Certina is very underrated. I have its DS 2 high accuracy chronograph (quartz, titanium). During the three years I have it, it has been performing incredibly (+ 7 sec./year) Better than its specification of +/-10 sec./year.
I own this exact watch for 2 years now, and also having bought a BB58 in blue a year after, this one gets the most wrist time. It just feels more comfortable tbh and let’s be honest for the price it’s a fantastic beater. Highly recommend.
Have it on my wrist now and I enjoy it very much ! This watch is amazing for me ! Having it on your wrist more than a BB58 says a lot ! thank you so much for sharing.
The sandwich dial on some panerai watch models is a work of art. I know that from working machining them. I was very proud of my work and they were my favourite. You pay more for special finishes and applied indexes as they are individually manufactured and applied. The certina dial would be painted so cheaper but its quality and precision is second to none. Ive wanted one for over 22 years and i want value for money. The hamilton military watch is really good value also and its excellent for the money. The strap and clasp on the certina is like my longines classique, so comfortable, beautifully made and still as good as when i bought it over 20 years ago. Listen to this guy, its one of the most honest watch reviews ive ever seen on you tube. Well done to him.
Thank you very much. Its just my opinion. I personally prefer a quartz or solar watch from japan. Its for telling the time even on a building site for me but ive had a longines quartz movement classique since a few months after 9/11. Replaced the battery 4 times. It keeps great time. It only jumps on the seconds hand when the battery is going flat. When you replace it, its good for another 5 or so years. Great clasp and metal strap too, all really well made and finished with sapphire crystal glass. I cant believe how good the cheapest longines quartz movement watch is. What a bargain and nicer finish than some Rolexes. Now that surprised me.
I like the longines hydroconquest, Rado capt Cook in bronze and the oris with the new caliber 400 with the long service intervals and long guarantee. In the real world how good will they be in 5 years time? Plus theyre not cheap.
Maybe a manual wind simple basic panerai for around $4000usd and manual wind up caliber with eta or valjoux movement is better as servicing cost will be cheaper and far easier. Pam 0001?
Last year I was looking for a 38mm diver for my small wrist and I considered the Certina and UK/Swiss brand Christopher Ward, both great watches at a similar price here in the UK. The Certina is good looking and good value with the 80 hour power reserve but I bought the CW. The overall quality is excellent, the "light catcher" case is beautiful with a slim profile, bracelet is 20mm width, with smaller end links that are quick release and an easy manual micro adjust clasp. Also add the 5 year guarantee and it's a real winner for me.
Taste are in nature mate ! Good that you like it, you own it 😀. That's why there is a diversity in creation, what one likes the other does not and vice versa, but the important thing is to have something that you truly like, whatever what people think....
I have the green version. I was hesitant to get it as the insert is still aluminum (unlike the Aquis or Hydroconquest), but after a few months of using it, I don't regret anything!! I have a handful of Powermatic 80s in my Tissots also, and it's great! Truly a value for money watch. 😀
Thankyou so much for sharing man :). Yeah the insert is wonderful, of course a ceramic insert is always welcome but you know what, i don't think it would have work wonderfully on that watch, just imagine it with a shiny ceramic insert, it would have lost that sort of vintage look that the BB58 has for example. The 43mm version has a ceramic insert, but everything around it has been thought to match it, here i don't think it would have...You see what i mean ? Anyway, wonderful comment, and yup the powermatic is an incredible movement for sure, i can't take my eyes off that watch now ! A green version would have been welcome as well, owning two version, but money....
@@thehandsontime I have a 2004 b/b gmt2 that has been with me from its beginning and a few contemporary with ceramic and sapphire bezels. I have grown to love every scratch and dents on that 16710 that literally been through war zones, the most brutal was the divorce arbitration, lol. The ceramic or sapphire bezels will look new while the rest of the watches will age. It will be awkward like middle age women on dating scene, non matching parts. The first few scratches may sting, hopefully less than any scratches on you, but one day over drinks, those memories will be a testament to your journey. Cheers!
Great video brother. I finally pulled the trigger and bought a green one in 38mm. I love it. I have a few issues. The male end links protrude a bit leaving a little gap. I wish it was ceramic bezel insert. Micro adjusts would have been amazing if they were like the bigger version. I loved that rachet extension. But this is all subjective. What I love, others may hate. But on the plus. Amazing build. Very accurate at 1.5spd atm. Movement is very good.
Great video. I agree 100% with your comments. I do own a Rolex GMT, Longines Hydroconquest, Montblanc Chrono diver and other quality divers... and I think this watch features premium quality in a totally independent design.... I feel that this model may send my other divers to drawer for long periods of time... thanks for your video , it confiems my thoughts...
I usually dont comment Videos very often, but i have to say: Great review and I loved the way you presented the information about the watch. Greetings from Germany :)
Great review. I tried this one on for the first time yesterday, the green variant, and I was impressed. Premium feeling, and a good fit for my 16,5cm wrists. The design is conservative and versatile, which are good things in my book. I'm not a fan of the PowerMatic 80 movement, as I fear the watchmakers I know perhaps won't be able to service it, but apart from that it is a great watch from a respected brand. As a Scandinavian I like Certina; I remember seeing them being the official timekeeper of many ski competitions.
Wearing my CERTINA DS CHRONOMETER TITANIUM 200 METERS SAPPHIRE 1997 still! Survived my military career all the way into retirement after 30 yrs of service! Still looks great, first gift from my wife back then! See the plus 🇨🇭!
Wow Patrick ! Amazing story, thank you so much for sharing that with me brother ! This is a watch you will keep and cherish for the rest of your life, so much personnal history goes with it because it has a sentimental value, but also moments in your military career. This watch is unvaluable, for sure... Again, thanks for sharing that, inspiring.
I whole heartedly agree with all of your points! Just found this wonderful watch and couldn’t be happier about it!😄 Great video, enjoyed hearing your opinions - liked and subbed!
I've owned the Black/Gold version for about 5 months. I have worn it about 24/7 during that time. Unbelievable watch for the money. +4.5 spd after break in. $650 from Dubai including shipping and 2 year warranty.
@@bulldogms Aaaahhhhhhh i was surprised, it's the "I've owned it" that mislead me, but of course I've owned it does not mean i don't have it anymore, sorry. Glad you still have it, superb watch John ! Hope to read you again, Paris says hello !
