Hands-On With The New Certina DS Action Diver 40.5

Today, we go hands-on with a new Certina. The DS Action Diver 40.5 is a significant release for the brand because it presents a new case size. In fact, most would argue that it will end up as the most successful model in the collection. Let’s take a closer look and discuss the merits of this high-value diver while mentioning some of our remaining wishes.

Before moving to London, I visited Swatch Group Germany’s headquarters in Eschborn with Balazs. During our meeting, we saw several new Certina DS Action Diver variants. The time-only pieces came in 38mm and 43mm sizes. For a watch with such traditional looks, I was surprised that an up-the-middle 40mm version wasn’t part of the plan. Sure, the 38mm versions fit me perfectly, but the 43mm references were large on all but the biggest wrists. A nice intermediate case size would have been perfect. Now, after several years of waiting, the DS Action Diver 40.5 is finally here.

The Certina DS Action Diver 40.5

For our hands-on, Certina sent us a single example of the new DS Action Diver 40.5. The model we received has a black dial and striped nylon strap. Three other variants are available, including the same black dial paired with an Oyster-like bracelet. A white-dial model is available on a similar bracelet. Finally, a titanium version has a dark blue dial and matching titanium bracelet.

The watch, as the name implies, has a 40.5mm case with an appropriate 48mm lug-to-lug. For comparison’s sake, the gold-standard Rolex Submariner has the same footprint, though Rolex’s rounding-up suggests an extra 0.5mm in diameter. The top-level specs that count are also competitive. A 300m depth rating, a domed sapphire crystal with antireflective treatment, and a screw-down crown tick the boxes for a basic dive watch.

A clean, legible dial

Like all of the Certina models in the collection, the latest DS Action Diver has a clean dial and pleasing design. Our loaner had a glossy black dial with white and gold details. From the outset, this might sound like a Tudor Black Bay 58, but it’s different and, dare I say, more expensive-looking. The bright white Super-LumiNova contributes to this observation because this is no retro release. Key takeaways are applied indexes with gold-tone surrounds and a matching handset. A steeply angled rehaut with minute track is almost undetectable at certain angles, which helps maintain the uncluttered appearance.

The black-on-white date indicator is small and relatively unobtrusive. It’s also a consistent feature on all DS Action Diver models. A unidirectional, 120-click dive bezel contains a glossy black ceramic insert with gold-tone engraved numerals. It also has a luminous pip to aid time measurements in the dark. Speaking of luminescence, the white Super-LumiNova emits a blue glow. In general, we were impressed with the brightness and thickness of the material.

A tad thick but not a dealbreaker

One area where we’d like to see some improvement is in the thickness. The DS Action Diver 40.5 has a 14.1mm profile, making it chunkier than some competitive references from stalwarts like Seiko and relative newcomers, including Serica and Baltic. While the number isn’t a showstopper, it is exacerbated by the nylon strap running underneath the case. Still, we know that some desire a meatier, solid diver with more heft. This Certina just might be the answer!

No surprise, the Powermatic 80 is inside

One detail I particularly like on the DS Action Diver 40.5 is the steel screw-in case back. The turtle is one of my favorite watch logos, but that’s not the primary reason. The fact that the brand avoided the temptation of showing off a rather workmanlike caliber and chose to stick with utility is a good sign. Inside, the watch is powered by the popular Powermatic 80. As always, it has 80 hours of power reserve and a frequency of 21,600vph. A Nivachron hairspring helps with antimagnetic properties. The news, though, is the use of Certina’s new DS Concept Extreme Shock Resistance method. Apparently, the Powermatic 80 is secured differently within the case to enhance shock resistance and stability of the dial and crystal. Frankly, we’d like to see more on this, such as interior pictures or diagrams.

The DS Action Diver 40.5 is easy on the wrist

Despite its slightly chunky stature, there’s no denying that the DS Action Diver 40.5 works well on the wrist. It’s a typical size for a dive watch, so it wears nicely. Plus, the color combo is classy and modern without being too garish. I’ve never been a huge proponent of faux-gilt detailing, but this watch’s details are gold and somehow subtle. What I would prefer, though, is the bracelet or even a high-quality rubber strap. In my view, a nylon strap should be supplied as an accessory, not as a standalone model option. Thankfully, the extra cost for the bracelet is minimal.

Pricing and availability

The new DS Action Diver 40.5 on a nylon strap is priced at CHF 785. The same dial or the white one on a stainless bracelet is CHF 835. The titanium model on the bracelet is CHF 895. That feels extremely fair for the money, with the upgrade to the bracelet sounding like a no-brainer. A universally popular size, ceramic bezel, and more-than-decent water resistance rating should make this collection a top seller for Certina. Best of all, the models are available now online and at authorized dealers.

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