Certina Expands Its Dive Lineup With The New DS Action Diver 38mm Collection
Certina has introduced a refreshed range of DS Action Diver 38 mm models, expanding the series with new materials, updated components and a wider selection of designs. Already well regarded for its combination of performance and accessibility, the collection now benefits from a ceramic bezel insert and several aesthetic updates that increase its appeal.
Refined Case Dimensions and ISO-Certified Performance
The updated DS Action Diver 38 mm maintains the proportions that made the previous generation so wearable. The watch features a 38 mm case diameter, 13.22 mm thickness and 45mm lug-to-lug measurement, offering a compact yet substantial presence on the wrist. It remains engineered to perform as a true dive watch, delivering 300 metres of water resistance along with a screw-down crown and a screw-in case back for added durability. The crown is protected by integrated crown guards, reinforcing the watch’s tool-oriented construction, while the case back carries Certina’s traditional embossed tortoise emblem, a symbol long associated with the brand’s identity. A sapphire crystal with an anti-reflective coating ensures clear visibility in a variety of lighting conditions. The model continues to meet the ISO 6425 standard for dive watches, confirming its technical reliability in underwater environments.
Updated Dial and Ceramic Bezel Options
The dial of the new DS Action Diver 38 mm emphasises legibility and functionality. It features applied hour markers filled with luminous material for enhanced visibility, along with a date window positioned at 3 o’clock next to the crown, displayed on a white background for greater clarity. Timekeeping is handled by three central hands: a sword-shaped minute hand, an arrow-shaped hour hand and a lollipop seconds hand, all designed to maximise readability. Surrounding the dial is a unidirectional ceramic bezel insert, introduced in this generation to improve scratch resistance and deliver a more premium appearance.
Certina is launching the collection with five configurations that offer a diverse mix of dial colours and case materials. Two models in 316L stainless steel come with either a black or green dial paired with colour-matched ceramic bezels, each accompanied by a brushed and polished three-row bracelet with a push-button safety clasp. A third stainless-steel model adopts a two-tone construction with gold-tone accents, a blue dial and a blue ceramic bezel insert featuring golden numerals. The titanium version provides a lighter option with a contemporary look, combining a black dial with gold details and a coordinating black-and-gold ceramic bezel. Completing the lineup is a black PVD-coated stainless-steel model with a matte-black ceramic bezel, supplied on a black nylon strap with a matching PVD pin buckle. All versions ensure excellent low-light visibility thanks to their light blue Super-LumiNova.
Bracelet and Strap Details
The bracelet-equipped versions use Certina’s three-row metal bracelet, designed for comfort and practicality. The links are secured with screws for straightforward sizing, and the clasp includes micro-adjustment positions for fine-tuning the fit. The PVD model is delivered on a nylon strap that enhances its tool-watch personality.
Powered by the Powermatic 80
Inside every DS Action Diver 38mm beats the Powermatic 80, one of the most recognisable automatic movements within the Swatch Group. Known for its dependability and long-term performance, the movement provides an 80-hour power reserve and operates at a frequency of 21,600 vibrations per hour.
Pricing
Certina maintains its commitment to offering strong specifications at accessible prices. The stainless-steel versions are priced at CHF 790, the two-tone stainless-steel and gold-tone model at CHF 845 and the titanium edition at CHF 925. The black PVD-coated version represents the most affordable option at CHF 765.
Our Opinion
The new Certina DS Action Diver 38mm Powermatic 80 brings together an unusual range of details for an accessible price point. Its 300-metre water resistance, reliable movement with an 80-hour power reserve and confident, contemporary design easily rival — and in many cases surpass — what several higher-priced brands offer in the same category. Our only criticism concerns the strap: a tapered design would have given the case more prominence on the wrist and added a touch of additional elegance. Even so, the overall package remains exceptionally strong and reinforces Certina’s position as one of the most competitive players in the affordable dive-watch segment.
More information at www.certina.com.
General Specifications:
Brand: Certina
Model: DS Action Diver 38mm
Reference: C048.807.11.051.00 (steel black dial), C048.807.11.091.00 (steel green dial), C048.807.22.041.00 (two-tone blue dial), C048.807.44.051.00 (titanium black dial), C048.807.38.051.00 (black PVD black dial)
Dial: Black, green, blue
Lume: Super-LumiNova
Case Material: Stainless steel, steel and gold tone, steel with a black PVD, titanium
Case Dimensions: 38 mm Diameter, 13.22 mm thickness, 45 mm lug-to-lug
Crystal: Sapphire Glass
Case Back: Stainless steel, titanium
Water Resistance: 300 Meters
Strap: Stainless steel or titanium bracelet with a folding clasp, black NATO strap
Calibre: Powermatic 80.611 (ETA 2824 based)
Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds, date
Winding: Automatic
Frequency: 3 Hz (21,600 Vph)
Jewels: 23
Power Reserve: 80 Hours
Price: CHF 765 (black PVD model), CHF 790 (steel models), CHF 845 (two-tone model), CHF 925 (titanium model)
Availability: Now
Limited Edition: No
