | A$4,295 CHF2,590 |