It’s easy to miss what Certina has been doing lately. Quiet releases, mostly online chatter, and a Swatch Group parent that can be tough to keep up with when it comes to press comms. But if you’ve been watching from the sidelines, the brand’s DS Action Diver 38mm has steadily become one of the more practical offerings. With a few careful updates, it now gets another small nudge forward: ceramic bezels, new dial options, and a mix of case materials. All of this without losing what made it work in the first place.
A Proven Format, Left Largely Untouched
Originally launched in 2023, the 38mm DS Action Diver felt like a bit of a sleeper hit. The titanium variant in particular was casually floated as a “Pelagos 39 killer.” It wasn’t, but the value was real. The new versions leave most of the format intact: 38mm diameter, 45mm lug-to-lug, and 13.22mm thick. Water resistance still sits at 300 meters, and the watch carries ISO 6425 dive certification. A sapphire crystal with AR coating, screw-down crown, and screw-in caseback round out the expected durability package.
Incremental Changes, Centered on Aesthetic Updates
What’s new is mostly visual. There are five variations in total, all still powered by the Swatch Group’s Powermatic 80 automatic movement. I’ve really started to fall in love with this movement over time and it brings 80 hours of power reserve, a 21,600vph beat rate, and the usual features: hacking, hand-winding, and a quick-set date. It’s a dependable and familiar movement for this price point.
Five Variants, Each With a Slightly Different Personality
Two stainless steel models, offered with either a black or green dial, come on the brand’s three-row bracelet. These use a push-button safety clasp and feature a color-matched ceramic bezel insert. A blue-dialed, two-tone steel version introduces gold-tone detailing on the crown, bezel, and hands. It’s a clear nod to the “Bluesy” aesthetic. Titanium also returns to the lineup, now with a black and gold-accented dial that leans slightly dressier.
The PVD Model Stands Apart
The standout for me might be the black PVD-coated steel model. It comes on a black nylon strap and features a matte ceramic bezel. The overall look is more focused and tool-oriented without going over the top. It’s also the least expensive of the group at €860. All models share light blue Super-LumiNova applied to the indices and hands.
Bracelet Consistency and Strap Swap Potential
Bracelet design remains the same across most versions. Expect screw links, three holes for micro-adjustment, and no diver’s extension. On the plus side, the quick-release spring bars and 19mm lug width make strap changes (kinda) straightforward. That adds a layer of flexibility for anyone looking to experiment.
Still Squarely in the Value Lane
Pricing remains reasonable. Stainless steel models are listed at €890, the two-tone version at €950, and the titanium variant comes in at €1,075. The PVD-coated model, notably, is the most affordable at €860. All of these stay well within the range of Seiko’s mid-tier divers and plenty of microbrands, but offer the added consistency of a Swatch Group movement and ISO certification. These aren’t headline grabbers, and they don’t need to be. The format works, and Certina hasn’t meddled with the formula more than necessary. I dig it.
Co-Founder & Senior Editor
Michael Peñate is an American writer, photographer, and podcaster based in Seattle, Washington. His work typically focuses on the passage of time and the tools we use to connect with that very journey. From aviation to music and travel, his interests span a multitude of disciplines that often intersect with the world of watches – and the obsessive culture behind collecting them.