I can't say anything about Squale - it isn't a brand I follow. I have a Doxa 300T and I'm an enormous fan. The dial is much nicer than can be appreciated from online. It sits on my wrist beautifully. While controversial, I adore the BofR bracelet ( the 300T has a ratchet clasp that I like).

But, also, for me - I like the whole Cousteau / Sealab / time of exploration type vibe of the watch. I think about it just a little hit whenever I pop it on. For me, it makes the watch special. I even started reading more Cussler novels after I got it.

My only criticisms of the watch are :

1. The lume is just "meh' - surprising given the type of watch.
2. The power reserve is inconveniently short, unless you wear it every day. I'd happily may a bit more for another 24 hours.
3. The bezel action is very good, but could be better.

Despite that - I find I wear the watch a lot and it was my favorite vacation pal this past year.

 

I’ve had two 300Ts and two 300s and I will say that the 300 is a really sweet watch. It’s extremely comfortable and even though the bracelet doesn’t taper down below 20, it is still very comfortable. There’s no other watch that really looks like it and it can handle abuse. My 300 keeps excellent time and I would buy another one in a different color. I think $2500 for the 300 is a little much so I think a pre owned one for the right price is the move.

 

Thanks for the photos. Suits you down to a T!

Any idea if the movement inside is the 'Chronometer' (thus highest) grade 2824?

 

DOXA 300 Pro. I think this is the best looking dive watch made.

 

Agreed, I sometimes wish that I had the professional but I really enjoy the versatility of the Searambler. Looks just as good with a suit as it does over a wetsuit.

 

Doxa was sold in the 70's and again in the 1980's, went dormant in the 90's, then was acquired by the Jenny family in 1997. The Jenny family was a competitor of Doxa's during the early days of the professional dive watch craze and have made some very collectable watches in their own right.

I have had 11 Doxa dive watches (10 modern and 1 vintage) and have been very happy with all of them. I've also had 8 Sinns that I've been very happy with for completely different reasons. Doxa have that funky-chunky vintage vibe and Sinn makes a completely state of the art modern watch using the latest technology and materials. I believe both Doxa and Sinn can stand on their own merits. In the end you should go with what speaks to you the loudest.

 

Doxa was sold in the 70's and again in the 1980's, went dormant in the 90's, then was acquired by the Jenny family in the early 2000's. The Jenny family was a competitor of Doxa's during the early days of the professional dive watch craze and have made some very collectable watches in their own right.

I have had 11 Doxa dive watches (10 modern and 1 vintage) and have been very happy with all of them. I've also had 8 Sinns that I've been very happy with for completely different reasons. Doxa have that funky-chunky vintage vibe and Sinn makes a completely state of the art modern watch using the latest technology and materials. I believe both Doxa and Sinn can stand on their own merits. In the end you should go with what speaks to you the loudest.

great info
So the Jenny family bought out Doxa and then kept doxa making everything still under their name, and their own name? or they solely focus on Doxa now as their own company?
im not sure if i make sense

 

Had the 300 and loved it.

A very solid and dependable watch with great colors and wrist presence, IMHO.

 

Love my Doxa, great looking watch and good quality.

Cant speak for Squale as they have never appealed to me……that logo 😬

 

I cannot speak to Squale but my 2020 Sub 300 COSC Searambler is probably my favorite watch. I do agree with others in this thread about the lume though. It leaves a lot to be desired.

 

I own a Squale 1521 (Fumoso special edition model) which I enjoy very much.

I‘m not sure anyone can be objective about a comparison without considering the three very different price points. The Squale is under $1K, the 300T is almost twice that amount at almost $1,900, and the 300 is a third again more at $2,450.

The Squale is a really decent watch. The bezel has 60 positive clicks with no slop, the ETA 2824-2 is reliable and accurate, and the lume is adequate (not Seiko diver strong, but OK).

My only complaint with the Squale is the crown is a bit fiddly. It is comfy to wear, but not super easy to manipulate.

So, is a Doxa 300T “better”?

The Doxa comes with a bracelet that is much better fitted to the case than the Squale shark mesh. Only you can answer that $900 question.

Is the 300 $1,500 “better” than the Squale? That is a much more challenging question.

My perspective is, buying a Doxa is a bit of an emotional purchase. You kind of have to buy with your heart and not necessarily your head as they say.

I wouldn’t worry about the whole “made in China” thing. I’d say all watches around this price point have MIC components.

 

My understanding is there is no Doxa dive watch history without Squale as the case maker. But I cannot speak to modern Doxa..

My modern Squale is over 8 years old, still waterproof and the ETA2824 beating within accurate to around 1spd with no service yet.

 

I own a Squale 1521 Militaire and have been very happy with it. I have a 6.5" wrist and it rests on it quite comfortably, it keeps good time and I particularly like the no date feature.