Hi Olivia dear, it's been a long time since you've commented, always the greatest pleasure to read you ! You take care ! and of course i agree with you a 100% as usual !
Thanks for the great review. I bought a 38mm Version in Bicolor green/gold for my wife and a 43mm Version in black for me as a christmas present. I'm really looking forward to christmas. ;)
I would buy the 43mm with your wrist. The ceramic bezel looks much more elegant than the aluminum one.I have a 7.6 inch wrist and when I wear the 38mm version, it looks like a ladies watch.
@@karlpfefferle6907 I completely disagree, the 38mm is way more classy than the 43, specially for small wrists, but if you have big wrists well why not. I prefer the 38 look anyway. The 38 would be like a 2012 omega seamaster 300, the 43 would be the last omega 300, i prefer the second gen...
Hello Certina. Please update this 38mm to the same specification of your 43mm. Ceramic bezel, on the fly micro adjustment extension, etc. Titanium variant would also be dope. Sincerely, Those who have small wrist.
Very nice review and you definitely deserve the watch. Ordered one today gold version with black and green. My wrist is 19cm diameter i hope 38mm wont look to small. I could get 43mm but dont like the extra weight. Certina is great quality had DS first with quartz movement for 12 years without any problem.
So rare to have nice comments like that, the "you deserve the watch", proves one thing, you don't think only about you, so thanks brother :). The watch will look amazing on you no worries, look at my review on "KUOE" watches, you will understand that small size watches are the best i think, even for a 19cm wrist, and the lug to lug distance, plus the bracelet, your at 51 mm so no worries really. The 43 mm is nice, ceramic and all, but does not look as beautiful. The green and gold is just a watch you can wear in all situations and trust me, i had a trumendous amount of doubt choosing between the two (yeah i wanted the green and gold one as weel). Hoperfully i will be able to buy the green and gold as well (i dream too much i know). Cheers bro !
Hi David, my wrist is 20cm. I own this for about 5 months now and sometimes I find it a bit small for me, so as you can imagine I'm way too interested in your opinions and self-experience with this watch. No doubt it's a hands down in all terms, It's just that some days I love it, and some others I want to sell it (just for the size). I`ll really appreciate your thoughts on this 🙌
@@pappanatas hi Exactly same bought the watch most of the time they are in box. To nice to wear daily But like you saying sometimes I like how small they are and everything about it. And sometimes I m not sure and want to sell it. Very difficult this one is. I know 43 mm would be to big. I wish they are 40 mm.. But in the end there is more positive so I do keep them .
Hi friends ! Thanks in advance for sharing your thoughts about this watch that i found absolutely beautiful and interesting ! Don't hesitate to tell me what you think...
Ich habe die Schwarze Certina DS Action Diver 38mm. Beste Uhr. Ich liebe sie. Habe auch andere, wie Seiko, Mido, Tissot Citizen. Die Certina ist meine Lieblingsuhr. Niemand muss zig 1000€ ausgeben, um eine tolle Schweizer Uhr zu besitzen.
Great review ! Hope you still like the watch. One thing that bothers me is the bezel incert being aluminium and not ceramic at this price point, but it's the same for the tissot seastar 1000. Anyway, a great watch and it's better if you like it !
Still love it, still have it, will never sell it. And yeah you right, Switzerland ask a lot more fir ceramic bezels. But I love the charm of the aluminum anyway. I have other watches with ceramic inserts, and for me it's not an obligation, I like both ! Thanks for sharing !
I gifted my Orient Golden Eye II to my father, so I've been looking at filling that space with another automatic. If I had over £1,000 to spend on a watch, I'd splurge on the Seiko Presage Eternal, but I've been looking at more down to earth options in the Certina DS Podium/ DS Caimano/ DS-8 Powermatic. However, the date window gives me pause.
Hi Charlotte, always a pleasure to read from you, all the watches you talk about are nice options, go with your heart, but i understand that the choice is hard because they are all beautiful watches ! (the ds action lady is a beauty but quartz). Tell me what you did took when you do it dear...
@@thehandsontime it fit my wrist, but it kind of gets a special look with the top of the bracelet laying vertical against the wrist. Almost looks like a spaceship when looking from a certain angle
With my DS2 equiped with the powermatic 80 I do have a +5 sec/day precision. Sure ! Next month I will buy the titanium version of this DS action , for 21 times less the price of a Rolex equivalent ! And this DS system makes of Certinas very robust watches.
Best diver (or watch for that matter) under 1,000 bucks all things considered. I own this exact watch and love it equally (if not more) as my other more expensive watches. The only downsides would be the lume which is pretty weak, and as you said it looks like a Rolex Sub from afar.
One thought on the servicing it has to go back to certina as its laser regulated so can only be done by certina. I myself own the larger version in green that looks blue indoors it has the sliding extension of which I do prefer they are all beautifully made and unbelievably accurate. One noticed in the comments remarks on weak lume I just cannot see this problem one thought how wonderfully strong the lume was I have no complaints at all regarding that.
Kudos for your review, without doubt one of the best if not the best one on the certina ds action diver 38 mm. It would be great if you could do a follow up with one more video on the two tone SE Turtle Conservancy. I have just bought this SE version and not only, I have adopted a turtle too... Zee is th name of the turtle.
Yay. Just got the black one and love it! Nice review, agree with every point you mentioned.. there is no such thing as a 38mm modern submariner, so, this is a gem..
I have seven solar quartz watches and I've been looking for ages to get my first and only automatic. This ticks all the boxes with its 38mm case, 80 hour power reserve and beautiful finish. A guy is offering me this exact model (owned for 8 months) for 525 US dollars. Do you think it is worth it?
Pleasant, information review. My thoughts: it's a compelling watch from a technical standpoint. It walks the line between Submariner, Black Bay, and even SPB051. However, it slightly misses the mark for me in some areas. The date window could've been pulled off better (or preferably omitted), the index choice/layout is reminiscent of the Orient Ray 2, and of course the 19mm lug width. It's at a price point where I do not like making compromises like that. For the money, I'd opt for the titanium Citizen Barnacle.
of course everyone can see what he wants to see. Tastes or different. But for me the orient ray 2 is wayyyyy under that one even in the design, they have nothing to really compare not even the indexes, the Certina is different for me, the material used are just not comparable, the date window I love love love and cannot do without, and I never found a citizen I like to the point of buying one ! always preferred Seiko to citizen, so you see "Taste". We are all different and that's good. But personnaly for me that Certina is a gem ! I'm fully satisfied and I haven't done any compromise in my mind. Thanks for sharing.
