Certina DS Action Diver - Closer Look - Review

#howilbur #learnwatches
Here is a quick dive into this watch bargain with 80 hour power reserve!
Your first look at the movement!
Useful Links:
Turtle Conservancy
www.certina.com/socialengagem...!
ISO Standard
www.iso.org/standard/66517.html
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Water_R...
tektite underwater experiments
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tektite...
Sealab
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SEALAB
Swatch group
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Swa...
Dive Watch History
www.elitedivingagency.com/arti...
Certina History
www.certina.com/history
www.vintagecertinas.ch/en/hist...
THE DOUBLE SECURITY CONCEPT
• Sapphire crystal (extremely scratch-resistant)
• O-ring seal on the setting stem
• Two O-ring seals on the crown
• Special seal in the case back
• Reinforced case back
Intro Music:
Interloper by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution license (creativecommons.org/licenses/...)
Source: incompetech.com/music/royalty-...
Artist: incompetech.com/
Ending Music is "A Dusty Road" by Dan Lebowitz

[@tomvanzanten479]

This is the ONLY elaborate review of this watch on KZbin! You earned yourself a like my man!

[@danieltrujillo6483]

RidderTomy 28 I thought the same

[@larrylarry739]

Excellent review! Concise but thorough and none of the amateur comedy show crap so many other reviewers insist on torturing us with.

[@ADudeAndHisWatches]

Thanks so much!!

[@fernandoaragones2713]

I have recently owned the Sea Turtle with a steel bracelet. I had the previous model of this watch, and I must say that this model with the powermatic 80 machinery and its modified aesthetics in addition to its new bracelet is incredibly superior to the previous one ... Thank you for the review, it is absolutely detailed and very well done. Thank you

[@ADudeAndHisWatches]

Thanks so much!! I am glad they redesigned the newer one and put in all their best technology.

[@klaus-juergenkessel3916]

Thanks to share your expertise with us!

[@kjellarnedrag9915]

Finally a useful watch review. I have been interested in the 80 hour movements from ETA used by Tissot, Certina and Hamilton, but have never convinced myself to buy one. I have watch repair as a hobby, and is a lot more interested in the technical stuff than lume and straps. What ETA did was to make a cost effective beef up of the old 2824 movement, and offered 80 hours of power reserve, which is quite impressive. Most watches with extended power reserve uses two or more spring barrels, here they only reduced the arbor diameter, in order to squeeze in a longer spring. The result is that delta torque from maximum to minimum increases. That tends to have a bad influence on the isochronism of the watch. The reduced beat rate does also make a contribution to the power reserve, since the gear ratio between the spring barrel and escapement reduces. Hence the spring will provide more torque at the escapement end, and then overcome friction, something that also will add more to the total power reserve. The solution to reduce the problem with isochronism was to use the free sprung balance, which is also used on high end watches like Rolex and others. That is a regulating principle that is more stable and not so much influenced with change in torque from the drive spring. Something else that was altered is the pallet stones which are replaced by plastic. That is why the number of jewels is reduced compared to 2824, which got 25 jewels. Here I think the Hamiltons (H-10 for example) still use jewels in the pallets.

[@ADudeAndHisWatches]

Thanks so much for the compliment!! That is really interesting about plastic Pallet stones! I hadn't heard about that! Where should I look for info on that??

[@kjellarnedrag9915]

@@ADudeAndHisWatches I have never opened such a watch myself, but I heard from a watchmaker that there are plastic parts. As I understand it is the pallets, but I am not 100% sure. If you take a look at the link, you will see that plastic parts are mentioned. Also there are 23 jewels instead of 25 in a 2824. calibercorner.com/tissot-caliber-powermatic-80/

[@cesarnegrete6898]

This is what I call a perfect watch review. Not more and (certainly) not less

[@ADudeAndHisWatches]

Thanks so much! Really appreciate the props!!

[@TheCcmarine]

Just subbed. I like the amount of real world great info and comparisons that give the average watch guy a good understanding of watches.

[@ADudeAndHisWatches]

Thanks so much! I have more similar videos planned, but boy am I going slow these days! I thought I would have tons of time once I retired. Is there any watch you would like me to do a video on? ....Oh, and thanks for Subbing!

[@ksgphotography]

Great review, which helped me decide on adding one to my collection a few months ago. I opted for the Sea Turtle Conservancy model and couldn’t be happier. Looks great, built like a tank and super-accurate (less than a second per day). If I ever went back to being just a one-watch guy, I reckon this could be it.

[@ADudeAndHisWatches]

That is great! Glad I could help :) I relally like the looks of the model you got...Been seeing pictures lately in my Instagram...And I love they are doing good work with sea turtles!

[@seanm3226]

What is the difference between this version (other than the strap) and the Sea Turtle version? It seems it’s just the color of the seconds hand. Any thoughts?