 

1521 and Doxa both have iconic cases, and plenty of options. The lack of a fitted endlink bracelet for the Squale is a bug bear for me too - Zeno will sell you a fitted end link bracelet (its polished) from their Army Diver but will it fit the Squale?...Does look to be the same case but who knows ...I may risk it someday if a 1521 Chronometer comes across my path. Are the Doxas worth the premium over the Squale - my head says no but my heart said yes ...a few times. Lets face it - if you want something then u have to stump up for it or do without ... 2nd hand Doxas much more affordable nowadays too. The 1521 offers a good package at a good price IMO (and a good used market in them too so if you don't like it then selling on shouldn't be a problem) but has a more 'normal' diver style.

The 300 is sold as COSC, which accounts for part of the price difference between it and the 300T. The bracelet with the 300 is very comfy and I have had no comfort issues with the flare - I'd say it really suits the cushion case on wrist - like that cushion case, its nicely different from most watches with a real vintage vibe. As regards colour, I'm a fan of both the Sharkhunter and the Professional and its a personal choice - only thing I'd say is that if you have (or will have) more black dailed watches then the iconic orange may be a nice alternative.

 

ok thanks

 

I'd be inclined to keep the Sinn EZM 3F. Those are really cool looking watches IMHO !!

 

Thanks for taking the time to chime in with your thoughts and advice guys

I'm still not sure where the head and heart is with this. But researching, reading reviews, watching videos etc is half the fun in this hobby of ours!

 

I own four Squale 1521, one Doxa SUB 1200T and one Doxa SUB 300. If I hade to choose one it would be my blue Squale but the 1200T is very close behind. The build quality is equal between the Squale and Doxa and since they have the same movements that's also a tie. When it comes to a rich history it's also the same, Doxa has Jacques-Yves Cousteau/Aqualung and Squale has Enzo Maiorca and Jacques Mayol. They come from the same era with similar goals, ambitions and achievements. Wearability and comfort are fantastic on both, you can't go wrong whatever your wristsize is. Short lug to lug and cases that hugs the wrist.

The only two things that makes the Doxas outshine the Squales is in terms of finish and the bracelet. The finish isn't in any way bad on Squale but it's pretty basic, either fully blasted or fully polished. The BoR on the Doxa is excellent and the only option for a bracelet on Squale is the mesh (which is also nice but just not the same thing).

It basically comes down to personal preference and your wallet. You get 2,5 Squale 1521s for the same price as one Doxa SUB 300. Squale is a ton of history, quality and classic looks for the money and the Doxa is kinda expensive for what you get in my opinion. For unden $2000 the SUB 300 would be a great watch but for $2500 it's quite a stretch for what you get.

Pictures are fun so here are my watches. 😊

 

I own four Squale 1521, one Doxa SUB 1200T and one Doxa SUB 300. If I hade to choose one it would be my blue Squale but the 1200T is very close behind. The build quality is equal between the Squale and Doxa and since they have the same movements that's also a tie. When it comes to a rich history it's also the same, Doxa has Jacques-Yves Cousteau/Aqualung and Squale has Enzo Maiorca and Jacques Mayol. They come from the same era with similar goals, ambitions and achievements. Wearability and comfort are fantastic on both, you can't go wrong whatever your wristsize is. Short lug to lug and cases that hugs the wrist.

The only two things that makes the Doxas outshine the Squales is in terms of finish and the bracelet. The finish isn't in any way bad on Squale but it's pretty basic, either fully blasted or fully polished. The BoR on the Doxa is excellent and the only option for a bracelet on Squale is the mesh (which is also nice but just not the same thing).

It basically comes down to personal preference and your wallet. You get 2,5 Squale 1521s for the same price as one Doxa SUB 300. Squale is a ton of history, quality and classic looks for the money and the Doxa is kinda expensive for what you get in my opinion. For unden $2000 the SUB 300 would be a great watch but for $2500 it's quite a stretch for what you get.

Pictures are fun so here are my watches. 😊
View attachment 17020927 View attachment 17020928 View attachment 17020929 View attachment 17020930 View attachment 17020932

Very nice watches all around!

Also great watch photography skills must say!

I think what you have written is very factual, but doesn't make the decision any easier lol. The fact that the BOR bracelet on the Doxa is so lauded makes me sway in that direction. I love a nice bracelet. I think I will wait to find a gently used example, as I think the Doxa retail is a bit too high.

Even then, I think it might be the case that the urge to try a Squale will still be there.

Care to share why you prefer the 1200T over the 300?

 

Allow me to help you with that decision...

...ain't I a little stinker?

 

Beautiful all around!

The shade on the 'blue' dial to the right of the 'Doxa Sub Caribbean' badge looks really nice. What is that watch? Shade looks like a touch stronger (more blue) than the Aquamarine.

