The Elegant & Pragmatic Certina DS Action Day-Date In Blue

The DS Action range is offered by Certina as “maritime timepieces” to be “your companion when exploring underwater depths“. However, the collection comprises many references that lack the looks commonly associated with diver’s watches, this new DS Action Day-Date included. We had our hands on the DS Action Day-Date in blue and can already tell you one thing; it is all good for the urban jungle and will not fail you should you end up in deep water.

The Day-Date Powermatic 80 stands out as the most elegant watch in Certina’s DS Action collection. It effortlessly combines sporty and dressy styling elements. The stainless steel case, measuring 41mm in diameter and 11.96mm in height, offers a comfortable fit and is water-resistant up to 200m. The case features mostly brushed surfaces with a few polished accents on the bevelled lugs and case back. The bezel is slim, allowing for ample dial space beneath the sapphire crystal, creating an illusion of a larger watch. However, when worn on the wrist, it doesn’t feel oversized, and the screw-down crown, protected by guards, doesn’t dig much into your hand.

The dark blue dial, finished with a satin-brushed texture (a grey dial version is available on a steel bracelet), exhibits a captivating deep tone that changes in different lighting angles. The dial design is simple yet engaging. The large rectangular day-date aperture is positioned at 3 o’clock, and the applied indices, shaped like elongated triangles, have a Super-LumiNova treatment and are finished with a gold-coloured outline. The indices at 3, 6, 9, and 12 o’clock are filled with lume, while the rest have a thin line running through the middle. The comprehensive hour and minute hands enhance legibility and are generously coated with Super-LumiNova. The central second hand has a beige tip with a lume dot at the “lollypop” part. The Certina brand name appears at 12 o’clock, with the water-resistance indication and model name positioned just above 6 o’clock.

The Powermatic 80 calibre, visible through the display window on the case back, is a reliable workhorse movement commonly used by Swatch Group brands. It offers an impressive 80 hours of power reserve. While the movement lacks decorative finishes, this is expected within the DS Action Day-Date price range. The watch has a blue synthetic fabric strap featuring contrast stitching on both sides and a quick-release system for easy strap changes. It is secured with a steel folding clasp. The version of the Certina DS Action Day-Date Powermatic 80 featured in the images has a price of EUR 765. The DS Action Day-Date with an anthracite dial and a steel bracelet is priced slightly higher, at EUR 795, but still offers great value for money.

You will not be the first to notice that the DS Action Day-Date has taken its looks after the Omega Aqua Terra, something eagerly discussed by watch fans at the time the earlier edition was released. Whether this is good or bad, you decide for yourself, but nothing beats the price. The Certina DS Action Day-Date Powermatic 80 is a well-built sporty model with an excellent measure of elegance, by a brand with a long history and reputation. It looks and feels great on the wrist and will not punch too big of a hole in your budget.

For more information, please visit Certina.com