Hi John, thanks for the compliment, it is always nice to read, yeah i wear it all the time, the bezel is doing super well and will do super well for decades i have no doubts, this is a watch if you take care of it, it will last for serveral lifetimes John ! Take care !
@@thehandsontimethanks and sorry for the late response, i hope this bezel insert will fade like some rolex subs 😅, i think it has a different grade of aluminum insert compared to the seiko skx divers right?
The vidéo is about, "non rolex" alternatives. tudor is own by rolex. "But", if I had to choose one, it would have been the "BB54" not the 58. The 58 is far from being a compact model.
@@RitzCaraldo exept for the obvious cronos and san martin homage to the sub in 40mm (chinese), I would say steinhart wich is more better. But in 40mm at an affordable price these are rare. Hard to beat the ds action. I'd say steinhart. You always have orient and seiko but not really the same...
Absolutely not normal!!! Fake watch ? I don't think so, but possible. But it's either you send it back, or you go to a watchsmith to regulate the movement! But don't wait, still under warranty even, so send it back and ask for another copy ! Tell me how it went, good luck !
Hi from Kazakhstan 🇰🇿! I have Certina 38 mm green 💚, Hulk) I think it’s best of the best for 1000$👍 and I see your Komandirskie😳Командирские!)) I have Amphibiya 420307 , but dial like yours (Командирские ВДВ)👍👊 Amfibiya better, cause 200 m)
Hi, a brother from Kazakhstan, what a pleasure ! If i had the money, i would have mine plus the green and gold for sure, the green is wonderful as well, i had one from Loreo and worn it with all my green "ish" outfit, but sold it. Definitly need another green watch. And yeah i wanted an Amphibia, but with the war the prices are mad in Paris. Have a fantastic day, come back to comment anytime you want, a pleasure to have you bro !
@@thehandsontime thanks a lot, just wanted to know as the bracelet on my Seiko 5KX is quite thin/flat to the wrist and I prefer a big more chunky so I was seeing what this bracelet was and now I can compare, this being a 19mm instead of a 20mm might make it look a thin (width) bracelet but it might be ok, thanks.
@@thehandsontime sorry my mistake, my calipers are playing up, the Seiko is 3.4mm so the Certina being 3.85mm would be correct, you was right, thanks mate 👍🏻
@@gustafrenstrom8549 The navygraf is beautiful in all it's forms, the superman is also quite something, but the movement of the certina is better ! but hard choice indeed. buy both !
@@thehandsontime unfortunately can't buy both right now. I've heard some negative comments about the yema movement. But i will probably get one of them soon and the other at a later point
Hey there, I bought this watch but I don’t think it is giving a 80 hr power reserve, I tested it couple of times, it only have a power reserve of 32 hrs maximum even though I wore it for 10 hrs. Can you help me out with this issue how to resolve it?
give it a maximum of hand winding turns but stop when you feel it becomes hard to turn (never turn it to it's maximum), and wear it everyday. And it is a fact that it does 80 hours so I hope you don't bought a fake (open it to have a look at the movement to see if you don't have a franken watch !). Low chances for a fake because I never heard abt fake Certina but you never know. Where did you bought it ? To someone or an AD. Because second hand watches are not serviced sometimes so.... Good luck, and your welcome dear.
@@thehandsontime ich habe die seit einer Woche. Sie ist wirklich klasse und passt perfekt. Ich bin sehr zufrieden mit dem Kauf. Für 680 € kann man nichts falsch machen.
Great review. No doubt it is a very handsome watch. Rolex and Tudor hit the mark because of their beautiful proportions which I love. But I don’t care for the status and overpriced baggage of Rolex. Tudor for me can’t escape the poor man’s Rolex tag and I don’t like the snowflake hands. The Certina nails the exact proportions but retains its own character together with its great heritage. Had the blue version many years ago, gorgeous but in the end just didn’t get on with the odd notched bezel. Not a problem now. Love the coin edge bezel. Thinking of going for the blue again but torn between it and the Christopher Ward C60 Trident 300 which is better spec’d but maybe too blingy? Ceramic bezel looks very shiny to me. The all over brushing of the Certina gives it a tooly look whilst still looking extremely elegant and versatile and like Tudor has more subtle bezel colour tone. The bracelet could be better and the Trident scores there but can live with that and of course is cheaper. Great value and stunning watch. Have 19 cm wrist but think will be ok as happy with my Alpinist. Black or blue - help!
Wonderful comment and agree a 100 percent ! For the CW trident, i do not like the logo, do not like the crown, the indices and the overall look of it, so i'm probably not the right person to ask since i'm truly not a fan of the watch. So my answer would be the certina crushes it in every aspects ! But that's my take on it, take it with a grain of salt and go with heart brother :). But 19cm wrist, the certina would be a stunner on you ! Again, your comment is wonderful thanks for that ! Take care Jeremy.
Thanks Mel(?) and so right- Christopher Ward, what was I thinking! Black DS is gorgeous but the blue is soooo perty and beautifully done. That’s for me as have too many black dials! Very few brands get colour dials right but Certina does. Just want to mention also your country’s brilliant microband, Baltic. They go down Blancpain route with the aquascaphe. Proportions, quality and subtly modernised approach perfectly reflects the original Bathyscaphe. Do review.
@@jspeakman53 Mal ! Absolutely right about the Blue dial if you have to much black ones already, Ahhh Baltic ! Wonderful brand that i even prefer over Yema ! Will do a review if i put my hands on one ! Cheers !
@@averageyoe The guitar intro is a song dedicated to my girlfriend it is from "me" man. I created it from scratch. Thanks for saying that man, bless you even 😉
Speechless.. nice song, u’ve got talent. I like it. And oh, we have a same watch, but mine is on a rubber strap n it’s 43mm. Nice watch and nice guitar playing. Wishing u all the best ! 💚
How does one know the anti-reflective coating is on one ( & which) side? The Certina website says it's on 'one side' & another review says it's on the underside( !). Cheers.
@@Vespa123 Yeah, that's what i found as well, but others are saying on the outside, on the inside make more sense because put on the outside surface it scratches ! So hope you right i want to say...
