Certina DS Action Diver 38mm Review

Glad to be back! This time my first ever modern Certina watch up for review. This awesome sub 1000 dollar package offers some great specs in a nice and compact package! There are not many big brands out there that compete with this specific offering imho. Just to get a 38mm diver seems to be quite challenging, and I'm really glad to see this as an alternative. This Certina DS Action DIver 38mm has really grown on me. Feels great on the wrist and there are not a lot of "basic" specs to improve on (at least in this price-range).
I made this video in a different way compared to earlier reviews. The earlier ones are mostly filmed with both audio and video in the same clip. Let me know if you prefer this content in comparison to older ones. I'd really appreciate the feedback! :)
I've paired up with a few affordable watchband brands, if you want to get a strap and help me out in the process!
StrapsCo:
StrapsCo.com?ref=144&
Here are some Affiliate links to check out! Anything you buy via these links will help me and my channel out! Doesn't have to be the linked product, just click and shop anything you might need :)
Amazon doesn't really seem to have the newest Certina DS Action Divers yet :/
United States:
amzn.to/3MSBxZQ
amzn.to/3Nzs6yn
amzn.to/3zBGv7a (Barton canvas strap)
amzn.to/3h7wvLh (Spring bar tool)
amzn.to/31Ab1lz (Nato strap)
United Kingdom:
amzn.to/38lntZP
amzn.to/3lL4UBj
amzn.to/3G5eOGB (Barton canvas strap)
amzn.to/33dLT4j (Barton silicone strap)
amzn.to/3yry9gx (spring bar tool)
Germany:
amzn.to/3MRmuzz
amzn.to/3yX4Whi
amzn.to/3JJhNXr (Barton canvas strap)
amzn.to/3G5S3Ci (Barton silicone strap)
amzn.to/3BsI2MN (spring bar tool)
Disclaimer: This video is not sponsored. I do use affiliate links when linking products in the video description. Nordic Watch Channel is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.
Review of the Steinhart Ocean One 39:
• Steinhart Ocean One 39...
Review of the Seiko 5 SRPE53:
• Seiko SRPE53 "DressKX"...
Review of the Seiko Sumo SPB103J1:
• Seiko Green Sumo SPB10...
Review of the Orient Kamasu:
• Orient Kamasu Diver Re...
#Certina #Diver #WatchReview

[@manzahalem8845]

This is a great & thorough review, thanks for taking the time to put it together and share it. I've gifted the black version to a recent college graduate and will probably be getting another for myself, I like it that much after seeing it in the steel. It really ticks almost every box for a diver/tool watch. 7.25" wrist and it wears beautifully.

[@NordicWatchChannel]

Thank you for the compliment and also for sharing your insight! That sounds like a perfect gift :) Can’t think of a better option in the same price category! I personally love the rugged design👍🏻Nice to know that it fits great on larger wrists too! No surprise there..

[@fungus70]

I have the green and gold version and it's so beautiful. Certina are underrated watches.

[@NordicWatchChannel]

Nice choice! That’s a really captivating combo of colors, I really like it👍🏻 And I have to agree on that!

[@fungus70]

@@NordicWatchChannel But I'm thinking of getting the same blue one as yours as the green/gold is a bit too blingy 🤣

[@fransb8543]

Just bought the green one today after lusting over it for weeks. Glad I pulled the trigger on it, very happy with it, especially the size is perfect for my not too beefy wrists. My bezel alignment is spotnon by the way.

[@NordicWatchChannel]

Nice choice! I’m glad to hear that you are happy with your decision. Also good to hear that my bezel alignment was probably the anomaly, not the norm👍🏻

[@wasilqayyum]

Awesome review!

[@NordicWatchChannel]

Thank you for the kind words mate!💪🏼

[@sonichechoencuba7107]

I had the green and black, it's a great watch, I love it.

[@NordicWatchChannel]

It's very striking! Did you sell it?

[@Ranteessa]

I like the look of this Certina. It has nice kind of timeless look. Somehow gives Orient Kamasu vibes being similarly more of a sleeper rather than flashy showpiece.

