WWR#20 Doxa Sub 300T Sharkhunter Vintage Dive Watch

So many ask why people collect vintage watches.  The terms old, used, outdated, faded etc etc are not the preferable adjectives to put prior an item in a sentence in an ad.  But yet they don't seem to apply to watches and everything horology.  So what is it? Some say its the history and heritage of the brand and the watch.  Definitely true, and as I way I would put it, imagine a piece, that goes way back when technology of the quartz was still a dream, and a ticking movement of gears and springs is all it took to help man keep track of time.  Especially for divers, time was crucial.  And now imagine that in your wrist, that very same batch of watches, telling you that its time for your important appointment.

And with the love of vintage watches, my 20th WWR is the DOXA SHARKHUNTER 300T.  Now what makes this particular watch special?  For one, its a vintage dive watch that dates from the 1967.  Where were you at that time?  Well I was probably a sperm swimming around and listening to Beatles and Hendrix tunes that ran across the radio waves.  This particular model was used from one of the famous diving teams way back, who was lead by their master the late Capt. Jacques Yves Cousteau.  Mr, Cousteau and his team introduced SCUBA diving to which they called it 'AQUALUNG', to which were the watch dial bears that logo.  Third, just take a look at this dive watch, its iconic design seem to never fade. The 42mm cushion case fits very well in today's sizes and won't be called a grandpa's watch.  Look at that bezel, doesn't copy the usual submariner homage, but its a dual purpose bezel that's engraved on the bezel itself and not an insert.  It shows an Non Decompression Dive Table too which is I believe Capt. Cousteau wanted in the partnership of designing the watch with Doxa. 


Here is a pic of that watch on a sports strap.

 

Case back with the Doxa Sailing Ship logo

The Sharkhunter 300T with its original bracelet and other newer Doxa models including the popular Orange faced Professional.

The 17-Jewel ETA 2852 movement that is automatic and hand winding capable.

A U.S. Divers Co. ad featuring DOXA, Capt. J.Y. Cousteau and Aqua Lung

And a picture of Capt. Cousteau wearing the watch himself.

This watch would be quite hard to find now, some would take them years to hunt one down that is in good condition and at reasonable price.  If it ever finds your way, get it, before you regret it for passing one by.