Sorry for the late answer i'm in Transilvania not in Paris, the answer is "never", this is wayyy better, but i love love love the 013, nice dimensions, the cyclope etc. But nop never, my ds action crushes it in every aspects...
They are currently at the top in terms of brand value and market perception. One of the few brands where buying brand new is cheaper compare buying 2nd hand. Recognized even by not a watch enthusiast. Why wouldn't watch manufacturer want that?
Certina is very underrated. I have its DS 2 high accuracy chronograph (quartz, titanium). During the three years I have it, it has been performing incredibly (+ 7 sec./year) Better than its specification of +/-10 sec./year.
Wow, does better than the bulova lunar pilot (10 sec à year). Incredible.
I own this exact watch for 2 years now, and also having bought a BB58 in blue a year after, this one gets the most wrist time. It just feels more comfortable tbh and let’s be honest for the price it’s a fantastic beater. Highly recommend.
Have it on my wrist now and I enjoy it very much ! This watch is amazing for me ! Having it on your wrist more than a BB58 says a lot ! thank you so much for sharing.
awesome! how does it feel on the wrist compared with the bb58? and do you still wear it?
@@dailydosecontent24 I wear it all the time, it feels better than the bb58 because it is more adapted to me in terms of "size".
But here is the question. How do you feel when you put the BB58 on after the certina ?
@@KB-vf4gz To be fair, the BB58 has been getting a lot of love recently and it’s grown on me much more
The sandwich dial on some panerai watch models is a work of art. I know that from working machining them. I was very proud of my work and they were my favourite. You pay more for special finishes and applied indexes as they are individually manufactured and applied. The certina dial would be painted so cheaper but its quality and precision is second to none. Ive wanted one for over 22 years and i want value for money. The hamilton military watch is really good value also and its excellent for the money. The strap and clasp on the certina is like my longines classique, so comfortable, beautifully made and still as good as when i bought it over 20 years ago. Listen to this guy, its one of the most honest watch reviews ive ever seen on you tube. Well done to him.
Ian thank-you so much, love both the panerai and the hamilton ! Wonderful comment really mate, cheers !
Thank you very much. Its just my opinion. I personally prefer a quartz or solar watch from japan. Its for telling the time even on a building site for me but ive had a longines quartz movement classique since a few months after 9/11. Replaced the battery 4 times. It keeps great time. It only jumps on the seconds hand when the battery is going flat. When you replace it, its good for another 5 or so years. Great clasp and metal strap too, all really well made and finished with sapphire crystal glass. I cant believe how good the cheapest longines quartz movement watch is. What a bargain and nicer finish than some Rolexes. Now that surprised me.
I like the longines hydroconquest, Rado capt Cook in bronze and the oris with the new caliber 400 with the long service intervals and long guarantee. In the real world how good will they be in 5 years time? Plus theyre not cheap.
Maybe a manual wind simple basic panerai for around $4000usd and manual wind up caliber with eta or valjoux movement is better as servicing cost will be cheaper and far easier. Pam 0001?
not usually commenting but loved the whole review, cheers from Norway, picking this up tomorrow
So honored that you did for me, a big heart for you !
Last year I was looking for a 38mm diver for my small wrist and I considered the Certina and UK/Swiss brand Christopher Ward, both great watches at a similar price here in the UK. The Certina is good looking and good value with the 80 hour power reserve but I bought the CW. The overall quality is excellent, the "light catcher" case is beautiful with a slim profile, bracelet is 20mm width, with smaller end links that are quick release and an easy manual micro adjust clasp. Also add the 5 year guarantee and it's a real winner for me.
Taste are in nature mate ! Good that you like it, you own it 😀. That's why there is a diversity in creation, what one likes the other does not and vice versa, but the important thing is to have something that you truly like, whatever what people think....
@@thehandsontime and that’s why I have a collection that’s inexplicably growing, lol.
I have the green version. I was hesitant to get it as the insert is still aluminum (unlike the Aquis or Hydroconquest), but after a few months of using it, I don't regret anything!! I have a handful of Powermatic 80s in my Tissots also, and it's great! Truly a value for money watch. 😀
Thankyou so much for sharing man :). Yeah the insert is wonderful, of course a ceramic insert is always welcome but you know what, i don't think it would have work wonderfully on that watch, just imagine it with a shiny ceramic insert, it would have lost that sort of vintage look that the BB58 has for example. The 43mm version has a ceramic insert, but everything around it has been thought to match it, here i don't think it would have...You see what i mean ? Anyway, wonderful comment, and yup the powermatic is an incredible movement for sure, i can't take my eyes off that watch now ! A green version would have been welcome as well, owning two version, but money....
@@thehandsontime I have a 2004 b/b gmt2 that has been with me from its beginning and a few contemporary with ceramic and sapphire bezels.
I have grown to love every scratch and dents on that 16710 that literally been through war zones, the most brutal was the divorce arbitration, lol. The ceramic or sapphire bezels will look new while the rest of the watches will age. It will be awkward like middle age women on dating scene, non matching parts.
The first few scratches may sting, hopefully less than any scratches on you, but one day over drinks, those memories will be a testament to your journey.
Cheers!
THIS IS THE BEST YOUTUB REVIEW I HAVE EVER SEEN!!! MANY THANKS!
This might be (no it is !) one of the best comment ever ! 👌 (simple and direct, but very effective) Thanks bro, and your welcome !
Great video brother. I finally pulled the trigger and bought a green one in 38mm. I love it.
I have a few issues. The male end links protrude a bit leaving a little gap. I wish it was ceramic bezel insert. Micro adjusts would have been amazing if they were like the bigger version. I loved that rachet extension.
But this is all subjective. What I love, others may hate. But on the plus. Amazing build. Very accurate at 1.5spd atm. Movement is very good.
This watch is dope ! i love it, the green version is soooo beautiful, i wish i had both green and black ! Congrtas bro, don't sell that one ;).
Great video. I agree 100% with your comments. I do own a Rolex GMT, Longines Hydroconquest, Montblanc Chrono diver and other quality divers... and I think this watch features premium quality in a totally independent design.... I feel that this model may send my other divers to drawer for long periods of time... thanks for your video , it confiems my thoughts...
You welcome, thanks for that great comment !
I have two of these watches, both are excellent quality, and run more accurate than my Rolex Sub, or my Rolex date just.