[@NordicWatchChannel]

There is certainly a retro timeless look! Yeah, I think the entirely brushed case helps make this watch really lowkey👌🏻

[@baheh1801]

Very happy with mine that's the same blue as in the review. I actually prefer it to my Oris diver 65

[@NordicWatchChannel]

Glad to hear that! It’s a great watch and I guess that just means that you prefer the design! I bet the Oris is also a very nice watch👍🏻

[@M4NA5]

I have it in black and absolutely love it. Best swiss diver under $1,000 when you consider the size, bracelet, and the movement. These are hard to come by in North America.

[@NordicWatchChannel]

Nice! It’s up there for sure. Is it true that Certina is pretty much not sold in the states?

[@M4NA5]

@@NordicWatchChannel I bought mine from Hodinkee Shop. As of now they’re the only authorized dealer in the states.

[@NordicWatchChannel]

Okay that’s really interesting to hear! Thanks for the info!

[@miata1370]

@@M4NA5 Teddy Baldesarre now carries Certina

[@itsallrobbish]

Great review. I’ve not considered Certina before, but now it’s on my radar for sure. Thanks.

[@NordicWatchChannel]

My pleasure mate!

[@frankbruno7122]

Thank you for this.. I'm likely to purchase this blue baby soon. I love automatic watches.. have a 6.5 inch wrist, and don't have an Omega budget.. your review helped me decide! Thank you! Frank in Colorado

[@NordicWatchChannel]

Awesome to hear that! I’m more than happy to help out. Love reading comments like this, thank you!

[@TheGrenadier97]

That's an extremely interesting offer that really goes under the radar. The only mistake i see there is the lug width. On my list, definitely.

[@NordicWatchChannel]

Yup, pretty much the only downside! It’s a great watch nonetheless!

[@patricj951]

Good review as usual! Certina divers really look great. And the powermatic 80 movement is a good thing. But 38mm is a bit too small for my taste. I prefer 43mm here, but unfortunately the 43mm version has a whopping ~52mm lug to lug distance. I read that somewhere. Otherwise I had already got a 43mm model.

[@NordicWatchChannel]

Thank you very much! Yeah it all comes down to wrist size (and preferences ofc) in the end. The 43mm would be overkill for me but then again great for someone with a 7+ inch wrist. But you're right, 52mm is a lot!

[@Relo67]

Subscribed. Glad I bumped into your channel. Was considering this or the Longines Hydro Conquest 39mm. Certina DS Action Diver for half the price looks to be a winner for me. Now I’ll have to find short 19mm rubber straps.👍🏼

[@NordicWatchChannel]

Thank you! I’m also glad you did! I think you made a solid choice, what color did you get?

[@Relo67]

@@NordicWatchChannel Still in the “thinking stage”. But the green and gold Certina DS is the one I’m most attracted to.

[@NordicWatchChannel]

That is a stunner for sure!👌🏻

[@Jason-hv4eu]

Good review! I enjoyed this format 😊

[@NordicWatchChannel]

Glad to hear that! Thank you :)

[@TedCornish]

I’ve just bought one. Thanks for your review 👍👍

[@NordicWatchChannel]

That’s great! Glad to hear it was useful! Wear it in good health :)

[@TedCornish]

@@NordicWatchChannel thanks mate. I’m wearing it now it’s beautiful 👍👍

[@NordicWatchChannel]

Happy to hear that😎

[@Ferien7]

Fyi, 19mm lug width is the right choice for a 38mm diameter. Lug width should follow a 1:2 ratio with diameter to ensure attractive proportions.

[@NordicWatchChannel]

Yeah I’m aware of this rule of thumb! But not everyone follows it, many 38mm watches still have a 20mm lugwidth like the seiko sarb033 for example. I would be curious to know where this ”rule” is stated, if you know what I mean..

[@yonder_owls]

A very nice option. 10+ years ago, legit sub-40mm divers were very difficult to find outside of vintage watches. Also....people....just get any 20mm NATO and squeeze it into those 19mm lugs. I've done it for years, and only the thickest leather or "seat belt" style straps won't work this way.

[@NordicWatchChannel]

Yeah that works good on several models :) not all tho!

