By Wesley Wright
Heritage meets modernity
The Doxa Sub300 is one of the definitive watches for diving and adventure. From the wrist of Jacques Cousteau to the pages of Clive Cussler’s Dirk Pitt novels, the Sub300 has been the watch of choice for many to accompany any adventure. This was certainly the case for me as well, as I am a proud Sub300T owner myself. The modern version of the Sub300 maintains much of its old‑school charm and looks by keeping many of the original dimensions and colours, while offering modern upgrades such as the movement used and water‑resistance standards.
The legacy of this ultimate tool watch continues as Doxa dives into using Grade 5 titanium for its cases in the newly launched Sub300 Ti5 lineup, giving those who dare an even more capable model to use. The watch being used for today’s review is the epitome of heritage meeting modernity, through the original colourway of Professional Orange being encased in the new Grade 5 titanium case.
Hands on with the Jack Mason Canton Day Date
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The Dial
If you know Doxa, you know that the real heritage colour choice is Professional Orange. I know this article’s focus is on the case, but we have to talk about this dial. When choosing the model for this review, I had the choice between the Sharkhunter and the Professional. Don’t get me wrong, I love both colours, but something about this bright solid orange just calls to me. I think it stems from the fact I own its sibling, the 300T in Divingstar Yellow.
For those who don’t know, the Professional holds a very important place in Doxa’s history. In the 1960s, tests were conducted in Lake Neuchatel to see which dial colour remained legible as natural light faded. While diving down to the depths, famous diver Claude Wesly found that orange was the best result of the group. The “Professional Orange” colour became synonymous with Doxa during that time as it became their signature colour. The orange is a bright, bold, boisterous statement that does not apologize for being loud. While being a practical choice for diving, it is also a fantastic splash of colour on your wrist for day‑to‑day wear.
When I heard Doxa was doing a titanium version of the 300 model series, I knew I had to check it out in the Professional—not only to experience the colour on wrist, but also to respect the heritage of the brand’s most iconic colourway. If I had one critique on this front, it would be questioning why they did not include the Divingstar Yellow in the new cases—something I hope they remedy soon.
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The Case: Same size, beefed up
On to the main attraction here folks. To say I was excited to hear that Doxa was doing titanium is an understatement. The Grade 5 titanium case is done in the same dimensions as the original 300, retaining its fantastic‑wearing 42mm diameter and 45mm lug‑to‑lug sizing. It also retains its thickness of 13.4mm from the 300, making this watch a relatively thin, purpose‑driven dive watch.
The wearing experience of a Doxa is unlike any other. This is not a small watch by any means, but its short lug‑to‑lug gives it a compactness that makes it supremely wearable and visually striking. Add in the weight reduction of the titanium case and it proves to be a true tool watch. I weighed this model with the strap, and it came in at a minuscule 73 grams; to put this into perspective, my Sub300T without spring bars or a strap weighed in at 89 grams.
Normally with titanium watches you get this flat metal finish, almost media‑blasted, but with the 300 Ti5, Doxa has achieved the same level of finishing as their other models. The top surfaces feature the signature Doxa brushing and the sides a fantastic polished finish. The titanium gives off a slightly darker hue than its steel counterpart but is barely noticeable. It also retains its legendary unidirectional bezel, done in titanium, with the same mirror finish and extremely tight tolerances. This is a must for Doxa enthusiasts such as myself, as there really isn’t any other experience like a Doxa bezel.
Overall, the approach Doxa has taken here is a complete win. Blending heritage with modern materials keeps long‑time wearers happy, and introducing a tougher, lighter, more advanced offering to their lineup is exactly the type of innovation we want to see from the brand.
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The Strap
To cap off the additions to this lineup, Doxa is offering all Ti5 models on a rubber Diveflex strap, which has a lovely weave pattern reminiscent of tropic‑style straps that would have been found on the 300 series back in the 60s. The difference here is the use of titanium hardware and quick‑release spring bars, which is a welcome addition to the customizability of the watch. The rubber is supple and has enough give to retain a good amount of structure. That structure really is needed here considering how light the watch is. I will say that I am a little sad this is not coming on the signature beads‑of‑rice bracelet, but it is good to consider how new this model line is, so here’s to hoping.
The Calibre:
Doxa has opted to use the same COSC‑certified movement they use in the Sub300, which creates a throughline for accuracy between the two models. I like that they have done this. It creates a choice for buyers on whether they want to get the steel‑case 300 with a beads‑of‑rice bracelet, or a Sub300 Ti5 in titanium and a rubber strap without compromising on the accuracy between them. The focus becomes about the case material.
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Specs
| Case | Grade 5 Titanium 42mm Diameter 45mm Lug to Lug 13.4mm Thickness 20mm Lug Width Screw-down Caseback & Crown 300m Water Resistance |
| Dial & Crystal | Domed “Glass Box” Sapphire Crystal Orange “Professional” Dial Oversized Minute Hand, Dwarf Hour Hand Printed Markers & Numerals Swiss Super-LumiNova |
| Movement | COSC Certified Sellita SW200-1 28,800vph 38-Hour Power Reserve |
| Strap | Dive Flex Rubber Strap w/ Grade 5 Titanium Buckle |
Doxa SUB 300 Ti
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Final thoughts
I adore this watch. Doxa holds a special place in my heart and seeing them venture into titanium is awesome. The choice of having the Sub300 be the foray into titanium is perfect, blending their heritage with new materials and giving a new experience with a familiar formula. This piece is amazingly light, retains all the finishing cues you expect from Doxa and honours its heritage at the same time. If you are on the fence about getting a Doxa right now, I highly recommend getting this on wrist and experiencing it for yourself. I am certainly very happy I did.
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Pricing and availability
The Doxa Sub300Ti5 is available online and at authorized dealers for CHF 2,750.00 ($4,674 CAD approx.) and the Whitepearl option (the awesome full-lumed dial) being available at CHF 2850 ($4,844 CAD).
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About the Author
Based in Vancouver, BC, Wesley shares his passion for watches, photography, and EDC through his Instagram, @wesandwatches. With a strong interest for innovation within horology, he dives deep into brands with compelling stories, thoughtful design, and standout personalities. Beyond watches, Wesley keeps a close eye on men’s fashion and is an avid automotive enthusiast.
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