Certina DS Super PH500M now in Black
When in mid-2020 Certina released the DS Super PH500M VDST a reinterpretation of the 1967 DS-2 Super PH500M (ref. 5801 123) model, many of the brand’s more traditional fans will have been frustrated to come with an orange dial rather than the original black dial from the ’60s, but now the brand returns the DS Super PH500M in black.
The Certina DS Super PH500M VDST with orange dial was launched last year as a special but not limited edition in association with the Verband Deutscher Sporttaucher (VDST) a German scuba diving organization that participated in the design of this model namely in the choice of the dial color. Many have wondered why many diver-watches come today with vivid color dials, which we can find relatively easily among different brands such as Doxa and Seiko, many divers claim that the vivid colors of the dials make reading easier underwater whose visibility conditions deteriorate as the dive depth increases.
Historically, the DS-2 Super PH500M (ref. 5801 123) from the 60s came in two variants, one with a black dial and white indexes and hands and the other with a black dial and orange indexes and hands. This was a watch much appreciated by the diving community as in addition to being reliable it had an exceptional water-resistance of 500 meters, rivaling other famous models from other brands such as the Rolex Submariner and Sea-Dweller, the Omega Seamaster, among many others.
Moving straight away to the new DS Super PH500M from 2021, what we can find is the same steel case 43 mm in diameter and 14.95 mm thick as the VDST edition, and despite the dimensions not being small it benefits from the fact that it comes with short lugs that make on the wrist looks smaller. The 60-click unidirectional aluminum bezel comes with a diving minute scale and a safety lock system to prevent it from accidentally turning. At 3 o’clock the threaded crown is engraved with the symbol of the brand and behind the solid threaded case is engraved with a turtle symbol of the brand. It should also be noted that the case as the name indicates by the initials “DS” comes with the double-security technology that has made the brand’s watches known since the 60s and which consists of a rubber ring that is placed between the movement and the watch case protecting against shocks.
The black dial is presented in a monochromatic scheme where the white of the indexes and hands filled with Super-LumiNova stand out, date opening at 3 o’clock and brand inscriptions followed by “automatic” at 12 o’clock and “DS” followed by “Super PH” 500M” at 6 o’clock all in white.
Inside, the Powermatic 80.611 automatic movement operates, based on the ETA 2824-2, with an anti-magnetic balance spring and offering up to 80 hours of power reserve.
The watch is offered with a gray NATO strap at the price of CHF 860.
Our Opinion
This is the right watch for those looking for a mechanical diving watch, reliable, with an appealing design, versatile, and with an incredible 500M of water resistance, since you will hardly find so much value on the market for this price, however, the 43 mm of diameter may not be for everyone.
More information at www.certina.com.
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General Specifications:
Brand: Certina
Model: DS Super PH500M
Reference: C037.407.18.050.00
Dial: Black
Lume: Super-LumiNova
Case Material: 316L Stainless steel
Case Dimensions: 43 mm Diameter, 14.95 mm Thickness
Crystal: Sapphire Glass
Case Back: Solid Screw-in
Water Resistance: 500 Meters
Strap: Grey NATO strap
Calibre: POWERMATIC 80.611
Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds, date, dive bezel
Winding: Automatic
Frequency: 21,600 vph
Jewels: 23
Power Reserve: 80 Hours
Price: CHF 860
Availability: Now