[@Watchmade]

Great video and great watch. Had the two tone blue/gold before, sold it and get this blue version now!

[@NordicWatchChannel]

Thank you! That’s interesting! Was the color just too flashy/radical for your taste? Or something else?

[@Watchmade]

@@NordicWatchChannel it was my first two tone watch and I wanted to check if I would like it, which I did. But for my personal taste it was a little bit too flashy and recognized too much by others. The blue one will fly more under the radar I guess which is way more my taste :)

[@NordicWatchChannel]

Ok cool! Yes it definitely will since the case is all brushed which makes it really un-blingy imo!

[@Poborsky-fx1wo]

great review. thanks

[@NordicWatchChannel]

My pleasure mate!

[@shogun884]

Lovely watch I'm in the market for a sub 1k diver, I would have seriously considered this until you mentioned the micro adjust on the bracelet that's enough for me to look elsewhere, its looking like christopher ward 😀

[@NordicWatchChannel]

Yeah that is an issue. But it might still be a good fit if you’re lucky!

[@Poborsky-fx1wo]

Excellent review

[@NordicWatchChannel]

Thank you! Glad to hear that :)

[@jazz1ba]

I have 43 mm version of this and I love it. However I will give a shot at 38 mm titanium. 43 mm have better diver extension.

[@NordicWatchChannel]

I've had my eye on a 38mm titanium version too, must be super light!

[@Nakkisampyla]

Hieno. Klassinen ajaton tyyli on hyvin hyödynnetty näissä.

[@NordicWatchChannel]

Kyllä! Tässä on todella hieno tyyli ja vielä kompaktissa koossa👍🏻

[@leonardogiannelli3742]

Great dimensions, very nice looking piece! Now a question considering looks, performance, price and materials, which do you consider to be the best, Steinhart Ocean One 39 or Certina Ds action 38? Thanks for the nice review :)

[@NordicWatchChannel]

I’m going to give answer you don’t want: ”it depends!” Hahah. For the price, I have to admit that the Steinhart is pretty amazing. All the specs are as good as the Certina except the power reserve and it’s close to half the price (retail). That being said, I would prefer the Certina personally. Mostly due to the more original looks and the great history of the brand. The size is also better for my wrist, even though both are great. So: bang per buck -> Steinhart, if money isn’t of importance -> Certina.

[@leonardogiannelli3742]

@@NordicWatchChannel thank you mate, it's a very complete answer! 👍🏼

[@NordicWatchChannel]

Sure thing! Hope it helps!

[@166luigi]

I owned the Steinhart and sold it. Now owning the black Certina ds 38mm. Certina is here to stay. Why? Certina brand heritage, Steinhart trying to be a Rolex too much where the Certina has its own very nice (imo) design, and quality. Had issues with the Steinhart (lume pip came off and the ETA hand winding failed, both fixed under warranty but still).

[@NordicWatchChannel]

Thanks for sharing that information! @luc koch

[@ClearBrookExotics]

This is on my short list for my next watch. Would be my first Swiss. I have about 6 Seikos.

[@NordicWatchChannel]

It’s a good choice!

[@ClearBrookExotics]

@@NordicWatchChannel I just put my newish Monster on eBay to start my savings fund. I’m sold!

[@NordicWatchChannel]

Awesome!

[@archievthapa3593]

Damn !!! Subscribed

[@NordicWatchChannel]

Awesome! Welcome :)

[@pshiva1215]

I’d like to order the black one, but I have seen a lot with misaligned bezel inlay. Isn’t it possible to send it back to the TD or to Certina, to have it corrected? It really is a bummer.

[@NordicWatchChannel]

I’m would think that it is part of the warranty. I didn’t try that because it didn’t really bother me.

[@CodiakMusic]

anyone know which size screwdriver you need to size the bracelet? my 0,8mm doesnt seem to fit the screws :L

[@NordicWatchChannel]

I”m afraid I don’t. I have a cheap watch toolkit that has a few small screwdrivers and pretty much any one of them works🤔

[@CodiakMusic]

@@NordicWatchChannel ahh well, thanks for the reply :) maybe i just bought some crappy screwdrivers...