[@ksgphotography]

Sean M the seconds hand and caseback are the only difference, that I know of. I originally looked at the red hand version, but the sea turtle conservancy one just caught my eye. Either one will do you proud

[@archievthapa3593]

Subscribed - enjoyed the review

[@ChuzieNwabia]

One of the best reviews I’ve ever seen! Great job sir!

[@ADudeAndHisWatches]

Wow, thanks! Really glad you liked it! Still love that watch too :)

[@damo778]

What an amazing watch review!!! You have helped me to buy my first ever Swiss watch. Just hope it's not to big for my small wrist :-o

[@ADudeAndHisWatches]

Hope so too! Congratulations! It is a beefer of a watch, but the bracelet is great for the micro-adjust feature. Let me know how you like it!

[@TheMalina39]

Great review! Gorgeous timepiece! I wish there was more videos about Certina because its very under appreciated brand but it offers great value for money. I personally love the DS-1 collection.

[@ADudeAndHisWatches]

I agree...I suspect it is a brand that is going to really grow in popularity as folks discover it. I would like to get more to look at. Actually if you don't insist on the Powermatic 80, you can get them very cheap!

[@matrixmirage2148]

​@@ADudeAndHisWatches The Truth: _D'you know how many government satellites are watching any citizen at any moment?"_ CJ: _No._ The Truth: *_Twenty-three._*_ Do you know how many religious relics are kept at The Pentagon?_ CJ: No, I don't. The Truth: *_Twenty three._*_ You see a pattern emerging here, man?_ CJ: _Man, I'm seeing patterns _*_all over the place!_*_ Get that smoke out of my face!_ The Certina Powermatic 80 has how many jewels, again?

[@andjelohalilovic1587]

Thank you sir!

[@JT-sv8il]

Nice review for a high quality watch, one of the most overlooked dive watch.

[@ADudeAndHisWatches]

Thanks! Still on my wrist every day, and the bracelet's glide-lock thingie is really handy when you swell up a bit :)

[@schlooonginator1227]

Just ordered this. It jumps out among its peers for its features and performance and price. Kind of a no brainer. I recntly got a Luminox P38 auto chrono. I like how it captures the look and feel of the planes cockpit, and is why I chose the chrono with its sub dials for a more authentic look of multiple gauges...anyways it has a wonderful engraving of the plane on the case back and the Certinas turtle would be another interesting piece.

[@ADudeAndHisWatches]

I have never seen the P38...That is pretty cool and the back is amazing! I used to work on F-14 Tomcats, so I totally get the aircraft display look. and the P38 is one of my favorite WWII planes too. Thanks, now I have something new to jones over ;)

[@ChromeMan04]

Certina DS action divers that actually are a tool watch used by actual divers. Good review!

[@ADudeAndHisWatches]

I was impressed when I found out the history in my research! Thanks for watching!!

[@ChaddyDeZoo1788]

This is complete what i want to know about my watch. Thx for this video .Like go to You

[@BobberLifeStyle]

I personally love Certina DS podiums they are well crafted with time precision not to forget a very good looking watch on wrist.

[@viniciusdecastro8457]

Best review. Well done!

[@ADudeAndHisWatches]

Thanks!!!

[@abajaj1510]

Good review...great detail

[@Timur_Tashkent_UZB]

Very informative. Thanks a lot.👍

[@ADudeAndHisWatches]

Thanks for watching!

[@ianmarshall3633]

I have the Super ph500m. A superb watch. Gains about 2 seconds a day. The power reserve certainly last 3 days without winding. Also, I found it keeps better time if fully wound before wearing. Great video.

[@ADudeAndHisWatches]

That is a great watch and excellent performer! That is true, in my experience, about the better time keeping if fully wound. Even though they do a lot mechanically to keep the performance linear, full tension is always a little faster and more consistent than one with much less woundness (probably not a word, but I kind of like it ;)

[@stevefarmer15]

Just found your channel, nice presentation, loads of info. Subscribed, greetings from France.

[@ADudeAndHisWatches]

Thanks for subscribing! and for the complement :) France, such a beautiful place...Can't wait to visit.

[@jek4190]

Great review!

[@ADudeAndHisWatches]

Thanks!!!

[@CGR9Noveno]

This is an outstanding review! Thank you.

[@ADudeAndHisWatches]

Thanks so much!!

[@ismailelalj9688]

excellent review

[@ADudeAndHisWatches]

Thanks for stopping by!

[@camarocarl7130]

Great review my friend! My Certina was accurate out of the box. Pretty good watches IMO. Good value too. Plus real diving history.

[@ADudeAndHisWatches]

I think most are, fortunately :) Just lucky me...Hard to beat this guy!

[@hetakbce3099]

Well made video. Thank you.

[@ADudeAndHisWatches]

Thanks so much!

[@ANiCKiN]

Awesome video!

[@ADudeAndHisWatches]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@robertsmuggles6871]

Classy review.

[@tmassey1465]

Thanks for the vid. I have the blue one, that I purchased back in November of 2018...It is one of my favorite watches in my watch collection of about 52.

