Certina doesn’t follow the downsizing trend with the brawny DS Action Diver Chrono
Borna BošnjakIf you’re reading about a new diver these days, chances are it’ll be a sub-40mm, mildly retro-inspired design. And being someone whose collection is mostly comprised of smaller, vintage or vintage-inspired watches, I like this trend. This won’t be to everyone’s liking though, and Certina is looking to flip the script on small and slender with sizeable and substantial. The new DS Action Diver Chrono gets the look of a beach at golden hour, with specs to match its watersport intentions. While the DS Action collection isn’t exactly well-defined by any single design, being home to small, two-tone dressy everyday pieces to GMTs and blacked-out divers, the new DS Action Chrono follows a similar recipe to the previous model, but with noticeable refinements across the board.
The dial
While there aren’t any immediately obvious changes to the look and layout of the dial, many subtle tweaks have been done in the name of symmetry. Though the dial does retain the two-register (not bicompax, thank you) layout, the date window moves down to 6 o’clock from the unsightly 04:30. The sub-dials are symmetrical too, with the running seconds gaining numerals, and the hands both changed to an arrow type. Certina has done a good job with the overall colour scheme too, ensuring the dial isn’t a stark white which may be too strong of a contrast with the gold appliques, while still retaining legibility.
And legibility and utility usually go hand-in-hand. Though the dial text is a little oversized for my liking, it does allude to the DS Action Diver Chrono’s ISO Diver’s certification. While this ensures the watch is a capable diver, it also means good lume, which the Certina has. The marker layout is a classic diver look, with circles and an inverted triangle at 12 o’clock. The hands are naturally lumed, including the central chrono hand and running seconds hand, but curiously not the 30-minute chronograph totaliser.
The case
I already alluded to the fact that the new DS Action Diver Chrono is a large watch, and it is. With a 44.5mm diameter, it certainly looks and feels like a 300-metre capable diver, though it actually sizes down from its 45.2mm-wide predecessor. The steel case carries quite a simple brushed finish which makes sense for what Certina is positioning as a tool watch, though it would’ve been nice to see a flourish or two in the form of a polished chamfer. There is a tad of shininess from the black ceramic bezel insert though, which is a nice touch.
The side profile reveals that the DS Action Diver Chrono is not only large in diameter, but this should all be expected given its water resistance and Valjoux-derived movement architecture (more on which shortly). The lugs are quite stubby making for a more manageable lug-to-lug, though the caseback protrudes beneath their end point, which will make the Certina sit proud on the wrist regardless. This also gives us a look at the screw-down crown and chronograph pushers, the latter hiding a little flash of gold when unscrewed, perhaps to alert the wearer to a potential point of water ingress.
The strap
The striped fabric strap is a great stylistic choice for a watch that Certina is positioning as the perfect summer companion. At first glance, it may look like a single-piece NATO, but it’s actually separated into two, with quick-release spring bars. This is a clever choice on Certina’s part, as a NATO would add unwanted thickness to an already thick watch. Certina is also hinting at sustainability, as the strap is made from recycled ocean material #tide, something brands like Ulysse Nardin and Maurice Lacroix have explored in the past.
The movement
As we know, Certina does love turtles, which is why all of the brand’s casebacks have the animal featured in relief. In the case of the DS Action Diver Chrono, it’s hiding the ETA A05.231 automatic chronograph movement. This is another Swatch Group-exclusive calibre, based on the ETA 7753 developed from the cult classic Valjoux 7750. It’s operated by cams and a horizontal clutch, which is common at a lower price point for chronograph movements, though in usual ETA-for-Swatch-Group-brand style, the power reserve is a respectable 68 hours. As this is a Certina, you’ve also got the Double Security system protecting the movement, meaning that there’s an additional elastic movement ring providing shock protection alongside the usual Nivashock.
The verdict
Though my 6.3in (16cm) wrists are likely not the target audience for this watch, it’s easy to look at the DS Action Diver Chrono from an objective point of view. The colourway is handsome, and the tweaks from its predecessor are genuine quality of life improvements in my opinion. It’s very much a Swatch Group product, with solid specifications at a price one can’t really scoff at, with a few things obsessive watch nerds like myself will nitpick over, but none that I believe are true dealbreakers.
Certina DS Action Diver Chrono pricing and availability
The Certina DS Action Diver Chrono is now available. Price: CHF 1,750 (~US$2,000)
| Brand | Certina |
| Model | DS Action Diver Chrono |
| Reference | C032.827.18.271.00 |
| Case Dimensions | 44.5mm (D) |
| Case Material | Stainless steel |
| Water Resistance | 300 metres, screw-down crown, ISO 6425-certified |
| Crystal(s) | Sapphire front |
| Dial | Sandy beige |
| Strap | #tide fabric striped two-piece, steel pin buckle |
| Movement | ETA A05.231, ETA 7753 base, automatic |
| Power Reserve | 68 hours |
| Functions | Hours, minutes, small seconds, date, chronograph |
| Availability | Now |
| Price | CHF 1,750 (~US$2,000) |