Excellent comment really ! That proves you don't need to spend the price of a rolex to have beauty and good technology ! Thanks for sharing 👍👍👍
I usually dont comment Videos very often, but i have to say: Great review and I loved the way you presented the information about the watch. Greetings from Germany :)
Thank you so much my friend ! A big hello from Paris. 😀
Great review. I tried this one on for the first time yesterday, the green variant, and I was impressed. Premium feeling, and a good fit for my 16,5cm wrists. The design is conservative and versatile, which are good things in my book.
I'm not a fan of the PowerMatic 80 movement, as I fear the watchmakers I know perhaps won't be able to service it, but apart from that it is a great watch from a respected brand. As a Scandinavian I like Certina; I remember seeing them being the official timekeeper of many ski competitions.
Thanks, and don't fear for the movement, they know how to service it...
Wearing my CERTINA DS CHRONOMETER TITANIUM 200 METERS SAPPHIRE 1997 still! Survived my military career all the way into retirement after 30 yrs of service! Still looks great, first gift from my wife back then! See the plus 🇨🇭!
Wow Patrick ! Amazing story, thank you so much for sharing that with me brother ! This is a watch you will keep and cherish for the rest of your life, so much personnal history goes with it because it has a sentimental value, but also moments in your military career. This watch is unvaluable, for sure...
Again, thanks for sharing that, inspiring.
I whole heartedly agree with all of your points!
Just found this wonderful watch and couldn’t be happier about it!😄
Great video, enjoyed hearing your opinions - liked and subbed!
Thank you so much, welcome on the channel !
I've owned the Black/Gold version for about 5 months. I have worn it about 24/7 during that time. Unbelievable watch for the money. +4.5 spd after break in. $650 from Dubai including shipping and 2 year warranty.
Wonderful watch for sure, where is the watch now ? You sold it ? I will never sell mine...
@@thehandsontime Nope. Wear it almost 24/7. Wearing it now.
@@bulldogms Aaaahhhhhhh i was surprised, it's the "I've owned it" that mislead me, but of course I've owned it does not mean i don't have it anymore, sorry. Glad you still have it, superb watch John ! Hope to read you again, Paris says hello !
Did the gold plating hold well with everyday use ?
@@h.montet1579yes.
I love this watch, it's the best value for money. And it has the perfect size😁
Hi Olivia dear, it's been a long time since you've commented, always the greatest pleasure to read you ! You take care ! and of course i agree with you a 100% as usual !
The best review on this watch! Best hug from Brazil.
Marcelo, obrigado ! Munto felicidad i tu vida ! Big hug from Paris brother !
I love Komandirskye and Certina ! ❤
Me too ! Cheers !
Thanks for the great review. I bought a 38mm Version in Bicolor green/gold for my wife and a 43mm Version in black for me as a christmas present. I'm really looking forward to christmas. ;)
Wow, the bicolore version is so beautiful, really wish she likes it !!! you welcome for the review 😉.
I'm torn between purchasing the 38 and 43mm. I have a 7 inch wrist. Which do you think is the better watch, or which do you prefer?
I would buy the 43mm with your wrist. The ceramic bezel looks much more elegant than the aluminum one.I have a 7.6 inch wrist and when I wear the 38mm version, it looks like a ladies watch.
@@MrCommodoreAtari thank you for the advice!
@@karlpfefferle6907 I completely disagree, the 38mm is way more classy than the 43, specially for small wrists, but if you have big wrists well why not. I prefer the 38 look anyway. The 38 would be like a 2012 omega seamaster 300, the 43 would be the last omega 300, i prefer the second gen...
Certina 300m water reistance is just something they do.
It blows every other "divers" out for the water - pun intended!
definitly !
I agree with you 100%. It is a great looking piece, very classic look
For me the best alternative to a rolex subby for someone who cannot afford it (like 95 pourcent of humanity). And à great watch, not cheap at all...
Hello Certina. Please update this 38mm to the same specification of your 43mm. Ceramic bezel, on the fly micro adjustment extension, etc. Titanium variant would also be dope.
Sincerely,
Those who have small wrist.
Hello Certina, please listen to Ed, he read my mind !
Titanium: check:)
There is now a Titanium version of the DS Action Diver!
I have 43 mm version and it doesnt have ceramic bezel.
Very nice review and you definitely deserve the watch. Ordered one today gold version with black and green. My wrist is 19cm diameter i hope 38mm wont look to small. I could get 43mm but dont like the extra weight. Certina is great quality had DS first with quartz movement for 12 years without any problem.
So rare to have nice comments like that, the "you deserve the watch", proves one thing, you don't think only about you, so thanks brother :). The watch will look amazing on you no worries, look at my review on "KUOE" watches, you will understand that small size watches are the best i think, even for a 19cm wrist, and the lug to lug distance, plus the bracelet, your at 51 mm so no worries really. The 43 mm is nice, ceramic and all, but does not look as beautiful. The green and gold is just a watch you can wear in all situations and trust me, i had a trumendous amount of doubt choosing between the two (yeah i wanted the green and gold one as weel). Hoperfully i will be able to buy the green and gold as well (i dream too much i know). Cheers bro !
@@thehandsontime Thank you man god bless you. Keep on time and be safe out there 😉
@@David-ye1pk God bless you too David, may you and your family be well !
Hi David, my wrist is 20cm. I own this for about 5 months now and sometimes I find it a bit small for me, so as you can imagine I'm way too interested in your opinions and self-experience with this watch. No doubt it's a hands down in all terms, It's just that some days I love it, and some others I want to sell it (just for the size). I`ll really appreciate your thoughts on this 🙌
@@pappanatas hi
Exactly same bought the watch most of the time they are in box.
To nice to wear daily
But like you saying sometimes I like how small they are and everything about it. And sometimes I m not sure and want to sell it. Very difficult this one is. I know 43 mm would be to big. I wish they are 40 mm.. But in the end there is more positive so I do keep them .
Hi friends ! Thanks in advance for sharing your thoughts about this watch that i found absolutely beautiful and interesting ! Don't hesitate to tell me what you think...
do you still wear it?
Ich habe die Schwarze Certina DS Action Diver 38mm. Beste Uhr. Ich liebe sie. Habe auch andere, wie Seiko, Mido, Tissot Citizen. Die Certina ist meine Lieblingsuhr. Niemand muss zig 1000€ ausgeben, um eine tolle Schweizer Uhr zu besitzen.
