If Doxa is mostly known for its rugged, professional-oriented dive watches that marked history when introduced during the 1960s – the famous SUB 300 collection – the brand has recently decided to evolve and to offer more than these original models. In 2019, Doxa introduced a smaller, simpler and fairly priced dive watch that made an impression with its retro design, the SUB 200 collection. Colours being part of the brand’s DNA – Doxa was the first to use orange on a dive watch – the SUB 200 was presented in no fewer than 6 bright colours. And today, a 7th is added to the collection, with this new, very bright Doxa SUB 200 Whitepearl.
Part of the brand’s signature elements, the recent SUB 300 and SUB 200 collections felt, in a very positive way, like a rainbow. Orange Professional, Silver Searambler, Black Sharkhunter, Navy Caribbean, Yellow Divingstar and Turquoise Aquamarine were at the centre of the brand’s distinctive look. But what happens when, in optics, you combine all the colours of the rainbow? You have white. And here’s the 7th colour in the Doxa SUB 200 collection, with the new Whitepearl model… a very, very white watch. (ps. Doxa, you could even add an 8th colour to your portfolio, with a green dial…)
Its white colour scheme aside, this new Doxa SUB 200 Whitepearl is in all points identical to previous editions of this retro-like, simple and accessible dive watch. As such, we still find the same 42mm steel case with a curved profile, polished bevel running from a lug to another and twisted, lyre-like lugs. The surfaces are neatly executed, with brushed and polished finishings, and the watch comes with classic diver’s specifications, meaning a screwed steel back, a screw-down crown and a 200m water-resistance. The 42mm seems rather large at first, but it does wear smaller than expected due to short lugs. And at 14mm in height, the thickness remains acceptable.
As you’d expect from an aquatic model, the new Doxa SUB 200 Whitepearl features a unidirectional bezel. Slightly smaller than the case and equipped with a coin-edge profile with deep notches, resulting in a vintagey style, it is equipped with a sapphire crystal insert with a luminous 60-minute scale printed on the inner face. This configuration offers a cool glossy effect and a nice sense of depth. It frames a domed sapphire crystal over the dial, which once again reinforces the retro look. And unsurprisingly, this bezel’s insert is full-white, thus matching with the dial.
There’s a rather essential feeling in this SUB 200 collection, with a dial that shows only necessary indications and that remains very discreet in literature. The base is matte white and darkened baton markers have been applied on its surface. The date window is outlined in black, providing a balance with the 9 o’clock marker, and the typical Doxa hands are here black-coated. Overall, the daylight contrast is superb and since all elements are largely filled with Super-LumiNova, the same can be said about low-light legibility. And only the name of the brand and of the model are printed on the dial, which feels pleasant.
When combined with the equally-white, textured rubber strap, this new Doxa SUB 200 Whitepearl is undeniably bright and special. It becomes a very cool summery object, something not too serious, something that will be right in place for a holiday party or for aquatic activities. Also, thanks to its relatively compact case, this full-white edition will make a great summer option for sporty women – as you can see in the first wristshot in this article. If you prefer, you can also have the classic stainless steel “beads of rice” bracelet with a folding clasp and diver’s extension.
Under the screwed steel caseback engraved with Doxa’s fish logo, there’s a classic and venerable ETA 2824-2 movement. This automatic calibre, which has nothing to prove anymore, beats at 4Hz and stores up to 38 hours of energy when fully wound. If there’s nothing special in this movement, it also allows for a reasonable price and easy service.
Availability & Price
The Doxa SUB 200 Whitepearl, the 7th colour in the brand’s portfolio, is now available online from doxawatches.com. And like the rest of the collection, the price feels just right, at CHF/EUR 950 on rubber strap and CHF/EUR 990 on steel BoR bracelet. Curious to see if this while dial will make it to the emblematic SUB 300 collection too…?
For more details, please visit doxawatches.com.