[@NordicWatchChannel]

Ofc! Or just take a ruler or measuring tape and estimate it.. probably like 2-4mm wide I’d guess. Was the thickness 0,8mm on yours?

[@anthonydevono8833]

I really like these in the 38mm I’m just not sure what colour to get

[@NordicWatchChannel]

The size is just perfect! There are some really nice colours.. maybe depends on the rest of your collection!

[@felixfranzen7318]

Why is a lug width of 19mm bad? Is it because this means it can only manage a rather skinny bracelet or strap?

[@NordicWatchChannel]

For me and many others it is just because it is a more ”rare” size. So most of the straps (18, 20, 22mm) I have bought earlier, won’t fit it. And I don’t have other watches with 19mm straps, so it’s a bummer to buy a strap that just fits one watch.

[@tanerkircali]

thanx for video mate, nice one

[@NordicWatchChannel]

My pleasure! Thanks for watching :)

[@188313]

Great review the 38mm looks nice on you what size wrist do you have I’m undecided what’s size to get my wrist are 18.5 cm.

[@NordicWatchChannel]

Thanks mate! My wrist is about 16,5 cm. I'd say you can go either way.. go with the size you have less of in your collection maybe?

[@Duox-YT]

How’s the Durability of the watch tho ? Is it a strong watch ? I’m obsessed with the design

[@NordicWatchChannel]

Sure feels solid and robust in my opinion! And it’s an ISO certified diver so I’m sure it is pretty durable👍🏻

[@waqarhaider2226]

How easy is it to mod the bezel on this watch? Thank you!

[@NordicWatchChannel]

Hi! I’m afraid I don’t have any information about that. I don’t think it is a very common watch to mod🤔

[@markjohn1910]

I purchased this exact watch in titanium, I usually wear 40-42 case sizes but this on a 38 is c perfect!! Very comfortable yet still substantial too

[@NordicWatchChannel]

Nice! Must be superbly lightweight! This is an awesome watch!

[@markjohn1910]

@@NordicWatchChannel great review by the way , I forget I’m wearing it , it’s so comfortable!! And looks great

[@NordicWatchChannel]

Sounds awesome! I've wanted one of those for a long time! Ever since getting this stainless steel version basically.

[@markjohn1910]

@@NordicWatchChannel go for it , beautiful watch , very light though and you will forget you’re wearing it

[@NordicWatchChannel]

I’ll keep it on the shortlist for now!

[@Jesus-vw1we]

Thanks for the review. Easy to source 19mm NATO strap?

[@NordicWatchChannel]

My pleasure! There are plenty around, but you won’t find them in every store and even when you find 19mm straps, odds are every color will not be available :)

[@bruh_oly1370]

Hi NWChannel -what’s the better watch in your opinion as you have reviewed both the steinhart 39 black ceramic or this certina ??? Many thanks 🙏

[@NordicWatchChannel]

Hi! I personally slightly prefer the Certina. Both are great and it comes down to what you prefer. No big differences in specs and for me ut just comes down to the Certina having more of its own identity compared to the Steinhart :)

[@bruh_oly1370]

@@NordicWatchChannel thank you for replying . It’s hard to pick ; the one that has its own identity such as the certina but then the value for money prospect of the steinhart makes that appealing also . Hard decision for me

[@orit1551]

I saw in another video that lug to lug is really 50mm?

[@NordicWatchChannel]

Maybe that was the larger diameter version? The lug to lug on the 38mm is 45mm. Could also be that someone includes the length of the protruding middle links in the lug to lug?

[@essaalansari9508]

Great review buddy, any hotspot on daily use?

[@NordicWatchChannel]

Thanks mate! Late to answer this, but honestly no. This is a great all-rounder to wear every day. Super comfortable, durable, good looks, you name it!

[@yankeedoodle6293]

I’m deciding between this Certina and the steinhart. Which would you recommend ? Subscribed 👍

[@NordicWatchChannel]

Personally, I would go with the Certina🙂 Great to hear!

[@unwhack]

Definitely Certina. It stands on it’s own feet and doesn’t try to be a Rolex.