Absolute Zustimmung !
thanks for the review, i bought one because you convinced me. there is a titan version also that you can review. nice.
Thanks bro ! i sent a message to Certina, we will see if they send it to me for review...
Great review ! Hope you still like the watch. One thing that bothers me is the bezel incert being aluminium and not ceramic at this price point, but it's the same for the tissot seastar 1000. Anyway, a great watch and it's better if you like it !
Still love it, still have it, will never sell it. And yeah you right, Switzerland ask a lot more fir ceramic bezels. But I love the charm of the aluminum anyway. I have other watches with ceramic inserts, and for me it's not an obligation, I like both ! Thanks for sharing !
Awesome review, can’t wait to get mine!
My man you won't regret it ! Just the best, even nicer than the omega seamaster (according to me, same group, swatch group).
I gifted my Orient Golden Eye II to my father, so I've been looking at filling that space with another automatic. If I had over £1,000 to spend on a watch, I'd splurge on the Seiko Presage Eternal, but I've been looking at more down to earth options in the Certina DS Podium/ DS Caimano/ DS-8 Powermatic. However, the date window gives me pause.
Hi Charlotte, always a pleasure to read from you, all the watches you talk about are nice options, go with your heart, but i understand that the choice is hard because they are all beautiful watches ! (the ds action lady is a beauty but quartz). Tell me what you did took when you do it dear...
Really good review man! I think this is my next watch. Gonna try it in the store this weekend
Tell me your thoughts abt it after the try ! really good watch 👍.
@@thehandsontime i will, I have only 16.5 cm wrist, so a little skeptical about the effective L2L of 51mm :/ (including bracelet) but I hope it works
mine is exactly 16.5 and it look superb...
@@thehandsontime it fit my wrist, but it kind of gets a special look with the top of the bracelet laying vertical against the wrist. Almost looks like a spaceship when looking from a certain angle
Hahaha, I really do not have that impression on mine...
Thank you for this complete review.
This watch will be my next one, OK?😅
Congrats ! The best diver i ever own !
Nice job! Well done and thank you!
Frank in Colorado
You welcome Franck from Colorado :). Big thanks to you too from Paris !
With my DS2 equiped with the powermatic 80 I do have a +5 sec/day precision. Sure ! Next month I will buy the titanium version of this DS action , for 21 times less the price of a Rolex equivalent ! And this DS system makes of Certinas very robust watches.
Increible watches for sure, it is now my favortite diver in my collection, congrats on the future titanium aquisition ;).
Best diver (or watch for that matter) under 1,000 bucks all things considered. I own this exact watch and love it equally (if not more) as my other more expensive watches. The only downsides would be the lume which is pretty weak, and as you said it looks like a Rolex Sub from afar.
Hi, yeah you right the lume is not the best out there, not the worst but not the best, and you lucky guy "won" that watch ? Man you lucky...:).
@@thehandsontime haha that’s a typo, I meant own.
@@M4NA5 LOLLLL, i asked myself "he won a contest or what ?" ok it makes more sense now !
Excellent video. I couldn’t agree more. 👍
Thanks Johnny !
One thought on the servicing it has to go back to certina as its laser regulated so can only be done by certina. I myself own the larger version in green that looks blue indoors it has the sliding extension of which I do prefer they are all beautifully made and unbelievably accurate. One noticed in the comments remarks on weak lume I just cannot see this problem one thought how wonderfully strong the lume was I have no complaints at all regarding that.
excellent remarks ! Will unvestigate the lazer regulation, but i will send it to certina when the time comes anyway...
Kudos for your review, without doubt one of the best if not the best one on the certina ds action diver 38 mm. It would be great if you could do a follow up with one more video on the two tone SE Turtle Conservancy. I have just bought this SE version and not only, I have adopted a turtle too... Zee is th name of the turtle.
Kudos to you and "Zee", thanks for the compliments it really helps ! You take good care of Zee....
Nice review!! beautiful elegant watch!
thanks my friend !!! be well !
Awesome review, thanks.
You very welcome brother !
Really nice job! I am saving up for one myself.. for my equally chicken wrist!
Frank in Colorado
Hi Franck ! You won't regret it ! Try to really focus on the color that you want, black is the more versatile...
Paris says hi to Colorado 😉
Certina is very popular in the middle east to and i bought my DS 6 years ago in Bahrain
well middle eastern people have taste !!!
@@thehandsontime Yup there classy polite and affluent
I know brother !
Yay. Just got the black one and love it! Nice review, agree with every point you mentioned.. there is no such thing as a 38mm modern submariner, so, this is a gem..
Hi Yusuf, congrats bro ! You will enjoy this watch more and more for the rest of your life, a definite keeper ! Tthanks for sharing !
I love SW and ETA movements
Me too, so good, accurate, realiable and easy to service !
I have seven solar quartz watches and I've been looking for ages to get my first and only automatic. This ticks all the boxes with its 38mm case, 80 hour power reserve and beautiful finish. A guy is offering me this exact model (owned for 8 months) for 525 US dollars. Do you think it is worth it?
If the condition is good, absolutely !!!
Has anyone actually removed the divers extension and replaced it with a half link?
Surly this is not possible?
Great review.
Thanks, and yes you can adapt a link on the clasp I guess but it's useless...
very affordable and beautiful as well
It really is!
Really great watch!
Hi Randy, UA-cam right it is ! And trully affordable "for what it is". Cheers ;).
Pleasant, information review. My thoughts: it's a compelling watch from a technical standpoint. It walks the line between Submariner, Black Bay, and even SPB051. However, it slightly misses the mark for me in some areas. The date window could've been pulled off better (or preferably omitted), the index choice/layout is reminiscent of the Orient Ray 2, and of course the 19mm lug width. It's at a price point where I do not like making compromises like that. For the money, I'd opt for the titanium Citizen Barnacle.
of course everyone can see what he wants to see. Tastes or different. But for me the orient ray 2 is wayyyyy under that one even in the design, they have nothing to really compare not even the indexes, the Certina is different for me, the material used are just not comparable, the date window I love love love and cannot do without, and I never found a citizen I like to the point of buying one ! always preferred Seiko to citizen, so you see "Taste". We are all different and that's good. But personnaly for me that Certina is a gem ! I'm fully satisfied and I haven't done any compromise in my mind. Thanks for sharing.
