Certina’s new all-purpose DS Action 34.5mm shows good things come in small packages
Borna Bošnjak- Certina is introducing a small wrist-friendly version of their capable DS Action diver in 34.5mm
- The collection consists of five references with classically coloured lacquer or blingier mother-of-pearl dials
- As part of the Swatch Group, Certina has access to the ever-popular ETA Powermatic 80, choosing it to power this new release
Often overlooked for its lack of availability in Australia, Certina’s DS Action Diver line is one of the most well-considered pieces in its category. Not only is it available in a wide array of sizes and colourways, but it’s also well-specced, containing ETA’s Powermatic 80 movement, a ceramic bezel insert and an impressive 300 metres of water resistance. Its latest iterations measured in at 43mm and 38mm, which would usually be considered diverse enough, but the brand is expanding their wrist-appealing reach with this, the new Certina DS Action 34.5mm. Spanning five different colourways across steel and bi-colour references, it’s refreshing seeing a brand release a smaller model with all the attractive specifications of its larger siblings, as well as offering variety in its looks, as brands often become casualties of the shrink-it-and-pink-it phenomenon.
There’s not much messing around when it comes to the three steel-cased models. A trio of white, blue and black dials with colour-matched ceramic bezel inserts might be playing it kind of safe, but when the goal is to reach as many wrists as possible, it makes for a sensible choice. The dial layout is also that of a classic diver, with larger markers at the cardinal points, and circular indices elsewhere, with the exception of a date window at three o’clock. Though the date or no date debate rages on forever more, it’s an expected choice for a watch like this, including the fact that they’re not colour-matched, though I wish Certina would’ve at least put a frame around it.
For those who are after a bit more bling, Certina’s got you covered with two PVD-coated, bi-colour designs with either black or white mother-of-pearl dials. The yellow gold highlights are plentiful, including the polished mid-links, bezel, screw-down crown, hands, and dial appliques, while teeny tiny diamonds nestle into the circular markers.
The only potentially surprising choice for a dive watch is the inclusion of a pusher-operated butterfly clasp instead of the more common double fold-over. It likely makes for a more slender fit on the wrist, and though the three-link bracelet does include half-links, you’ll miss out on some adjustability a micro-adjust system would normally offer.
Finally, the aforementioned ETA Powermatic 80.611 hides beneath a polished, screw-down caseback, equipped with a Nivachron balance spring and the class-leading 80-hour power reserve.
Certina DS Action 34.5mm pricing and availability
The Certina DS Action 34.5mm is available in five different variants. Prices: CHF 820 (steel), CHF 955 (bi-colour, mother-of-pearl)
| Brand | Certina |
| Model | DS Action 34.5mm |
| Reference Number | C032.007.11.011.00 C032.007.11.041.00 C032.007.11.051.00 C032.007.22.116.00 C032.007.22.126.00 |
| Case Dimensions | 34.5mm (D) |
| Case Material | Stainless steel Stainless steel and yellow gold PVD |
| Water Resistance | 300 metres |
| Crystal(s) | Sapphire |
| Dial | Black, blue or white lacquer Black or white mother-of-pearl |
| Strap | Three-link steel bracelet with steel butterfly clasp |
| Movement | ETA Powermatic 80.611, Nivachron balance spring, automatic |
| Power Reserve | 80 hours |
| Functions | Hours, minutes, seconds, date |
| Availability | Now |
| Price | CHF 820 (steel) CHF 955 (bi-colour, mother-of-pearl) |