The Cool & Compact(ish) Doxa SUB 200 C-Graph II

If you’re into dive watches, the name Doxa has to be on your list. It is, without a doubt, one of the most emblematic brands around when it comes to watches meant for underwater adventures. The brand has been a pioneer, and has created a style that is now unmistakable – the SUB 300 and its variants. In recent years, the brand has created new models, looking at different designs and more accessible architecture, mostly with the SUB 200, a collection that also included a diving chronograph. Problem; it was a very large watch. But now, Doxa comes back with a new version of the SUB 200 C-Graph, which has been downsized to make it far more wearable, yet without compromising its diving credentials. And we take a look at this new collection in our latest video review.

The concept is simple; take what made the previous generation of SUB 200 C-Graph appealing, and make it more compact, more wrist-friendly, and more adapted to daily wear, yet retaining the same specifications. The original version was a nice looking and relatively accessible watch, powered by a reliable automatic chronograph movement, as well as a very capable dive watch (200m WR, legible on land and underwater, equipped with all the necessary features). But it was a big watch, at 45mm in diameter and 17.40mm in height.

The new Doxa SUB 200 C-Graph II Diving Chronograph is basically keeping the whole concept alive, yet the case has been reduced to the max – at least considering the movement and the need for resistance. It has lost no fewer than 3.5mm in diameter, to a now more classic 42mm, with a reasonable length of 46mm. And in all fairness, that changes everything on the wrist. It’s not all fantastic, though, with a height that is still consequent. The thickness is just below 16mm, but then again it’s 1.5mm less than the past version, and this is probably the best you can get with an automatic Valjoux-based movement inside a 200m water-resistant case.

Indeed, the new SUB 200 C-Graph is as focused on diving as before. It retains its unidirectional bezel with the typical Doxa grip on the edge, and a fully-graduated 60-minute scale. The case has been redesigned too. It’s not all about the dimensions, but also the shape, with new lugs, without the twist of the previous version. Flat lugs and a polished side bevel, and a very pleasant overall feel of quality and robustness.

There is some news to be seen on the dial too. By making its watch smaller, easier on the wrist, Doxa somehow made it more adapted to daily use too, and for that reason, the brand has decided to give this watch a bit more flair, with sun-brushed dials instead of the flat surface we normally find on Doxa watches. 6 colours are available, as always with the brand – Professional orange, Sharkhunter black, Caribbean dark blue, Divingstar yellow, Aquamarine turquoise, Whitepearl – and a bezel that depends on the colour. The black and dark blue models have a tone-on-tone brushed ceramic bezel insert, while the white/silver version can be ordered either with a white ceramic or a brushed steel insert. The 3 other models have a steel insert.

Inside the case, Doxa still relies on a Sellita SW510 base – a clone of the 7753. This robust automatic chronograph movement beats at 4Hz and stores up to 56 hours of power reserve. Finally, Doxa leaves the choice between the signature stainless steel “beads of rice” bracelet with folding clasp and diving extension, or an FKM rubber strap matching the colour of the dial.

All in all, as you can see in our video review on top, the new Doxa SUB 200 C-Graph II Diving Chronograph is a very nice update. While retaining all the positive aspects of the previous models, it corrects its flaws and makes the new model a fair more balanced offering. The prices range from EUR 2,850 to EUR 2,990 depending on the choice of colour/bezel and the type of bracelet. For more details, please visit doxawatches.com.