With its new DS Action Diver Automatic Chronograph (ref. C013.427.11.051.00), Certina targets customers who can’t afford the current Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean collection, and, even though so far the brand can offer you neither a ceramic bezel nor an in-house movement, they are ready to give you a *very* interesting price.
If you will take a moment to look at the new timekeeper, you will immediately notice similarities between the Certina DS Action Diver and the aforementioned Omega Planet Ocean.
Certina’s timekeeper, too, features a bi-compax dial layout, is equipped with an arrow-shaped hours hand, and uses almost the same font family for the diving scale printed on its unidirectional rotating bezel.
It even has a helium escape valve placed at the same position at 10 o’clock as its rival.
On the other hand, the notched, easy-to-grip bezel is crafted from polished steel and covered with black lacquer, and the piece is powered by a slightly modified mass-produced ETA Valjoux 7753 automatic chronograph movement. And its water resistance rating is about three times lower at “only” 200 meters.
At the same time, its satin-brushed stainless steel case complies with ISO 6425 standard for diving watches that was introduced almost 6 years ago. This basically means that, while the watch is rated for 200 meters, it will remain watertight at the whole 250 meters if placed in still water.
With its body being more than 45 millimeters in diameter, the watch is by no means small. However, it is slightly smaller than the Omega and has a more rugged, “professional” feel about it.
According to the Swiss brand, the new Certina DS Action Diver will be supplied with different straps, including a triple-row stainless steel bracelet with a safety folding clasp and diving extension piece, as well as a two-tone rubber band.
The watch will be presented at the Baselworld 2012 trade fair and there is a good chance that it will be at least twice less expensive as the Omega*.
* UPDATE ON PRICE: It’s been confirmed that the watch will be offered at a minimum price of $2300 USD. This may seem like a bit too much, but, firstly, it is a watch that is powered by the legendary ETA 7753 caliber, which is known for its robustness and reliability: this is a real chronograph movement, after all, no third-party add-on modules here. And, secondly, Certina is known for its tendency to overprice its timekeepers in order to offer you a bigger discount when the watches are finally hitting the stores. So, don’t rush, look for a bargain, and go ahead: this watch is indeed very good value for money.
See also: Certina DS Action Chrono
Photos: Certina
Certina DS Action Diver Chronograph (ref. C013.427.11.051.00) specification
Price: $2300 (MSRP)
Movement: Automatic, caliber ETA Valjoux 7753, Swiss Made
Number of jewels: 27 jewels
Movement frequency: 28,800 vph
Functions: Hours, minutes, small seconds, chronograph, date
Power reserve: 42 hours
Case: Stainless steel
Shape: Round
Size: 45.20 mm
Case height: 15.00 mm
Dial: Black
Numerals: Arabic (diving scale on the bezel)
Hour markers: Applied, luminous
Hands: Luminous
Water resistance: 200 meters
Strap: Triple-row stainless steel bracelet with safety folding clasp and diving extension piece, or two-tone rubber strap
Crystal: Sapphire, antireflective
Back: Screw-down, embossed Turtle logo