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Doxa Sub 300T Sharkhunter Tropical Dial - Presented in Collaboration with Gear Patrol!, c. 1968

DocumentedDocumented from a dealer's listing; attribution and date as stated by the dealer.
Maker / attribution
DOXA (maker)
Date
c. 1968
Country of origin
Switzerland
Object type
Wristwatch
Stock no.
Product 1048553217
Credit line
Dealer listing, Analog/Shift (product 1048553217)
Catalogue title (original)
DOXA Sub 300T Sharkhunter Tropical Dial - Presented in Collaboration with Gear Patrol! (English)

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Record summary

Catalogued by Analog/Shift (dealer), New York (stock number Product 1048553217), this is a wristwatch by DOXA, made in Switzerland, dated c. 1968. The Atlas places it in the Modern Mechanical Horology period (1945 – 1969) of its Wristwatches collection. The record is illustrated with 6 photographs.

Assembled from the source record's structured fields. Dates and attributions are given as the source states them; where a field is missing the Atlas leaves it blank rather than estimating.

Catalogue description

Dealer description — Analog/Shift

While the Sub 300 "Professional" may be the more easily recognizable vintage DOXA diver with its unmistakable bright orange dial, the Sharkhunter is its more aesthetically restrained brother. Featuring the same case design, mechanical self-winding movement, and host of innovations that makes the Sub 300 a thing of legend, the Sharkhunter is easily distinguishable from the Professional, Searambler, and Divingstar models with its black dial. Not only is the black dial version a bit more wearable in the day to day, it is also the same version that Jacques Cousteau, the pioneer of SCUBA himself, chose to wear. We could wax poetic (and have, HERE , HERE , and HERE ) about the history of innovation and dive watch design that is the DOXA Sub series, but we'll leave it at this: they are awesome, plain and simple. This example is of particular note, featuring an early "thin case" design that leads us to believe it is a transitional piece dating to approximately 1968. It is in fantastic condition overall, with a lovely original dial showing a light tropical patination. The hands, hour markers, and bezel are in excellent original condition as well . Overall, this is a terrific early example of the legendary DOXA diver, don't miss it! For more information on the DOXA Sharkhunter, also check out this recent article by Jason Heaton on Gear Patrol, HERE

Historical context

Modern Mechanical Horology (1945 – 1969)

Tool watches for divers, pilots and astronauts; electric watches anticipate the electronic age.

The classic era of the mechanical wristwatch: dive watches, chronographs for motor racing and space flight, GMT watches for jet travel, slim dress watches, automatic calendars, and the rise of Japanese manufacturers alongside Swiss, American, German and Soviet industries.

Read the period in the timelineMore wristwatches from this periodEarlier: Golden Age of Mechanical Watchmaking

Atlas type guide

Wristwatches

Bracelet watches were worn by women from the early nineteenth century — Breguet made one for Caroline Murat, Queen of Naples, in 1810–12 — but the wristwatch only became a man's instrument with military use and aviation in the early twentieth century. Between the World Wars it overtook the pocket watch; the 1920s and 1930s brought rectangular Art Deco cases, water-resistant cases and the first automatic winding systems.

After 1945 the wristwatch became a carrier of identity — dress watches, sports and dive watches, chronographs, calendars — produced by Swiss, American, Japanese, German, Soviet and Chinese industries. The quartz revolution after 1969 and the mechanical renaissance since the 1990s, including the rise of independent watchmakers, complete the story.

What to look for

  • The reference number (between the lugs or inside the case back) and serial number, the starting point for dating.
  • The calibre: its maker and number are often stamped under the dial or on the bridge.
  • Originality of dial, hands and crown — refinished ('redial') dials are common.
  • Case material marks: 18K/750, 14K/585, stainless steel, gold-filled, plated.

Dating clues

  • Wire-lug cases: before c. 1925.
  • Water-resistant screw-down cases: from 1926.
  • Quartz movements: from 1969; sapphire crystals widespread after c. 1980.

General guidance written by the Atlas editors about this kind of object. It is not a statement about this particular piece; for that, rely on the source record above and on physical examination.

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