The Tough-As-Nails Certina DS Action Diver 40.5 (Incl. Video)

D… and S…. two simple letters that, when put together, mean the world to Certina. They indicate the brand’s famous Double Security system, used to waterproof its watches for over 6 decades. Introduced in 1959, the technology behind the system to increase a watch’s resilience is still in use today, even though it now benefits from different upgrades and modern materials. The all-new DS Action Diver 40.5 introduces a new size for one of Certina’s most popular collections. It expands on this DS system with additional robustness thanks to the “New DS Concept Extreme Shock Resistance”. This makes sure the watch is not only waterproof, but also resistant to some serious knocks and bumps!

Breaking things down, the system consists of three elements. The first is a thin ring-shaped nut to screw the movement into the case (the bottom green element in the image below). The second element is a wafer-thin metal plate between the movement and dial (the middle green element in the image below), connecting to the former, essentially creating an inner case. The third and final part is a re-engineered sapphire crystal (the top element in the image below), aimed at distributing shocks and vibrations more evenly. During development, Certina states it has broken the testing machine, which had a maximum impact capacity of 10,000 Gs. Although the brand doesn’t state a specific figure for the watch, it’s comforting to know it passed the shock resistance tests with flying colours!

The design is quite straightforward, but there are a few interesting elements to be discovered. First up is the materials used, as Certina offers the DS Action Diver 40.5 in both stainless steel and titanium cases. The dimensions are identical, although the titanium one obviously weighs quite a bit less. In terms of actual weight, the steel & NATO model is the lightest at 108 grams. Then comes the full titanium DS Action Diver 40.5 with 124 grams, with the all-steel models tipping the scale at 188 grams. The case is topped by a unidirectional diving bezel, fitted with a ceramic insert that matches the dial. A domed sapphire crystal covers the front, while a solid caseback bearing Certina’s Turtle logo in reference to the DS protection. A screw-down crown further ensures a water-resistance of 300 meters, complying with ISO 6425 standards for dive watches.

Moving to the dial, there are three flavours to choose from: classical black, white or blue. The latter is exclusive to the full titanium DS Action Diver 40.5, while the other two come in steel. All three are matched to the bezel, so the black dial comes with gilt outlined markers and hands, while the other two come with steel finished ones.

The design of this no-nonsense diver might not be ultra original, yet the watch is highly legible and crisp, with Super-LumiNova-filled markers and hands. The hour hand is quite noticeable thanks to its arrow-shaped tip, and is matched with a sword-shaped minute hand and a lollipop seconds hand. The 3 o’clock marker makes way for a date window, and the finishing touches include the Double C logo and printed details such as water resistance and the movement.

Speaking of which, it goes without saying that Certina opted for the ETA Powermatic 80.611 automatic for this quartet of dive watches. The movement is widely used across the more accessible Swatch Group brands and does its job very well. It runs at a rate of 21,600vph and has a running time of 80 hours when fully wound by the central rotor. To combat magnetism, it’s also fitted with a Nivachron hairspring.

The Certina DS Action Diver 40.5 in black comes on either a black NATO strap with a beige stripe down the length, while also being available on a steel three-link bracelet with a folding clasp. The white dial version comes on a steel bracelet only, while the blue is fitted with a titanium bracelet, obviously. The bracelets are fitted with quick-release push-pins and a micro-adjustability system in the clasp.

But the best thing about it, I have saved for last; the price! You would think that such a watch comes with a serious price tag, considering the specs it brings to the table. However, priced between CHF 785 and CHF 895, the Certina DS Action Diver 40.5 delivers quite the bang for your buck! For this, you get a very solid, good-looking and well-equipped dive watch that’s ISO 6425 certified, and, if you want, in full titanium! What’s not to love about that?!?!

For more information, please visit Certina.com.