Picture this: you're out on the open water, chasing adventure off the California coast, where massive great white sharks patrol the depths. That's the spirit behind the new Doxa SUB 250T GMT Great White Topper Edition, a watch that's built for guys who appreciate tough gear with a story. This limited-run piece comes from the ongoing team-up between Doxa, the Swiss watchmaker known for its dive heritage, and Topper Jewelers, a solid retailer based in California. It's the follow-up to last year's popular SUB 300T Great White, and for 2025, they're dialing it up with a compact, travel-ready design that nods to exploration and ocean protection.
The whole idea draws from those powerful great white sharks swimming in Northern California's Gulf of the Farallones. The watch's white-and-blue look captures the shark's sleek form against the deep navy hues of the Pacific. It's not just about style—part of every sale goes to the Greater Farallones Association, which works hard to conserve marine life along the coast. For men who've spent time boating, fishing, or just respecting the sea, this hits home as a way to give back while gearing up.
Image credit: Doxa
At its core, the SUB 250T GMT Great White Topper Edition starts with the SUB 250T GMT model that Doxa rolled out earlier this year. But this version amps things up with exclusive touches that make it stand out. The case measures 40mm across, made from sturdy 316L stainless steel in Doxa's signature cushion shape. It's got a brushed finish that holds up to real-world knocks, and a flat sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating to keep things clear under the sun or waves. Thickness is just 10.85mm, with an overall length of 42.90mm, so it sits comfortably on the wrist without feeling bulky—perfect for everyday wear or slipping under a shirt cuff.
The bezel is where the dive roots shine through. It's a unidirectional rotating steel piece, engraved with both an elapsed-time scale and a "no-deco" dive scale, all filled with navy blue lacquer for easy reading. That setup echoes the practical, no-nonsense vibe of Doxa's original dive watches from back in the day. A screw-down crown seals the deal for reliability, and the solid caseback is engraved with custom artwork showing the San Francisco Bay and the Farallon Islands, tying it right back to that California inspiration. With 250 meters of water resistance, this thing is ready for serious underwater action, whether you're diving recreationally or just dealing with a heavy rainstorm.
Image credit: Doxa
What really sets this edition apart is the dial—it's fully luminous, slathered in Super-LumiNova BGW9 that glows a bright blue in low light. Imagine checking the time in a dark cabin or during a night dive; the whole face lights up vividly. Blue lacquered hands and applied markers pop against that glowing background, creating sharp contrast. And here's a fresh twist: no date window at all, which keeps the layout perfectly balanced and symmetrical. No clutter, just clean functionality. On top of that, there's a 24-hour GMT hand for tracking a second time zone, making it ideal for travelers hopping coasts or keeping tabs on home while abroad.
Powering it all is the Sellita SW330-2 Elaboré grade automatic movement. This Swiss-made workhorse runs at 28,800 vibrations per hour and offers a solid 50-hour power reserve, so it keeps ticking through a weekend adventure without needing a wind. The caller-style GMT lets you adjust the 24-hour hand independently, displaying hours, minutes, seconds, and that extra time zone without a date complication. It's straightforward, reliable engineering that matches the watch's rugged ethos.
When it comes to wearing it, Doxa doesn't skimp. The SUB 250T GMT Great White comes on an 18mm stainless steel Beads-of-Rice bracelet, complete with a folding clasp and a wetsuit extension for those thicker dive suits. It's comfortable for all-day use, with that classic look that pairs well with jeans or a sport coat. They also throw in an extra navy blue FKM rubber strap with a matching stainless steel folding clasp, giving you options to switch up the vibe—rubber for active days, steel for a more polished feel.
Only 100 of these are being made, each numbered individually, and they're exclusive to Topper Jewelers. At $2,990, it's positioned as a smart buy for collectors or anyone wanting a high-quality diver's GMT without breaking the bank. This isn't some mass-produced ticker; it's a piece with heart, blending Swiss precision with American coastal pride.
In a world full of gadgets, this watch reminds us of simpler thrills—like heading out to sea, respecting nature's power, and supporting efforts to keep it thriving. For those who value tools that tell a tale, the Doxa SUB 250T GMT Great White Topper Edition delivers on every level, from its shark-inspired design to its glow-in-the-dark prowess. If you're in the market for a limited edition dive watch that doubles as a travel companion, this could be the one that hooks you.