[@astrayproductions]

3:15 i have seen tudor black bay 58's with a worse alignment than that, you're all good

[@NordicWatchChannel]

Hahah, well I don't know if that's an OK for Certina, or just a "shame on you" for Tudor :D

[@astrayproductions]

trust me, it was on a blue bb58 and i was surprised, made the well-known seiko's misalignment seem minor 😅@@NordicWatchChannel

[@NordicWatchChannel]

I would definitely return that Tudor in that case!

[@chrisr8112]

Certina is a great historic brand, I agree with you, the colour is very nice, a handsome watch let down by lack of micro adjust and ridiculous 19mm lug width, is this linked to the 38mm case size? It’s a shame, great review fella!

[@NordicWatchChannel]

Unfortunately, 38mm cases are often accompanied by 19mm lugs. I could be wrong, but I’ve heard that this has something to do with a ”rule of thumb” that says the lugs should be 1/2 the case diameter in order to provide proper ratios. This could explain why it’s often seen in 38-39mm watches. Thank you for the compliment too 😊

[@chrisr8112]

@@NordicWatchChannel I have heard it referred to as the 40/20 rule, just seems horribly unimaginative!

[@NordicWatchChannel]

Haha well when you put it that way, it sure does!

[@alipontiac]

Great value for the money, Is it ISO certified or Comply with ISO certification?

[@NordicWatchChannel]

Is there a difference between those 2?🧐

[@alipontiac]

@@NordicWatchChannel Yes!!

[@NordicWatchChannel]

This Certina is ISO certified. Only the certified ones can be called ”diver’s”

[@rbemuscle6058]

Awesome! How much does it weigh? Cheers!

[@NordicWatchChannel]

Oh did I miss that in the video🤔 Sized to my wrist, approx. 135 grams give or take!

[@ml-bk9rz]

How would you compare certina to other divers like mido and seiko around the $1000 range?

[@NordicWatchChannel]

Have to admit that my experience with 1000 USD watches is somewhat limited still. I have never held a Mido in the metal. But based on my experience it’s definitely at least on the same level as 1000 usd Seikos, probably would put it a notch above. I was however more impressed with the Oris Aquis I used to have. But that is of course one step above the Certina in price.

[@AndroBoy17]

This certina is a mile better than Seikos

[@NordicWatchChannel]

A mile better than entry level Seikos for sure! Probably also better than Seikos in the same category, maybe.

[@relosapulso]

Totally agreed!

[@robocopvn]

2:18 that moment breaks my heart . . . WHY 19mm? WHY?

[@NordicWatchChannel]

Hahah yeah… I know.

[@shalom8279]

Puhutko suomea?

[@NordicWatchChannel]

Kyllä!

[@Oparalf]

Ich habe die Uhr in Schwarz. Perfektes Teil. Ich liebe sie. Sehr hochwertig und edel und Ganggenau.

[@roybrolsbeak]

Ceramic bezel and id buy

[@NordicWatchChannel]

Ceramic bezels are great, but I quite prefer the vintage style of this aluminium insert😎

[@relosapulso]

@@NordicWatchChannelsame as u are

[@mrmrmrcaf7801]

2:28 NOT everyday watch because aluminum bezel. It will scratch very easily

[@NordicWatchChannel]

Well it’s not like you can avoid getting scratches on everyday watches. If you don’t want scratches on the bezel then sure, don’t use it. But I don’t really know when you would use a tool watch like this, if not in conditions where it can get scratches 🙂

[@glucamura1808]

Orologio molto bello e con caratteristiche tecniche valide ma troppo simile al submariner

[@NordicWatchChannel]

I see your point. However, it's difficult to make a dive watch that wouldn't be similar to the Sub :D

[@glucamura1808]

@@NordicWatchChannel There are many.... For example Seiko Turtle, Citizen Promaster, Squale...

[@NordicWatchChannel]

Sure those are more unique. I still think this model is different enough. Case size and the more angular shapes. Different hands and a more ”sparse” dial layout imo. Many other models are a lot more similar to the sub than this one.

[@bloatedsodium7301]

Nice folex

[@NordicWatchChannel]

If being a dive watch with 3 hands and a bezel makes it a folex, I guess every diver ever is one.