 

I will say I was not impressed with my acquaintance's Doxa customer service experience. They were basically worthless in an unopened return attempt. They wouldn't even give him credit.
This does not appear to be an isolated incident. I think there's even a post today about some CS complaint.

I had a warranty claim with Squale. While their initial response was slow, it was pain-free after that. Postage covered, clear process, updates, etc.

 

I'd go Zodiac then Oris then Squale.

For pure 'watch tech' they offer better value than Doxa.

My next watch will be a Zodiac. I love their bonkers colour schemes. I'm keeping the 300T cos I love the odd look of it but I have little to no love for Doxa as a brand. They are just a micro brand working out of rented offices. Love the watches, ambivalent to the company, which ironically is how Doxa appears to be about its customers.

 

Must say I'm very jealous of CM Sgt Bo's 600T Sharkhunter, just love those silver sub dials. Too big for me but if they did a modern TGraph sized version at a sensible price it may well tempt me back into purchasing again...

 

+1 for the Doxa. Retro vibes and indestructible. Bracelet or NATO - looks great on both!

 

For the money, I'm not sure you can do much better than Squale 1521. I've owned one and I thought it was a very good piece for the $$ and the history of the company is a big plus. I've never owned a Doxa.

 

can’t speak about the Squale but the Doxa fits and sits virtually perfect on my 7.25 wrist. I bought it here on the forum from a moderator. It looked perfect and the price was basically half of a new one. BOR bracelet is very comfortable, I do wish it tapered but I like it anyway.

 

Which model, 300T?

 

My whole collection of +/-38 dive watches is all retro inspired pieces. I love the vibe from Squale, but so many of their pieces have such a flat unfinished look about the dial. I understand its that tritium look, but it looks cheap to me. ON the other hand... their new forged carbon has basically the same movement as the Doxa and is about 1/3 the price..Take that for what's its worth.

Squale did release a pretty cool new retro piece yesterday on a BOR and all... The too have a really great history.

 

I’m a bit biased as I own a couple Squale watches, I’ll be focusing on my experiences with the 1521 Militaire since that is the closest to what you’re looking at.

They are absolutely great watches, maybe even best bang for buck in this price segment. They feel absolutely indestructible, and are damn well accurate. The lume is a bit underwhelming on some models, and some feel that the crown is too far “sunken“ into the case. Honestly can’t say that I had issues with either of these things, but everybody has their own level of what is acceptable and what isn’t.

If COSC is important to you, the 1521 also comes in a COSC certified version, at a very, very acceptable price (1,250 CHF).

Regarding Doxas, they’re different beasts alltogether. The finishing and general feel is better than most Squales, the designs are more authentic, and if you’re going after the Doxa look there’s nothing out there quite like it. On the other hand, they still use similar/same movements (Squale uses Sellita while Doxa AFAIK still uses ETA, basically the same anyway), and the price difference is not small. The Sub 300, the (arguably) flagship model is around $2,500. A big step up from Squales usual ~$1.000-$1.500 prices.

With all of that said, both brands are specific, and both are near and dear to me, also much more original than other more modern offerings from Tudor, Oris, etc.

I’d say to save up well, and get both the Doxa and the Squale, wear them in rotation, maybe you’ll love both, maybe you’ll realize you like one more than the other. Worst case scenario, you sell it off and take a small hit on the value.

 

Regarding the Doxa, the Sub 300 is nice, but that’s about it. Not my cup of tea honestly, and it sure as hell isn’t $2,500 nice. That’s almost Tudor level money, and the Doxa isn’t a Tudor level watch, no offense. Additionally, the stories I’ve heard about their customer service kinda makes me steer away from Doxa.

Seocndary market value shouldn’t be your number one priority when picking a watch, but do note that the Squale tends to keep value quite well, while the Doxa tanks pretty hard.

TL;DR My vote goes to the Squale

Aside from the Pelagos, Tudor is pretty boring. There is a reason the secondary and grey markets are packed with cheap BBs atm. It's really apples and oranges, however. If you want a cushion cased dive watch with a rich heritage below 3k, Doxa is the only option. Also, like what you like, but ebay and reddit are absolutely flooded with dirt cheap pre-owned Squales. They don't hold their value much better than any other micro brand.

 

End of the day they’re both ETA / Sellita powered, simple watches. And both are great. Both you’ll be able to easily fix down the road if anything goes wrong. So my advice is pick whichever speaks to you best aesthetically. That’s the thing that you’ll think about daily much, much more often than anything else when you wear it. Doxa watches aren’t perfect. But damn they’re cool and if you’re going for the Doxa look, well there’s only one option, unless you’re ok with going with one of those Chinese homages (which are totally fine watches, but not everyone’s cup of tea).

Also, as with anything on the internet, you’re much more likely to hear about negative experiences than positive ones. So keep that in mind re: customer service.