@@thehandsontime yes, and not even mentioning the 80 h reserve, magnetic resistant…
Awesome watch. I have the DS 1 Chronometer. Unrelated question, what is the background music you used in this video? Merci et bon journée.
ua-cam.com/video/dfG0K0an_Ls/v-deo.html
Merci beaucoup.
Je vous en prie !
Fully right 😊
thanks !
Awesome review! Do you still wear it? How’s the bezel insert holding up?
Hi John, thanks for the compliment, it is always nice to read, yeah i wear it all the time, the bezel is doing super well and will do super well for decades i have no doubts, this is a watch if you take care of it, it will last for serveral lifetimes John ! Take care !
@@thehandsontimethanks and sorry for the late response, i hope this bezel insert will fade like some rolex subs 😅, i think it has a different grade of aluminum insert compared to the seiko skx divers right?
@@relosapulso I wouldn't know about that, but being the swatch group, the grade would be thoes used on the omega 300, so the good stuff ;).
BB58 in blue is the only legit compact Sub, affordable replacement.
The vidéo is about, "non rolex" alternatives. tudor is own by rolex. "But", if I had to choose one, it would have been the "BB54" not the 58. The 58 is far from being a compact model.
Just why did they have to go with the male end links. Almost perfect, dealbreaker for many.
Lovely watch.
I have small wrists, the male female thing can be a problem, but not on this watch, it's only 38mm...
@@thehandsontime gotcha but the lug to lug ends up like 50+mm
That’s almost as, in some cases more important
@@uTAPOUT1honestly it doesn't look big are bad on my 16.5cm wrist. Honestly Tapout.
Whats the best alternative in a 40mm? That are not a pelagos or a monta.
Why, you don't like the 38 mm ?
@@thehandsontime just a bit to small. Looks funny on my wrist.
@@RitzCaraldo Have you considered the 43mm version ? Do you have the wrist for it ?
@@thehandsontime I wear 42mm on a regular basis. I just don't like my watches to be to bulky because I wear them constantly.
@@RitzCaraldo exept for the obvious cronos and san martin homage to the sub in 40mm (chinese), I would say steinhart wich is more better. But in 40mm at an affordable price these are rare. Hard to beat the ds action. I'd say steinhart. You always have orient and seiko but not really the same...
If it had the larger model bezel and clasp it would be perfect.
you have a bigger vesion....
Купил пару дней назад эти часы первые два дня ходили +3 секунды а потом за два дня убежали на +14 . Норма или нет?
Absolutely not normal!!! Fake watch ? I don't think so, but possible. But it's either you send it back, or you go to a watchsmith to regulate the movement! But don't wait, still under warranty even, so send it back and ask for another copy ! Tell me how it went, good luck !
Hi from Kazakhstan 🇰🇿! I have Certina 38 mm green 💚, Hulk) I think it’s best of the best for 1000$👍 and I see your Komandirskie😳Командирские!)) I have Amphibiya 420307 , but dial like yours (Командирские ВДВ)👍👊 Amfibiya better, cause 200 m)
Hi, a brother from Kazakhstan, what a pleasure ! If i had the money, i would have mine plus the green and gold for sure, the green is wonderful as well, i had one from Loreo and worn it with all my green "ish" outfit, but sold it. Definitly need another green watch. And yeah i wanted an Amphibia, but with the war the prices are mad in Paris. Have a fantastic day, come back to comment anytime you want, a pleasure to have you bro !
Hi my wrist is only 16-17 cm, how will the watch fit with a 38 mm instead of a 43 mm. :)?
simple, like mine ! mine is 16.5 dear.
Nice intro.
Thanks for the comment ! Did you like the music more or the footage ?
Hello mate, do you know the thickness of the bracelet, not the width but the thickness? I’d really like to know, thanks in advance if you can.
Hello back, it's 3.85 mm, but why do you want to know that ? (you welcome).
@@thehandsontime thanks a lot, just wanted to know as the bracelet on my Seiko 5KX is quite thin/flat to the wrist and I prefer a big more chunky so I was seeing what this bracelet was and now I can compare, this being a 19mm instead of a 20mm might make it look a thin (width) bracelet but it might be ok, thanks.
@@thehandsontime just checked my Seiko and it’s 1.7mm thick, surely the Certina bracelet isn’t 3.85mm 🤷🏻♂️
@@thehandsontime sorry my mistake, my calipers are playing up, the Seiko is 3.4mm so the Certina being 3.85mm would be correct, you was right, thanks mate 👍🏻
@@pompeylad1977 😁
I'm really struggling to choose between this and the yema navygraf heritage for my next watch.
I love the navygraf, and i love yema, but I prefer this certina from far...
@@thehandsontime yes i really like both. brobably prefer the looks of the yema but the size of the certina. it's a really hard choice.
@@gustafrenstrom8549 The navygraf is beautiful in all it's forms, the superman is also quite something, but the movement of the certina is better ! but hard choice indeed. buy both !
@@thehandsontime unfortunately can't buy both right now. I've heard some negative comments about the yema movement. But i will probably get one of them soon and the other at a later point
Yup, I've heard of Yema movement problems too.....
I love the 12mm "SICKNESS" 😂😂 GOOD REVIEW! 👍 Subscribed
Definitly, super wearability ! Welcome to the channel 😀
Hey there, I bought this watch but I don’t think it is giving a 80 hr power reserve, I tested it couple of times, it only have a power reserve of 32 hrs maximum even though I wore it for 10 hrs. Can you help me out with this issue how to resolve it?
give it a maximum of hand winding turns but stop when you feel it becomes hard to turn (never turn it to it's maximum), and wear it everyday. And it is a fact that it does 80 hours so I hope you don't bought a fake (open it to have a look at the movement to see if you don't have a franken watch !). Low chances for a fake because I never heard abt fake Certina but you never know. Where did you bought it ? To someone or an AD. Because second hand watches are not serviced sometimes so....
Good luck, and your welcome dear.
It’s an original bought in Germany from authorised dealer and I loved it. Does it exactly have 80 hrs back up or bit less than that?
At it's max 80 hours, that's the magic of the "slowed down ETA movement". And very precise as well !
