I've been looking for a while now to upgrade my current 3-hand/date black dial diver. (A San Martin sub homage I bought at the start of my watch collection), and I have been looking at everything from Hamilton, Seiko, Oris, Longines, Tag Heuer, Yema, Doxa, and even Omega and Tudor, and out of all these piles of pretty watches, my torch now points towards Certina. Also, my very first "proper" watch. And what got me into horology was a Certina Bristol 235, which I inherited after my grandfather. So I have always been aware of the brand, and to a certain point, also its history. I think my next watch (depending on what scoop I can do on the second hand marked, will either be a black dial DS Action, or the new 43,5mm Bulova Lunar Pilot. I do like the idea of a precision quartz Chronograph, and the David Scott/Apollo 15 connection almost puts it in a grail category for me, and it is very affordable too, which means I can wear it often. The design of both of these two watches I mentioned I find very interesting and exciting, I could say the same for a Rolex Sub and a Speedmaster, but these more affordable alternatives are something different, yet just as relevant as what they are and offer for the money. And I think, for my collection that holds mainly watches between $500 and $1500, I have managed to hunt down good and interesting watches, many which seems to fly a bit under the radar of many collectors. And, that can, without any shame, be mentioned or placed with much more expensive pieces. Thanks for a nice review and nice pictures.
Went through the same process, looked a lot of brands and in the end everything pointed to Certina DS action 43mm. All colours are spot on, but I chose black. Cheers 🍻
@@VladimirPrsic Me too. I have a Sub homage, but I never wear it out of the house as I now prefer to wear something with its own identity. I have 2 Seiko SKXs - one on bracelet and one with silver bezel on a rubber strap. And I have a Citizen NY-0040 on a rubber strap. Both of those are great but I was looking for something a little more elegant than the low-rent finish of SKX on bracelet. I also have a Seiko 5 GMT batman with bule dial which has a dive aesthetic, but again looking for a nice black 3-hand elegant diver. I am considering Tissot, Mido, Certina, Hamilton as watches in the sub $1000 category. To me the Tissot has some advantages like the exhibition case, but I just don't think Tissot has any real dive history or heritage and it just looks 'desk diver-ish'. The old Hamilton Navy Scuba is a 'desk diver' at only 100m WR and even though I won't dive with it, I kind of want my diver to be a diver. It also has kind of a military look with the 24 hour markers, but I still like it. The Frogman is too big too much of a tool watch. The Mido is really nice looking, but again does it have a dive heritage and it annoys me that it doesn't indicate the depth rating on the dial. I already have a Tag Carrera, so not really wanting the Aquaracer and its more expensive as is the Longines. So the Certina DS to me is the best. It has the true ISO dive rating, its attractive, its Swiss made and has a good diving history. The only thing I don't love is the 'Powermatic 80' on the dial as that movement has a lower frequency (and I don't care about the power reserve) and used everywhere and I don't need to be reminded of that. I also wish it was 41mm or 42mm as the 38mm is too small and the 43mm is just pushing it a little.
до 38 мм были 43 мм. только там был алюминиевый безель с неудобным хватом и механизм с другой спиралью. Ну и ширина ремешка была 21 мм. Эти часы должны быть большими! Это - дайвер а не часы для костюма.
I have this watch, there's NO watch in the market for this price that can offer you this quality, visual presence and ISO certified by this money, of course, swiss made.
Certina should make a GMT-edition, with slightly domed sapphire crystal. Also they should make editions with tungsten bezel. Also some more sunburst dial options..
Do you have a measurement for the lug-to-lug? I could not find it on the Certina product sheet. I definitely would love it if they came out with the same exact style/feature watch in a 40.5mm size, right in between. Take a cue from Oris, and offer several sizes. I could likely pull off the 43 (depending on the lug-to-lug), but I'm not sure I really want to now a days. A watch like the Seiko SPB143 sits in that sweet spot range for a diver, in my opinion. Overally, the watch seems like a very good value. I just want one more size option.
Actually, it's the opposite. The DS action diver had shrunk. The 43mm version has been around for several years already. The 38mm version just came out last year. The only difference I can see on the new version visually is the coin edge bezel and the ceramic, plus the powermatic 80.
