Hands-On With The OX Frog300 Shark Skin And Depth Rainbow

Tool watches are not only popular but also often uncomplicated and dull from a design point of view. How refreshing it is to see and wear the Frog300 from Oceanix (or OX for short). It has a non-conventional case shape, modern-styled bold hands and indexes, and refreshing colors. Furthermore, it contains an innovative safety feature, so let’s dive into it!

The OX Frog300

The story of Oceanix/OX started in 2021 at a beach bar in Andalusia, Spain. It was then and there that Joseph Bolart decided to create the “nearly perfect” diver’s watch. His vision was to earn respect in international watchmaking by creating remarkable timepieces that challenged conventional norms. After the company’s establishment in the USA, OX debuted globally on July 4th, 2023, and unveiled its first creation, the Frog300. This 300m-rated automatic dive watch blends traditional mechanical watchmaking with valuable and innovative technology. It aims to be a high-expectations timepiece that sets the standard for the next generation of watches for divers and land explorers alike.

Real-life impressions of the Frog300

About a year later, Joseph contacted us and offered to let us test two of his working prototypes. Who would turn down an opportunity to review a watch that sets such high expectations? We didn’t, so within a short time, two Frog300 models arrived at our office. With the watches properly packed and (for a change) provided with extensive accompanying documentation, their first impression was certainly not disappointing.

Unpacking the Frog300, it’s immediately clear that it’s substantial, although the weight is comfortably less than expected. Oceanix fitted both prototypes with the optional titanium bracelet and added different rubber strap parts separately for display purposes. The 2024 Frog300 collection contains eight versions, including six regular and two limited editions. We received the Shark Skin and Depth Rainbow editions. Joseph conveniently had the Shark Skin model’s bracelet sized to my 18cm wrist, so that’s the watch I’ve been wearing for this review.

The design of the OX Frog300

Often, dive watches follow one of the well-known, tried-and-tested, and popular watch designs, but the OX Frog300? Not so much, and that’s for a reason. Making a dive watch with sturdy dimensions makes sense as doing so will enhance operation and readability underwater. However, it will decrease wearing comfort, especially when a large case diameter and a protrusive crown work against your wrist joint. Over the years, Joseph Bolart had many dive watches on his wrist, none of which stayed for long, for one reason or another.

It’s important to note that the Frog300’s inspiration doesn’t stem from a singular watch. Rather, it comes from a combination of the best watches Joseph wore in the past. Finally, he took the name Frog300 from a military tradition dating back to WWII in which scuba divers are often called “frogmen.” In line with this, the Frog300 complies with MIL-STD-810H. This is a military standard of testing and examining equipment’s resistance to the environmental conditions it may face throughout its lifetime.

Material and size

OX produces the Frog 300 from a proprietary type of titanium called Grade 3i. During the casting process, the titanium crystals are compressed, increasing the hardness by about 15%. It’s similar to creating a katana; in that case, the hardening is a result of forging. The Frog300’s case is first cast in a block. After that, the machining process starts. Next comes surface finishing — in this case, sandblasting — to eliminate shine. Completing this case requires a total of 19 different machining processes.

The result is a substantial case with a 45mm diameter (not including the crown or crown guards) and a 14.8mm thickness. Adding the ID+SYS NFC tag — I’ll get to that tag later — to the case back gives the watch a 16.5mm thickness. As mentioned, this watch has serious dimensions. Nevertheless, the OX Frog300 sits comfortably on my 18cm wrist. I guess there are two reasons for that. The first is the acceptable weight of 160 grams (including the titanium bracelet), and the second is the 44mm distance between the strap-mounting screws.

Functionality

Although sometimes designated as a “tool watch,” the Frog300 is unmistakably a dive watch. But it’s the sort of tough timepiece that’s built to withstand whatever life throws its way. As such, it is a proposition for those involved in any form of adventure and exploration. However, the Frog300’s roots are undeniable and emphasized by compliance with the technical requirements of ISO 6425 and even its saturation divers’ enhancement. In line with that, the watch includes a helium escape valve.

As a diver’s watch, the Frog300 provides an internal unidirectional bezel to indicate the time the wearer has been underwater. This bezel is conveniently operated by the blue crown on the top left of the case and can also be used underwater. At first, reading the bezel takes a bit of habituation. The numerals are not meant to align with the hands or index dots. Rather, they indicate the end of the five-minute period they’re placed in. Along with the dive time, the OX Frog300 shows the local time and date as well as a separate 24-hour time zone. This is thanks to the reliable Miyota 9075 caliber, making this watch a flyer GMT. This functionality is quite useful for a diver’s watch since diving preferably takes place in tropical paradises far from home.

What about the NFC tag?

The primary aim of all diver’s watches is to help ensure the wearer’s safety. Oceanix, with its proprietary ID+SYS system, however, also adds passive safety to the Frog300 by affixing a blue disc with NFC (Near Field Communication) functionality to the watch’s case back. The ID+SYS system complies with worldwide data regulations. Apart from the owner’s photo, which is mandatory to verify if he or she is the one wearing the watch, the information is stored on a secure online server, and it is the owner who decides what information to enter. The ID+SYS disc allows for facial identification of the affected individual and can hold important (voluntarily provided) details about one’s medical history, contact numbers, and health insurance.

Frog300 variations

Currently, for 2024, we can expect eight variations of the OX Frog300. I had the Shark Skin on my wrist for almost two weeks, and it was a good companion. Unfortunately, I couldn’t test the watch during a diving session, but nothing made me think it wouldn’t be very suitable for one. For a watch as remarkable as the Frog300, the Shark Skin version suited me well and didn’t attract any unnecessary attention to itself or me. On the other hand, the flamboyant colors of the Depth Rainbow, aside from catching the eye, offer an extra nifty feature by indicating the approximate depth underwater.

In principle, most Frog300 versions are supplied with a matching rubber strap. However, like the Shark Skin model that I wore, they are also available with titanium bracelets. These sport a secure clasp with an integrated dive extension that also allows you to finely adjust the strap to your wrist.

I couldn’t try the watch on a rubber strap, but sample parts were included in our package. They feel and look good, and I can imagine the watch would wear well on these rubber straps too.

Conclusion and pricing

There’s much more I could say about the OX Frog300, but I’ll leave it at this for now. If I sparked your interest with this hands-on article, you should probably check out Oceanix’s website to learn more about the in-depth details and specifications. Priced at US$1,430 on a rubber strap and US$1,730 on the titanium bracelet, the OX Frog300 is a very attractive watch for a more than reasonable price. I can’t think of any other dive watch at this price level that will give you such functionality and uniqueness in design.

What about you? Are you ready for the next level in dive watches, or do you prefer a more classic approach to this competitive segment? As usual, please let us know what you think in the comments below.