Could you please guide me how to do it correctly to see if my watch has 80 hrs power back up or not?
ich habe die Schwarze gestern für 680€ neu gekauft. Super Uhr
Herzlichen Glückwunsch, tolle Uhr und ehrlich gesagt „toller Preis“!
@@thehandsontime ich werde sie vlt ende der Woche schon bekommen und hoffe, sie passt mir bei 16,5 cm HGU.
Natürlich mein Freund „mein Handgelenk ist 16,5 cm“, sie haben die gleiche Größe gemacht!
@@thehandsontimeich hoffe sehr das du recht hast und bin sehr gespannt.
@@thehandsontime ich habe die seit einer Woche. Sie ist wirklich klasse und passt perfekt. Ich bin sehr zufrieden mit dem Kauf. Für 680 € kann man nichts falsch machen.
Great review. No doubt it is a very handsome watch. Rolex and Tudor hit the mark because of their beautiful proportions which I love. But I don’t care for the status and overpriced baggage of Rolex. Tudor for me can’t escape the poor man’s Rolex tag and I don’t like the snowflake hands. The Certina nails the exact proportions but retains its own character together with its great heritage. Had the blue version many years ago, gorgeous but in the end just didn’t get on with the odd notched bezel. Not a problem now. Love the coin edge bezel. Thinking of going for the blue again but torn between it and the Christopher Ward C60 Trident 300 which is better spec’d but maybe too blingy? Ceramic bezel looks very shiny to me. The all over brushing of the Certina gives it a tooly look whilst still looking extremely elegant and versatile and like Tudor has more subtle bezel colour tone. The bracelet could be better and the Trident scores there but can live with that and of course is cheaper. Great value and stunning watch. Have 19 cm wrist but think will be ok as happy with my Alpinist. Black or blue - help!
Wonderful comment and agree a 100 percent ! For the CW trident, i do not like the logo, do not like the crown, the indices and the overall look of it, so i'm probably not the right person to ask since i'm truly not a fan of the watch. So my answer would be the certina crushes it in every aspects ! But that's my take on it, take it with a grain of salt and go with heart brother :). But 19cm wrist, the certina would be a stunner on you ! Again, your comment is wonderful thanks for that ! Take care Jeremy.
Thanks Mel(?) and so right- Christopher Ward, what was I thinking! Black DS is gorgeous but the blue is soooo perty and beautifully done. That’s for me as have too many black dials! Very few brands get colour dials right but Certina does. Just want to mention also your country’s brilliant microband, Baltic. They go down Blancpain route with the aquascaphe. Proportions, quality and subtly modernised approach perfectly reflects the original Bathyscaphe. Do review.
@@jspeakman53 Mal ! Absolutely right about the Blue dial if you have to much black ones already, Ahhh Baltic ! Wonderful brand that i even prefer over Yema ! Will do a review if i put my hands on one ! Cheers !
@@thehandsontime I’m ❤
Great watch - but i really want to know the name of the song.. thanks !
What song ? The intro guitar song or the theme during the video ?
The guitar intro.. nice song, really
@@averageyoe The guitar intro is a song dedicated to my girlfriend it is from "me" man. I created it from scratch. Thanks for saying that man, bless you even 😉
Speechless.. nice song, u’ve got talent. I like it. And oh, we have a same watch, but mine is on a rubber strap n it’s 43mm. Nice watch and nice guitar playing. Wishing u all the best ! 💚
How does one know the anti-reflective coating is on one ( & which) side? The Certina website says it's on 'one side' & another review says it's on the underside( !). Cheers.
Hi, after investigations, you right, there is a lot of contradiction on the topic, but was is sure, is that there is one ! cheers mate.
its on the inside 😊
@@Vespa123 Yeah, that's what i found as well, but others are saying on the outside, on the inside make more sense because put on the outside surface it scratches ! So hope you right i want to say...
@@Vespa123 source: trust me bro 😅
@@yusufbest4475 shut it muzzy
Really superb watch, but the lume is somewhat on the weak side.
You right, it is evenly applied, it works for a long time, but it's not strong "in light", thanks for sharing :).
Now available in titanium too :-)
Hi my friend, yes i wrote to Certina to know if they would send me a copy for review, let's hope they will !
@@AntonyFlynn May they listen to you !
Don’t forget that its ISO certified. Shame about the 19mm lug width
I don't change the bracelet on that one so I'm cool abt the 19mm....
Would you choose the skx013 over this one?
Sorry for the late answer i'm in Transilvania not in Paris, the answer is "never", this is wayyy better, but i love love love the 013, nice dimensions, the cyclope etc. But nop never, my ds action crushes it in every aspects...
@@thehandsontime all good man! :) how about the smiths explorer have you seen one? or held one?
@@relosapulso No never, but i like it !
wait a minute, the DS on the crown is not upright when screwed in? unacceptable!
Lol, you can put it on the right side by calibrating it when you wind it.
i like
Definitly !
5:10 Lume is rather weak actually.
Sorry my fault, I didn't charged it enough, it's actually good, watch this : ua-cam.com/video/Kf6b-lh30Ps/v-deo.htmlsi=d8mbw40KzzBDAP9e
my DS has +11sec/day :(
Not normal, go and regulate it. Go look for a good watchsmith, don't do it yourself....
i have done what you say one week ago. now the watch has +1 sec/day. i love this watch. thanks.@@thehandsontime
i went to watchsmith and now its +1sec/day. I love this watch.@@thehandsontime
why would any watch brand want to to be related to rolex lol
😂 Good question, I'm wondering too
Your making an excellent point ;) .
Because the Submariner is an icon.
They are currently at the top in terms of brand value and market perception. One of the few brands where buying brand new is cheaper compare buying 2nd hand. Recognized even by not a watch enthusiast. Why wouldn't watch manufacturer want that?
Reality is that most modern dive watches across brands look closely like the submariner or borrow the concept of submariner..
Nato strap on a russian watch, that cant go well
still on nato and works mighty fine, the pumps are build to last three lifetimes (no kidding build like a tank).
Love russian watches?
I have a vostok ! You can find it on my channel, and yeah, i like it.
No ceramic bezel in 2024 is a no go for me.
I have both personnaly, but yeah don't buy it....
@@thehandsontime It seems like a good option, but considering that ceramic is now on so many other good watches...
Tres bonne review 😁
Je vais l essayer prochainement au Luxembourg car comme tu dis pas distribué en France ...
Superbe montre ! Hésite pas 👍