CERTINA DS Action Diver in a 43MM [bang for the buck?]

This is the new DS Action Diver 43 which as you’ll soon see makes a strong case for being one of the best entry level Swiss divers on the market, today. Nowadays it isn’t enough for high-end wristwatches to win us over based solely on their famous mark; they have to prove themselves in three areas: style, resistance and precision.

With its most recent edition of the popular DS Action Diver, Swiss watchmaker Certina believes they have created a real winner in all three areas and for the most I’d have to agree. 

The 43mm diver’s watch scores high with its clean timelessly design. Sure it is little on the staid side but sober designs tend to have more lasting appeal.

Then there’s its diving spec. such its ISO 6425 conformity, ceramic diver’s bezel, anti-magnetic resistance and water-resistance to 300 meters. 

As well as the above, a scratch-resistant Sapphire crystal is further integral component of Certina’s DS (Double Security) concept (from which the watch takes its name) that dates back to 1959.

Finally in terms of precision, the watches of the DS Action Diver 43mm family are all equipped with a modern automatic movement with an anti-magnetic balance spring in addition to a power-reserve of 80hrs! 

In addition to these updates to Certina’s popular DS Action Diver, the new 43mm variant is now also offered in both Stainless steel as well lightweight Titanium.

Both the Steel and Titanium models are equipped with screw-down crowns and solid case-backs as well new unidirectional rotational diver’s bezels with polished ceramic inlays colour-matched to the dial. 

The dial is comes with a striking hand set that includes an old favourite, the harpoon hours while the indexes come with a generous helping of Super-LumiNova for after dark activities.

The watch’s Powermatic movement not only delivers up to 80 hours of power reserve but thanks to a NivachronTM balance spring remains immune to magnetic fields. 

The watch comes on a Stainless steel link bracelet with an integrated diver’s extension. Six additional versions are available, in blue, green, titanium or bi-colour.

The Titanium model stands out with its beige hands and indexes which are carried over to a special black and orange striped NATO with Titanium hardware. 

The new 43mm DS Action Diver models with ceramic bezels and NivachronTM balance springs are available from authorized Certina dealers, worldwide. 

MSRP is from 880CHF. The Ti variant on the NATO is 970CHF.

Thoughts? It seems like the Swatch Group has the Swiss entry-level auto divers category pretty much sewn up. Question is which one; Tissot Seastar, Hamilton Khaki Scuba or Certina DS Action. 

I think this one in Titanium has the edge but if you want something with vintage vibes look no further than its handsome cousin, the DS Super PH500M. 

But what do you think; can you recommend anything better?