Introducing: The Updated Certina DS Action Diver 38mm Collection
Today, we’ll take a brief look at an exciting set of updated releases. The new Certina DS Action Diver 38mm collection continues as one of the best values around and now adds a ceramic bezel. A host of dial colors and case materials come along for the ride. Let’s get to it!
While we bemoan the quiet absence of the Swatch Group from most, if not all, of the big watch shows, the company’s stable of brands continues to debut some interesting pieces. This is especially true on the more affordable end of the spectrum. Certina, a name unknown to most of the world until the last decade, has been leading the charge alongside Tissot and Mido with some fantastic value-for-money options. The updated DS Action Diver 38mm hits a sweet spot for wearability and performance. Now, it has a nice touch on the bezel.
The Certina DS Action Diver 38mm
The latest 38mm divers are a gentle evolution of the watches that first debuted in mid-2023. When Certina brought a smooth-looking titanium version, we rightly asked if it was a Pelagos 39 killer. Perhaps not, but the watch has proven extremely popular and hard to dispute in terms of value. What’s nice is that more than two years later, the updated pieces come with pricing that differs by roughly the cost of a pint of Guinness in central London. Inflation be damned!
The new models maintain the familiar 38mm case with a 45mm lug-to-lug and 13.22mm thickness. Features such as a 300m water resistance rating and a screw-down crown are also included for added protection. A sapphire crystal with an antireflective coating and a screw-in case back further bolster the rugged intent. Oh, and we should mention that the watch conforms to the ISO 6425 standard for dive watches.
For those who enjoy a bit of choice, there are five initial options in the revised collection. Two 316L stainless steel variants come with matching three-row bracelets that include a push-button safety clasp. These pieces are available with either a black or green dial and an external unidirectional bezel with a color-matched ceramic insert.
Two-tone and titanium
A luxurious combination with a blue dial and two-tone bracelet channels the Submariner “Bluesy” look. It adds the golden hue to the ceramic bezel insert’s numerals, crown, hands, and bezel knurling. Then, a titanium version offers a combination of black and gold on the bezel and dial. Overall, the watches are undeniably attractive and should work well in a variety of environments.
All of these pieces offer the same three-row bracelet. It looks comfortable and has three spring-bar holes for micro-adjustment. The links use screws for removal, which is nice. The only noticeable omission is a wetsuit extension. Then again, the end links have quick-release spring bars, so switching to a 19mm strap is easy.
A black PVD-coated DS Action Diver 38mm
For me, the highlight of the collection is a black PVD-coated stainless steel reference. The model has an all-black case with a matte ceramic bezel insert, and it looks quite focused. This one comes exclusively on a black nylon strap with a matching PVD-coated pin buckle. In the dark, it and the other models glow brightly because of light blue Super-LumiNova.
The Powermatic 80 under the hood
The DS Action Diver uses the Swatch Group’s ubiquitous Powermatic 80 automatic caliber. This aptly named movement’s claim to fame is its 80-hour power reserve. To offer this, it has a slower frequency of 21,600vph, but the benefits seem to outweigh the demerits. Otherwise, expect hacking seconds and a quick-set date function.
Final thoughts and pricing
The new Certina DS Action Diver 38mm continues to offer serious value in a highly wearable package. How reasonable are these watches? Well, the stainless models are on sale for €890. The two-tone model is slightly dearer at €950, and the titanium piece is the flagship at €1,075. From a value perspective, the PVD piece leads the way at €860. This puts these models in direct competition with many offerings from Seiko models and a host of microbrands, which is good news for prospective buyers. We welcome this update, even if it is small. Let us know your thoughts on these latest Certina divers.
