ID vintage Doxa Sub 300t

I've loved vintage Doxa Subs since I saw my first on a wrist nearly 20 years ago. Had a 750t GMT a decade ago, and in the last few years a newer 300t, but nothing pre 2000's, until now.

I enjoy learning as much as I can about the watches I own and go down all the rabbit holes I can (wife says I get obsessive).

I have a general knowledge of Doxa Subs and know this Sharkhunter is "pre-Synchron" due to the lack of synchron markings on the dial and still having the Doxa logo on the caseback. But, it has what I believe is an original push-pull crown rather than the earlier screw-down crowns. The movement is the earlier version without a quickset date, but I haven't opened the case yet.

Numbering on the case back is crisp, and the case appears sharp and retains what looks like original brushed finishing. The bezel is a meters version and has minimal loss of enamel. Crystal has been hit hard and case has some dings, but most of these were used hard, put away wet, and show it.

I've seen that the first 2 numbers of the serial denote year, but I'm not sure that fits with these as most "pre-Synchron" Subs seem to have a 66 beginning to their serial. Synchron merged with Doxa in 68 or 69 depending on the source. Maybe this one is a transitional watch of sorts?

Is there an authoritative reference for vintage Doxa Subs? Have I overlooked anything that can be used to estimate a date?

That's lovely.
Paging Doxa Mike @demer03

You already know plenty. Expect you've already been around this site:
https://www.doxa300t.com

Thanks! I had seen the site but not sure I navigate it well. I saw flying doctor had a new book available this month that may give me some answers.

Here's a couple movement shots since I opened it up:

That's something I'll have to look into further. New to me.

I struggle with the Doctor's site but hunt around every now and then.
I've got an older book somewhere but guilty of only looking at the pictures so far.
Will see if I can dig it out. Need to do a big clean up this weekend.

Your dial and hands really are spectacular! Where did you find this one?

Thanks, I don't think I could be happier with what I ended up with. It's an ebay buy all in under $1500 out of Maryland. Even has the little lume pip at the date.

That's a steal!!!

I think Mike is currently touring Ireland.
Alongside the Dr he's the man to speak too. Should be easier too, through here.

Covert Devil Diver 😈

Installed a new crystal this evening. Interesting case design with a screwdown crystal retaining ring and gaskets (2) on the stepped outer edge of the crystal.

🖤🖤🖤 that's sharkhunter love!
Love everything about this.... except the leather! 😜😉🥱

This is a bit selfish but a great place to ask for help.
Anyone know of any other (cheaper?) suppliers of Bonetto Cinturini 295 rubber straps?
https://chronofactum.de/en/product/bonetto-cinturini-295-black-20mm/
The actual Bonetto site has a huge range of colours, but I've never found them anywhere.

Another fairly new company offering great, vintage inspired straps is seacult
https://www.seacult.it/negozio/

Thanks for the amazing pictures Guy. I have an orange 'chapter ring' in a Sharkhunter but still can't work out if its a rubber gasket or not. Would love to find out before I look for servicing options.

Got some good advice from everyone's favorite Dr, it's a proper first gen, and the screw down crown is fixed!

It was frozen to the press-fit tube, so with a clamp, ultrasonic, little permatex and a light thread greasing it's back proper!

And I went back to steel from the leather just for Emeister 😀

Nice work. And thank you. 😉
So can you identify the year on these first gens?

Thanks! I don't think there's a good way to date them. Pre-Synchron makes it earlier than 1970. The Dr. seemed to think 68 was a decent estimate for this one.

How did I miss this thread?! Lovely early European model. My best guess is 1968. Congrats on a nice find. I had one very similar, and the thinner case early T wear brilliantly.

Do you know which caliber is it? Does it have quick set date setting? Thank you