The 38mm with a ceramic bezel insert + this clasp would be a near perfect watch imo. I am debating getting the full green, but it is sad knowing the bigger versions have the upgrades and the 38 doesn't
Yes 43mm is the original size, I had a DS Action Diver with ETA 2824-2 around 8-9 years ago, same size. I sold it last year, never had any issue, these are serious diver watches 🐢👍
And don’t forget it also has a great ratchet style clasp with eight micro adjustments. I am constantly using it depending on how hot it is or if I’m exercising.
The watch looks good and ceramic is just in time for a modern diver. But for my taste, the watch is to big and heavy. 41mm and a thinner bracelet and it would be perfect. The new green is cool…, so please Certina we need a between size.
The thing is the 38 wears like a 39/40 and the 43 wears like many 42mm watches. It's very similar to the smp300 in fact. So idk if it would be necessary but I'd like to see the upgraded clasp on the smaller models.
So long as the reflective coating is only on the inside of the crystal that's a good thing! Outside coating scratches and looks like shite when it does.
What a compelling watch. The titanium looks great too. I wonder if they'll be available in the US. I suppose I could always move. Great video! Thank you for reviewing it. I have been waiting for the updated version.
Certina made the 43mm years before the 38mm so it’s not a new size. As for the ds concept a big rubber ring hold the movement to avoid any chock and the o ring on the crown to avoid water damage. Lug to lug on bracelet 53-54mm as the center link hang out. Lug to lug wacht only 51mm
Great video, love the design , but the watch is big and heavy and I have a small wrist. 38 mm is too small for me, but hope somehow the new 43mm titanium vintage look with nato strap will take a few mm of the lug to lug / bracelet design. Or I have to wait for 2022 or other brand 😁
As I’m seriously considering buying this watch - but would it make sense to hold out for the titanium version, I’m wondering - does titanium look just as good as steel? Or better? Or worse? What are the general considerations reg titanium?
Hi Anders Here's my feedback regarding the titanium version of DS Action Diver Automatic. The titanium finish is a class of its own! Less weight, nearly scratch free surfaces even after extensive use and this elegant greyish look made it the first choice for me. This watch represents in my opinion the very best value possible in this category.
@@gyorgyrabenschwartz9610 yeah it's real nice. The only issue I have with the titanium one is the bezel feels even worse than the steel model. That's the only negative to these watches. So if that's not an issue then they're the best value divers rn.
No, they service them like any other movement. Some youtube channels are spouting nonsense about the powermatic movement. It can be easily serviced by any watchmaker.
Really hope that they will produce the 38mm version with a ceramic bezel as well. Would instantly buy it.
43mm is the perfect size. Ordering one.
what is your wrist size ?
is it suitable for 7 inches wrist ?
I've been looking for a while now to upgrade my current 3-hand/date black dial diver. (A San Martin sub homage I bought at the start of my watch collection), and I have been looking at everything from Hamilton, Seiko, Oris, Longines, Tag Heuer, Yema, Doxa, and even Omega and Tudor, and out of all these piles of pretty watches, my torch now points towards Certina. Also, my very first "proper" watch. And what got me into horology was a Certina Bristol 235, which I inherited after my grandfather. So I have always been aware of the brand, and to a certain point, also its history.
I think my next watch (depending on what scoop I can do on the second hand marked, will either be a black dial DS Action, or the new 43,5mm Bulova Lunar Pilot. I do like the idea of a precision quartz Chronograph, and the David Scott/Apollo 15 connection almost puts it in a grail category for me, and it is very affordable too, which means I can wear it often. The design of both of these two watches I mentioned I find very interesting and exciting, I could say the same for a Rolex Sub and a Speedmaster, but these more affordable alternatives are something different, yet just as relevant as what they are and offer for the money. And I think, for my collection that holds mainly watches between $500 and $1500, I have managed to hunt down good and interesting watches, many which seems to fly a bit under the radar of many collectors. And, that can, without any shame, be mentioned or placed with much more expensive pieces.
Thanks for a nice review and nice pictures.
