Article: The SUB 300T Aristera: A Left-Handed Legend from DOXA
The SUB 300T Aristera: A Left-Handed Legend from DOXA
Dive watches have long been associated with precision and durability, but the new DOXA SUB 300T Aristera introduces an innovative twist for left-handed enthusiasts and professional divers alike. This limited-edition watch marks a significant milestone in DOXA’s storied history as the first model designed with the crown on the left side of the case, making it an ideal choice for those who prefer to wear their watch on the right wrist!
To The Left
The word Aristera means ‘left’ in Greek and the SUB 300T Aristera is a thoughtful adaptation of one of the most iconic models in diving history. Originally launched in 1968, the SUB 300T series became renowned for its vibrant orange dial, which was tested with Swiss Commandos and found to be the most visible color at depth. The Aristera continues this tradition of excellence but adds a left-side crown—a feature that offers practical benefits for divers. When worn, in the traditional manner, on the left wrist, this design offers more protection for the crown from accidental impacts underwater, where it is most vulnerable, ensuring that the watch maintains its integrity in the harshest conditions.
DOXA’s decision to rotate the movement 180 degrees to reposition the crown at 9 o'clock offered some technical challenges that underscores the brand's commitment to innovation and functionality. This modification necessitated some watchmaking adjustments and a change to the final testing of the watches, showcasing DOXA’s dedication to crafting specialist timepieces that meet the specific needs of its wearers.
A Professional Evolution
The concept of a left-handed dive watch is steeped in both practicality and historical significance. Traditionally, divers wore their watches on the left wrist, which often exposed the crown to potential damage during underwater operations. By switching the crown to the left side of the case, the Aristera minimizes this risk, enhancing the watch’s durability and reliability. This feature has historical roots in military and professional diving, where every component's functionality could mean the difference between success and failure.
The development of this left-handed watch reflects DOXA’s deeper understanding of divers' needs and the challenging environments they operate in and acknowledges the evolution of diving equipment and techniques, and how watchmakers have continually adapted to meet these changing demands.
Technical Mastery and Aesthetic Appeal
The Aristera is equipped with a Swiss automatic movement, ensuring a power reserve of approximately 38 hours and a beat frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour (4 Hz). It features a unidirectional rotating bezel in aluminum that lends a subtle, elegant matte silver look to the bezel and pays homage to a design introduced by the Aubry Frères in the 1980s. The insert functions for monitoring no-decompression dive times, a crucial tool for professional divers. This dual-scale bezel not only measures elapsed time like traditional dive bezels but also provides critical decompression data instantly. Divers can align the bezel dot with the minute hand at the start of their dive; for instance, if starting a dive at quarter past the hour, the minute hand is aligned at 15 minutes. If planning to dive to 120 feet, a quick glance reveals that the 120-foot mark aligns with the 15-minute marker on the bezel, indicating a safe dive time of 15 minutes at that depth without requiring decompression stops during ascent. This feature enhances safety by allowing divers to easily calculate and monitor their allowed bottom time at various depths, thus significantly reducing the risk of decompression sickness.
The case, crafted from 316L stainless steel known for its superior corrosion resistance, supports water resistance up to 1,200 meters (approximately 4,000 feet), making it suitable for even the most demanding underwater missions.
The watch’s face is protected by a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal with an anti-reflective coating, and all dive-related indications are coated with Super-LumiNova for optimal legibility in low light conditions. This combination of features reinforces the SUB 300T Aristera’s status as the ultimate professional dive watch.
As a limited edition of just 300 pieces, the Aristera is destined to become a collector's item. Each watch bears an engraving of a sailing vessel on its case back, in reverse relief, a creative nod to its left-handed design. This watch is not only a tool for the adventurer but a statement of individuality and a tribute to the pioneering spirit that has characterized DOXA since its inception.
A Sea of Emeralds
For 2024, DOXA introduces a vivid new chapter in its color palette with the ‘Sea Emerald’ Green. This new hue has quickly become the 8th official color in the SUB family, available across five key collections including the SUB 200, SUB 300T, SUB 300, SUB 600T, and SUB 300 Carbon.
Inspired by the mesmerizing play of sunlight through sea water, the ‘Sea Emerald’ color evokes the deep and mysterious allure of the ocean. This shade not only adds a new dimension to DOXA’s lineup but also connects with the spirit of adventure and exploration that DOXA embodies. The sunburst finish on the dial captures and reflects light, mimicking the ever-changing surface of the sea.
The DOXA SUB 300T Aristera and the introduction of ‘Sea Emerald’ Green are more than just new products; they are testaments to DOXA’s legacy of innovation and its deep connection with the diving and adventure communities. Whether it’s the left-handed functionality of the Aristera or the captivating new color scheme, DOXA continues to innovate, ensuring that every watch is not just a tool, but a partner in the relentless pursuit of adventure.
