【F】 Hands-On With The New Certina DS Action Diver 40.5

Right now, we go hands-on with a brand new Certina. The DS Motion Diver 40.5 is a big launch for the model as a result of it presents a brand new case dimension. In truth, most would argue that it’s going to find yourself as probably the most profitable mannequin within the assortment. Let’s take a better look and talk about the deserves of this high-value diver whereas mentioning a few of our remaining needs.

Earlier than transferring to London, I visited Swatch Group Germany’s headquarters in Eschborn with Balazs. Throughout our assembly, we noticed a number of new Certina DS Motion Diver variants. The time-only items got here in 38mm and 43mm sizes. For a watch with such conventional appears to be like, I used to be shocked that an up-the-middle 40mm model wasn’t a part of the plan. Positive, the 38mm variations match me completely, however the 43mm references had been giant on all however the largest wrists. A pleasant intermediate case dimension would have been good. Now, after a number of years of ready, the DS Motion Diver 40.5 is lastly right here.

The Certina DS Motion Diver 40.5

For our hands-on, Certina despatched us a single instance of the brand new DS Motion Diver 40.5. The mannequin we acquired has a black dial and striped nylon strap. Three different variants can be found, together with the identical black dial paired with an Oyster-like bracelet. A white-dial mannequin is on the market on an analogous bracelet. Lastly, a titanium model has a darkish blue dial and matching titanium bracelet.

The watch, because the identify implies, has a 40.5mm case with an applicable 48mm lug-to-lug. For comparability’s sake, the gold-standard Rolex Submariner has the identical footprint, although Rolex’s rounding-up suggests an additional 0.5mm in diameter. The highest-level specs that depend are additionally aggressive. A 300m depth ranking, a domed sapphire crystal with antireflective therapy, and a screw-down crown tick the containers for a fundamental dive watch.

A clear, legible dial

Like all the Certina fashions within the assortment, the most recent DS Motion Diver has a clear dial and pleasing design. Our loaner had a shiny black dial with white and gold particulars. From the outset, this would possibly sound like a Tudor Black Bay 58, however it’s completely different and, dare I say, extra expensive-looking. The brilliant white Tremendous-LumiNova contributes to this statement as a result of that is no retro launch. Key takeaways are utilized indexes with gold-tone surrounds and an identical handset. A steeply angled rehaut with minute monitor is nearly undetectable at sure angles, which helps preserve the uncluttered look.

The black-on-white date indicator is small and comparatively unobtrusive. It’s additionally a constant characteristic on all DS Motion Diver fashions. A unidirectional, 120-click dive bezel comprises a shiny black ceramic insert with gold-tone engraved numerals. It additionally has a luminous pip to assist time measurements at the hours of darkness. Talking of luminescence, the white Tremendous-LumiNova emits a blue glow. Generally, we had been impressed with the brightness and thickness of the fabric.

A tad thick however not a dealbreaker

One space the place we’d prefer to see some enchancment is within the thickness. The DS Motion Diver 40.5 has a 14.1mm profile, making it chunkier than some aggressive references from stalwarts like Seiko and relative newcomers, together with Serica and Baltic. Whereas the quantity isn’t a showstopper, it’s exacerbated by the nylon strap working beneath the case. Nonetheless, we all know that some need a meatier, stable diver with extra heft. This Certina simply is likely to be the reply!

No shock, the Powermatic 80 is inside

One element I notably like on the DS Motion Diver 40.5 is the metal screw-in case again. The turtle is certainly one of my favourite watch logos, however that’s not the first cause. The truth that the model prevented the temptation of displaying off a quite workmanlike caliber and selected to stay with utility is an effective signal. Inside, the watch is powered by the favored Powermatic 80. As at all times, it has 80 hours of energy reserve and a frequency of 21,600vph. A Nivachron hairspring helps with antimagnetic properties. The information, although, is using Certina’s new DS Idea Excessive Shock Resistance technique. Apparently, the Powermatic 80 is secured in a different way inside the case to reinforce shock resistance and stability of the dial and crystal. Frankly, we’d prefer to see extra on this, reminiscent of inside footage or diagrams.

The DS Motion Diver 40.5 is simple on the wrist

Regardless of its barely chunky stature, there’s no denying that the DS Motion Diver 40.5 works nicely on the wrist. It’s a typical dimension for a dive watch, so it wears properly. Plus, the colour combo is elegant and fashionable with out being too garish. I’ve by no means been an enormous proponent of faux-gilt detailing, however this watch’s particulars are gold and someway refined. What I would favor, although, is the bracelet or perhaps a high-quality rubber strap. In my opinion, a nylon strap must be provided as an adjunct, not as a standalone mannequin choice. Fortunately, the additional price for the bracelet is minimal.

Pricing and availability

The brand new DS Motion Diver 40.5 on a nylon strap is priced at CHF 785. The identical dial or the white one on a stainless bracelet is CHF 835. The titanium mannequin on the bracelet is CHF 895. That feels extraordinarily truthful for the cash, with the improve to the bracelet sounding like a no brainer. A universally standard dimension, ceramic bezel, and more-than-decent water resistance ranking ought to make this assortment a high vendor for Certina. Better of all, the fashions can be found now on-line and at licensed sellers.

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