Went through the same process, looked a lot of brands and in the end everything pointed to Certina DS action 43mm. All colours are spot on, but I chose black. Cheers 🍻
@@VladimirPrsic Me too. I have a Sub homage, but I never wear it out of the house as I now prefer to wear something with its own identity. I have 2 Seiko SKXs - one on bracelet and one with silver bezel on a rubber strap. And I have a Citizen NY-0040 on a rubber strap. Both of those are great but I was looking for something a little more elegant than the low-rent finish of SKX on bracelet. I also have a Seiko 5 GMT batman with bule dial which has a dive aesthetic, but again looking for a nice black 3-hand elegant diver. I am considering Tissot, Mido, Certina, Hamilton as watches in the sub $1000 category. To me the Tissot has some advantages like the exhibition case, but I just don't think Tissot has any real dive history or heritage and it just looks 'desk diver-ish'. The old Hamilton Navy Scuba is a 'desk diver' at only 100m WR and even though I won't dive with it, I kind of want my diver to be a diver. It also has kind of a military look with the 24 hour markers, but I still like it. The Frogman is too big too much of a tool watch. The Mido is really nice looking, but again does it have a dive heritage and it annoys me that it doesn't indicate the depth rating on the dial. I already have a Tag Carrera, so not really wanting the Aquaracer and its more expensive as is the Longines. So the Certina DS to me is the best. It has the true ISO dive rating, its attractive, its Swiss made and has a good diving history. The only thing I don't love is the 'Powermatic 80' on the dial as that movement has a lower frequency (and I don't care about the power reserve) and used everywhere and I don't need to be reminded of that. I also wish it was 41mm or 42mm as the 38mm is too small and the 43mm is just pushing it a little.
The Certina bezel is also a way to communicate with dolphins.
best video about this watch...thanks alot
I got the one in blue and it is stunning.
до 38 мм были 43 мм. только там был алюминиевый безель с неудобным хватом и механизм с другой спиралью. Ну и ширина ремешка была 21 мм. Эти часы должны быть большими! Это - дайвер а не часы для костюма.
Beautiful. Fabulous value.
Nice advice to switch from one arm to the other. Double thumbs up to your video
I have this watch, there's NO watch in the market for this price that can offer you this quality, visual presence and ISO certified by this money, of course, swiss made.
Certina should make a GMT-edition, with slightly domed sapphire crystal. Also they should make editions with tungsten bezel. Also some more sunburst dial options..
I have the Sea Turtle Special Edition, works really well.
Do you have a measurement for the lug-to-lug? I could not find it on the Certina product sheet. I definitely would love it if they came out with the same exact style/feature watch in a 40.5mm size, right in between. Take a cue from Oris, and offer several sizes. I could likely pull off the 43 (depending on the lug-to-lug), but I'm not sure I really want to now a days. A watch like the Seiko SPB143 sits in that sweet spot range for a diver, in my opinion. Overally, the watch seems like a very good value. I just want one more size option.
Lug to lug is something like 50.5mm
Great watch as the movie.
Actually, it's the opposite. The DS action diver had shrunk. The 43mm version has been around for several years already. The 38mm version just came out last year. The only difference I can see on the new version visually is the coin edge bezel and the ceramic, plus the powermatic 80.
The 38mm with a ceramic bezel insert + this clasp would be a near perfect watch imo. I am debating getting the full green, but it is sad knowing the bigger versions have the upgrades and the 38 doesn't
Yes 43mm is the original size, I had a DS Action Diver with ETA 2824-2 around 8-9 years ago, same size. I sold it last year, never had any issue, these are serious diver watches 🐢👍
How's this on a 6.75" wrist? I pull off the Mido Ocean Star 42.x and Tag Quaracer 41 comfortably with the shorter lug to lug [under 50mm]
And don’t forget it also has a great ratchet style clasp with eight micro adjustments. I am constantly using it depending on how hot it is or if I’m exercising.
Is this the same movement Tissot uses on its prx line?
Just to correct you, 43 mm is the ‘old’ size, 38 mm is the ‘new’ size. This is just overhaul of the old 43 mm watch.
Nice review! What's your wrist size man??
Literally my rolex deepsea with a rubber everest strap
is it suitable for 7 inches wrist ?
Wrist size?
Thx!
The watch looks good and ceramic is just in time for a modern diver. But for my taste, the watch is to big and heavy. 41mm and a thinner bracelet and it would be perfect. The new green is cool…, so please Certina we need a between size.
The thing is the 38 wears like a 39/40 and the 43 wears like many 42mm watches. It's very similar to the smp300 in fact. So idk if it would be necessary but I'd like to see the upgraded clasp on the smaller models.
Screwed links or with pins?
Pins, bit of an oversight not to have screws although once you set pins you're done.
