Strap Guide: Doxa Sub 300

Strap Guide written by @thewatchphoto . Thank you, Majd!

Introduction

When one closes their eyes and thinks ‘quintessential dive watch’, images of the Blancpain Fifty Fathoms, Rolex Submariner and Zodiac Seawolf are conjured up. Alongside them in this hall of fame sits another quirkier dive watch: the Doxa Sub 300 Professional.

Released in 1967, this groundbreaking timepiece was specifically designed for professional divers — a direct result of Doxa's collaboration with the legendary Jacques Cousteau and his U.S. Divers company. Its most distinctive feature, the vibrant high-visibility orange dial, was a deliberate choice based on research indicating its superior legibility underwater. This commitment to functionality quickly cemented the Sub 300 Professional's reputation as a serious dive watch.

Over the decades, the Sub 300 Professional has remained a beloved icon, appreciated for its unique design, historical significance and unwavering dedication to its original purpose. Its distinctive orange dial continues to turn heads, making it a standout piece on any wrist, and the quest to find the perfect strap to complement its bold character is as fun as it is challenging. Let’s explore how some different strap options from Delugs can complement or transform its unique character!

Orange Mosaic Rubber CTS

When purchasing this watch new, one has the option to select the Beads of Rice bracelet or the OEM orange rubber strap. If you initially skipped those options (or just want to upgrade your current rubber strap), this is the one you want!

Pairing the Sub 300 Professional with this strap is a bold and unapologetic celebration of the watch's most recognisable feature: its vibrant orange dial. The strap’s mosaic pattern adds a layer of dynamic texture and visual interest, preventing the monochromatic orange from feeling flat and injecting a modern, almost artsy flair to the classic dive watch.

The benefits of going with FKM rubber for a watch like this should be obvious: it is inherently water-resistant, durable and comfortable against the skin, making it an ideal material for both underwater adventures and everyday wear. The CTS (Cut-To-Size) design allows the wearer to trim the strap length to their wrist, resulting in a customised fit without any excess material. This strap is a personal favourite for summer wear!

Navy Waffle Rubber CTS

If you want the advantages of rubber but prefer a more subtle look, the deep navy blue provides a cool and calming counterpoint to the loud orange dial, creating a visual balance that’s less in-your-face. This pairing allows the Sub 300 Professional’s unique colour to remain the focal point while tempering it with a touch of understated elegance. The classic waffle texture of the rubber strap adds a subtle visual and tactile interest, evoking a sense of vintage dive watch aesthetics while maintaining a modern and durable feel.

Functionally, this Rubber CTS Strap is an excellent complement to the Sub 300 Professional's diving pedigree. The colour evokes nautical vibes while the material’s durability holds up to heavy use, making it ideal for both aquatic activities and daily use. The CTS design secures the watch to the wearer’s wrist while providing a modern, streamlined look. This combination strikes a balance between the Sub 300 Professional’s bold heritage and a refined, contemporary style, making it a versatile choice for any occasion.

Olive Green Sailcloth Signature

Offering a rugged yet refined alternative to rubber or steel, this Olive Green Sailcloth Signature Strap presents an option worth considering! The verdant, earthy tone of the olive green contrasts with the watch's bold personality, yet results in a surprisingly harmonious marriage. Some may even describe it as an autumnal combination, mirroring the changing colours of trees in the fall.

Looking closer, the sailcloth texture boosts the ruggedness appeal, perfectly aligning with the Sub 300 Professional’s tool watch heritage. While the strap may look like traditional sailcloth, it shares none of the drawbacks (material fraying, discolouration, etc.). Beyond aesthetics, the FKM rubber enhances the practicality of the watch thanks to its comfort and ease of wear.

Matte Grey Storm Alligator Signature

A luxurious alligator strap can have a transformative effect on a watch. In this case, the darker grey matches some of the visual elements seen in the Sub 300 Professional: the handset, indices and dual bezel. Meanwhile, the texture confers a measure of flair (as much as anyone could say about a watch sporting an orange dial).

This combination decidedly moves the Sub 300 Professional away from its natural aquatic habitat and into a more style-focused arena. While an alligator strap may not be the best fit for an activity-focused dive watch, it does bring a certain devil-may-care attitude to the table. It is a combination for the enthusiast who appreciates high-low pairings and wants to showcase their watch in an entirely different, more sartorial light.

Navy Saffiano Signature

You may be wondering why I’ve chosen to feature another blue strap in this guide. The answer’s very simple: it’s such an easy colour to match! Aside from that, the cross-hatching of Saffiano leather is a good choice for those who find something like Alligator a bit too outspoken. The texture on display may be distinctive, but it also offers a practical advantage: scratch resistance. Because of its surface treatment, Saffiano leather can withstand light nicks and scrapes a little better than other smooth options. You get the best of both worlds: a strap that looks good and holds up well to daily use.