The heavy-duty Doxa SUB 4000T Professional line has finally received a new rotating bezel that features a scratch-resistant sapphire insert. As the name implies, the watch is still rated for impressive 4000 feet of water resistance that can be roughly converted into 1220 meters of bone-crushing depth.
Compared to the 2010 SUB 4000T Professional 10th Anniversary Diver, the new collection has become a tad smaller.
Its unusually-shaped stainless steel case slightly contracted to 46 millimeters in width, although it still retains its traditional massive presence.
Hidden inside the polished and satin-finished body is the Swiss-made automatic movement.
Since the layout of the dial remains unchanged, I can infer that the watch is still powered by the same ETA 2897 self-winding ebauche, which is basically the good ole’ ETA 2892-A2 with a power reserve module attached to it.
While the choice of movement is adequate for a diver (at least in terms of overall reliability: the 2892 family is known to run for years without problems if serviced properly,) I would say that for a watch that is going to be offered at a fairly impressive price of almost $3900 USD (I mean, you can buy a used Harley for that sort of cash!) the mechanism looks sort of cheap.
And no: the fantastic water resistance rating of this orange beauty isn’t enough for me to justify such a hefty price tag. After all, how many of two hundred potential customers would ever use this professional diving companion to fulfill its true potential?
Well, at least readability is close to impeccable here. As usual for their Professional line, the Swiss watchmaker offers the SUB 4000T with a high-contrast, extremely easy-to-read dial with their signature black and orange color scheme, which is nicely accented by white Superluminova (regretfully, the chemical lume will glow green in the dark.)
Thanks to the new bezel insert, Doxa managed to also paint the unidirectional rotating bezel in the same black and orange colors, which will not only make it easier to read, but will also make it look more expensive and, also, desirable. Also, the scratch-resistant properties of the synthetic sapphire ring, too, will help the watch look better in the long run.
The watchmaker plans to limit this timekeeper to just 200 numbered pieces.
See also: Doxa Splash Gent Quartz Diver (ref. 700.10R.061.20)
Photos: Doxa
Doxa SUB 4000T Professional Diver (ref. 876.10.351.10) specification
Price: $3890 (MSRP)
Movement: Automatic, Caliber ETA 2897, Swiss Made
Number of jewels: 21
Movement frequency: 28,800 vph
Functions: Hours, minutes, date, power reserve
Power reserve: 42 hours
Case and Crown: Stainless steel
Bezel: Stainless steel, sapphire inlay, luminous diving scale
Shape: Tonneau
Bezel shape: Round
Size: 46.00 mm
Dial: Orange
Hour markers: Luminous, applied
Hands: Luminous
Water resistance: 1220 meters (4000 ft.)
Strap: Stainless steel bracelet with folding clasp and diving-suit extension system
Crystal: Sapphire, antireflective
Back: Solid, engraved, screw-down