They lost double-size antireflective coating. And also left large size. Could be better...
Double sided AR just scratches and ruins the look of your watch. no point using sapphire crystal then coating it in something that scratches easily
@@mattsmith1705 I'll check with another brand
So long as the reflective coating is only on the inside of the crystal that's a good thing! Outside coating scratches and looks like shite when it does.
1-2 mm too big. .so I must break my bank and buy a rolex 40mm
What's your wrist size sir?
41mm best size for diver watch. 38 too small. 43 too big
44mm best size for me!
43 mm is too big. I hope so they will produce 40-41 mm
Ya...43 mm is rather large. They have a series of really nice 38 mm models.
@@fungus70 I tried it and it's small for me
@@mahiralimajstorovic6329 jesus, must have ankles for wrists!
@@rbemuscle6058: 38 is WAY too small for a divewatch. Even 40mm is small. Especially for us larger north europeans.
@@rbemuscle6058you must have womens wrists 😂😂
You don't even have the watch in the thumbnail, thanks for nothing!
Actually it is in the video.
@@FratelloMagazine you're right, it's just the angle, I thought it was a different watch, i'm sorry.
I’m sorry, it’s difficult to listen to this presenter. Please get a native English speaker to do the reviews.
Really?
no understood everything
@@FratelloMagazine
Maybe you should buy some hearing aids instead of watches.
I understood him really well. English with a Dutch accent is actually the nicest-sounding pronunciation for me.
What a compelling watch. The titanium looks great too. I wonder if they'll be available in the US. I suppose I could always move. Great video! Thank you for reviewing it. I have been waiting for the updated version.
Certina made the 43mm years before the 38mm so it’s not a new size.
As for the ds concept a big rubber ring hold the movement to avoid any chock and the o ring on the crown to avoid water damage.
Lug to lug on bracelet 53-54mm as the center link hang out.
Lug to lug wacht only 51mm
Size is not new however the design is new and in line with the 38mm design. Arguably less sporty and more traditional and therefore more versatile.
I'm loving the brand. Great review. Very informative but not too lengthy. Two thumbs up.
The new Certina in blue look anwsome. This new color is great.
Only if it is a 40-41mm in diameter, it will be perfect
Great video, love the design , but the watch is big and heavy and I have a small wrist. 38 mm is too small for me, but hope somehow the new 43mm titanium vintage look with nato strap will take a few mm of the lug to lug / bracelet design. Or I have to wait for 2022 or other brand 😁
Check the Hamilton Khaki Navy Scuba 43mm the new version diver. The blue one is awesome
14g heavier than the Certina at 217g though...
Hi. great video! Silly question from an amateur - will the titanium version be much more expensive?
As I’m seriously considering buying this watch - but would it make sense to hold out for the titanium version, I’m wondering - does titanium look just as good as steel? Or better? Or worse? What are the general considerations reg titanium?
@Jimbo tak:)
Hi Anders
Here's my feedback regarding the titanium version of DS Action Diver Automatic.
The titanium finish is a class of its own! Less weight, nearly scratch free surfaces
even after extensive use and this elegant greyish look made it the first choice for me. This watch represents in my opinion the very best value possible in this category.
@@gyorgyrabenschwartz9610 yeah it's real nice. The only issue I have with the titanium one is the bezel feels even worse than the steel model. That's the only negative to these watches. So if that's not an issue then they're the best value divers rn.
What a fantastic watch for the price. Love the adjustable strap. Is it a ceramic bezel too!? I'm off to the shops!!...
Strap was one of things that pushed me to pull the "trigger"... also ceramic bezel is beautiful.
43mm is perfect size
My wallet would throw itself at them if they did a blue/gold one of these in 40mm
Certina needs to produce the 38mm with the ceramic bezel and clasp from this model
Which one looks better?
Saw it at a shop. It does not have solid endlinks but hollow endlinks. To me it's a deal breaker since a solid endlinks is a must have.
It does have solid endlinks
No date would look better
That's what I'm thinking 99% of the time when I see a date window on a watch.
I cannot live without a date on a watch, I like it.
@@keesketsers5866with a sport watch I always like to have a date
I hope the movement on this one has no plastic or nylon parts that they say it is a throw away after years
No, they service them like any other movement. Some youtube channels are spouting nonsense about the powermatic movement. It can be easily serviced by any watchmaker.