Certina Updated The Popular DS Action Diver 38mm Titanium, But Did It Get Better?

Ask me for a list of my favorite affordable dive watches, and the 38mm DS Action Diver in titanium will be on it every time. When Certina released the lightweight 38mm version of its popular diver, it stood out immediately, and not just for its great dimensions, solid specs, and attractive price. It’s also not every day that we see a titanium diver with a brown-gray aluminum bezel insert and a gray dial with light blue indexes. It made the 38mm Titanium DS Action Diver a fan favorite, initially priced just over €1,000. While the price increased slightly over time, it remained a super attractive offering. For 2026, Certina updated the watch and extended the series with two new models. I had a chance to check out the revamped version of the watch I love so much to see whether it’s even better.

In a much-debated hands-on review of the first 38mm Titanium DS Action Diver, Lex questioned whether it could be a Pelagos 39 killer. Though some thought it was a far-fetched comparison, it was still worth considering, as the Certina offers incredible value for money with handsomely good looks and specs to match the Tudor. With the updated version, it is no different. At €1,095 / CHF 925, the watch has hardly increased in price. On top of that, the brand updated the bezel insert from aluminum to ceramic. Lastly, Certina introduced two new versions with equally remarkable color combinations. The first combines a black dial with pink indexes, and the second combines a vibrant blue dial with bright orange hour markers. These additions result in a new standout series in the brand’s collection.

The details of the updated DS Action Diver 38mm Titanium

Despite the two new colorways, my focus was on the follow-up to the original model. The watch’s aesthetic is just something else. It’s stylish and vibrant at the same time. The two new variants feel louder and less stylish, so it was an easy pick for me. On top of that, I wanted to find out whether the upgrades would make it a better watch. It is worth noting that these titanium models follow the upgrades introduced with the stainless steel 38mm versions Mike wrote about.

The main changes are a beefed-up case, now with enhanced DS Concept Extreme Shock Resistance, and a ceramic bezel insert. As a result of the new shock-resistant construction, the new 38 × 44mm Grade 2 titanium case has a 13.2mm profile. The watch is still water resistant to 300 meters and ISO 6425 compliant, like the previous model.

Compared to its predecessor, the new version is a full millimeter thicker. Thanks to the light titanium, this isn’t noticeable in terms of heft, but it would have been nice if Certina could’ve kept the fairly slender profile, both for aesthetics and for wearability. Additionally, the watch features a fully brushed finish that complements the titanium’s hue and makes it look handsome without forsaking its tool-watch feel.

The differences compared to the previous DS Action Diver 38mm Titanium

Where it gets different is the unidirectional bezel with its polished ceramic insert. Not only did Certina switch from a nice brushed aluminum insert to a shiny ceramic one, but the brand also adjusted the color from a brownish gray to a more dial-matching shade of gray. As a result, the watch’s character has changed rather drastically.

What has stayed is the dark gray dial featuring a date window at 3 o’clock and applied hour markers filled with light blue lume. While the combination of gray and light blue works well, the dial-matching bezel insert makes the watch feel more modern and colder than its predecessor. As a result, the undeniable charm that I adored about the previous model is gone.

Rounding out the exterior is a Grade 2 titanium three-row bracelet with screw-fastened links and a locking push-button clasp. The clasp has three spring-bar holes for micro-adjustment, and it’s similar to the one on the stainless steel models. As Mike explained, it forgoes a wetsuit extension. On top of that, Certina doesn’t include a toolless micro-adjustment system. Quite a few competitors offer that practicality, and it is definitely an upgrade that the DS Action Diver would greatly benefit from.

The Powermatic 80.611

Inside the case, Certina uses the same Powermatic 80.611 movement as in the previous generation. This self-winding caliber runs at 21,600 vph and provides an 80-hour power reserve. On top of that, it includes stop-seconds and quick-set date functions and an antimagnetic Nivachron hairspring. The movement lies hidden behind a polished case back that features the signature turtle logo.

Wearing the new Certina DS Action Diver 38mm Titanium

The new DS Action Diver 38mm Titanium is still a handsome watch that stands out from its competitors. Honestly, I think it’s one of the best-looking watches out there under €1,500. On top of that, it sits very well on the wrist. The case size is spot on, and the design feels like what you’d want from a sporty dive watch. As already mentioned, the lightweight titanium makes the thicker watch not feel significantly heavier than the previous model. But the profile is slightly bulkier, and despite the enhanced shock protection, it feels somewhat like a step back. In a world full of bulky dive watches, I would have loved seeing this update with the slimmer 12.2mm case.

But my main gripes with the new DS Action Diver 38mm Titanium are the material and color changes. The combination of the titanium hue, the aluminum brown-gray bezel, and the gray dial with its light blue markers was truly special. The new polished ceramic bezel is too shiny, instantly making it flashier. On top of that, the new dark gray insert has made the watch less stylish and, frankly, less exciting.

Final thoughts

You can ask whether the new Certina DS Action Diver 38mm Titanium is objectively better than its predecessor, and the answer is “yes.” With the case’s enhanced shock protection and the bezel’s scratch resistance, the watch is technically superior to the previous model. Despite these improvements, Certina has kept the price very affordable, which is also worth a compliment. For €1,095 / CHF 925, you can still get one of the most competent dive watches available for the money.

But as a fan of design, I don’t tend to judge a watch by its improved specs first. Especially when a watch looks as good as the previous generation, I would always love to find that same unique charm in a follow-up. And that charm is somewhat missing with this new release. It proves that one element can be a deciding factor in the overall presence. Could Certina have opted for a textured ceramic insert? We know that it’s possible. Could the brand have created a similarly colored insert as for the previous model? That might be a challenge.

But the simple fact is that Certina chose not to. And I even understand why. Color-matching the dial and the bezel is logical, and a shiny ceramic insert has become the standard in dive watches. Nevertheless, it has left me with mixed feelings. As a result of the changes, the watch has lost the unique soul that fans, including me, adored. I will miss that going forward. But the reality is also that the updated Certina DS Action Diver 38mm Titanium is one of the best-looking affordable dive watches out there. Fortunately, the new bezel insert hasn’t changed that.