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The Updated Certina DS Action Diver 38mm Powermatic 80 Collection

Five robust, compact references with ceramic bezels and built-in shock-resistance are ready to tackle any sport at an unbeatable price.

calendarCreated with Sketch. | ic_dehaze_black_24pxCreated with Sketch. By Rebecca Doulton | ic_query_builder_black_24pxCreated with Sketch. 3 min read |

Something we know already for a few years now: Certina’s robust DS Action Diver is out to conquer all terrains, rigged for action in virtually any environment, and at a very fair price. Following the introduction of the 40.5mm collection earlier this year, which came with several updates to the collection in addition to its mid-sized case, it’s now time for the most compact edition of this well-equipped dive watch to receive some welcome upgrades. The new Certina DS Action Diver 38mm, equipped with enhanced shock-resistant features, is released in five new references with new colours and materials, modern mechanics, and solid execution to compete in any terrain, including price.

Built with versatility in mind, the DS Action Diver is currently available in three case sizes: 43mm, 40.5mm and 38mm. Any Certina watch with DS in its name refers to the brand’s innovative 1959 Double Security concept and is a guarantee of resilience. By incorporating a series of O-seal rings on the stem and crown, Certina’s DS system provided the mechanism with armour against external aggressions. Adapted over the years to reflect the latest technical standards, the watches have scratch-resistant sapphire crystals, reinforced casebacks and a sophisticated sealing system.

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The new generation Extreme Shock Resistance label adds even further protection to the already robust case. Three additional features have been incorporated into the case to enhance its shock resistance. To prevent the dial from deforming or slipping in the event of knocks and blows, an ultra-thin metal plate has been sandwiched between the dial and movement to secure the two elements, thereby increasing stability. As the most sensitive part of the watch, the movement is also protected by a thin, ring-shaped nut. Lastly, the sapphire crystal has been reinforced and is slightly domed to distribute shock waves in the event of an impact.

The 38mm Certina DS Action Diver, introduced in 2020, is a well-balanced, classic-looking, unisex dive watch. Fitted with a screw-down crown and caseback, the 13.2mm-thick watch can fathom depths of 300 metres, in line with the ISO 6425 mandates. And the updates come with a series of new materials and colours, ranging from classic to more daring.

All five references feature scratch-resistant ceramic inserts in the bezel, matching the colour of the dial with a 60-minute scale and the hallmark pip at noon. The references are available in steel with a black dial, steel with a green dial, two-tone steel and gold PVD with a blue dial, a monochromatic black PVD model and a lightweight titanium model with a black dial and bezel and gold accents. Frankly, the titanium, the two-tone and the all-black PVD models cut a dashing figure.

The dials feature a mix of prominent, highly visible triangular and circular applied markers treated with white Super-LumiNova, which emits a blue glow. The hours are indicated by a short arrow-tipped hand; the longer minutes hand has a triangular tip, and the central seconds hand is lollipop style; all three hands are treated with SLN. A small aperture at 3 o’clock occupies the space of the index and has a white background and black numerals.

Hidden beneath the sealed caseback with the turtle logo is the reliable, robust and powerful Powermatic 80, Swatch Group’s automatic tractor with an antimagnetic Nivachron balance spring and an 80-hour power reserve.

Combined with its rock-solid credentials suitable for all types of outdoor adventures, the new references look pretty good to us, too. Hard to beat in terms of price, the DS Action Diver 38mm models range from CHF 765 for the all-black PVD to CHF 925 for the titanium edition. More information at certina.com.

https://monochrome-watches.com/2025-update-certina-ds-action-diver-38mm-powermatic-80-collection-dive-watch-review/

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