[@ADudeAndHisWatches]

Welcome! Thanks for dropping by. 52 is a bunch! What other watches that you have and love but would like to see reviewed? Or don't have yet that would like a review before you buy? I am looking to find underrepresented watches to look at :)

[@tmassey1465]

I have a rather eclectic collection including Vacheron, Seiko, Movado, Skagen, Rolex, Patek, Tag. Both automatics and quartz. I am interested in an AP Royal Oak.

[@ADudeAndHisWatches]

@@tmassey1465 That is a wide range! ---unfortunately the Royal Oak is out of my range...Didn't like them at first, but they have grown on me :)

[@relosapulso]

Do u still wear the certina?

[@tmassey1465]

@@relosapulso I do still wear the Certina< however since then I have added a Tudor several Hamiltons a Girars Perregaux an Omega and a couple of Seikos and an AP.

[@andreibreusov2059]

Very nice review. You touched upon the history of the company, I find this very important. The watch is very nice and the price is very reasonable.

[@ADudeAndHisWatches]

Thanks! I still love mine :)

[@Glocks.Scotch.and.Wristwatch]

I just purchased the green variation a couple days ago. This video and your analysis pushed me over the edge. I will say, if anyone is wondering - the green is stunning in person. I love it.

[@ADudeAndHisWatches]

Very cool! Glad it turned out well for you :) Glad I could help. Thanks for watching!!

[@brandoncross8178]

Well done

[@magnusnordstrom9594]

Well, the ”adjustment” you called it isnt really an adjustment for your wrist, its there if you would like to have the watch on the outside of your Diver suit, easy adjustment for that reason. Nice video, subbed!

[@whodeycinbengals]

I’m shocked an eta movement would be that inaccurate, but glad to hear that you got it regulated. If the movement inside of those action divers live up to its reputation, then that watch is seemingly a great value. I’ve been smitten for a while with the black pvd and the 38 mm titanium grey dial/blue lume ds ad.

[@andrewallen2038]

Excellent review. I have this watch and it is great value for money if not a little bit heavy. I also wear the Tissot Seastar with black rubber strap and it also is a fantastic great value timepiece. Both watches have the same movement but are quite different in appearance and weight as the Tissot is much lighter. I wear them day about for a bit of variety.

[@ADudeAndHisWatches]

Thanks!!! I wondered about the Seastar...I really like the looks of it and I seriously considered it when I was looking at the Certina :) Never got the chance to try one though

[@packisbetter90]

I have the chronograph ds auto of this and its my favorite watch. Certinas an underrated brand

[@ADudeAndHisWatches]

Definitely hard to beat! I am kinda looking for my next Certina...Been years and this one is still perfect.

[@klimbit]

Mine just arrived! What an amazing time piece. So clean and refined.

[@ADudeAndHisWatches]

Awesome! Which one did you get?? I keep thinking I should get another...Was seriously thinking about their new Big Date watches. :)

[@klimbit]

@@ADudeAndHisWatches I got their green faced action diver. I was looking at some of their ph200 ones as well but went with the classic diver.

[@ADudeAndHisWatches]

@@klimbit That's a lovely watch! :)

[@klimbit]

@@ADudeAndHisWatches Thank you. I was concerned about its size as I have a smaller wrist but the watch actually grips on well. Very comfortable. It was your review that convinced me to get this over the Glycine Combat Sub and the Tissot diver.

[@ADudeAndHisWatches]

@@klimbit I think you made the right choice! I am totally unimpressed with the lume on Glycine...They are pretty good for the money, but nowhere near the quality of the Certina :) I am really glad I could help! Also glad it fits your smaller wrist! I was really surprised how well it works being a large watch and kind of heavy, but with that great adjustable bracelet, it hasn't been a problem at all! ...By the way, stay tuned, I am almost at 1000 subs and I plan to have a dive watch giveaway :)

[@Snedwin]

Just recently became somewhat of a watch-nerd, and decided that this will be my first "real" time piece. Next one will probably be a Seiko "Arnie", and in maybe 10 years or so I'm planning to buy a Seamaster! Oh, how i regret the perfume watches I've bought throughout the years... Great review!

[@ADudeAndHisWatches]

Thanks! Hey, better late than never :) I think we all go through the stages. You are definitely getting a great starter watch! Really good bang for the buck with this one. Thanks for stopping by the channel!

[@benjaminb4558]

Wow what a coincidence, I am also just starting to get really interested in watches and I decided to go for the DS action diver with the green dial for my 18th birthday as my first timepiece!

[@Snedwin]

@@benjaminb4558 That's nice, man. I wish i would have gotten into watches at your age, instead i was about ten years after. As for me though, i decided to keep saving up for a Longines Hydro conquest for my first quality watch. Almost there now.

[@ryancurry5284]

Have one coming tomorrow! Thank you for the review. Not many English ones out there to watch. Been looking at them for a while now. I appreciate your time.

[@ADudeAndHisWatches]

Awesome! I bet you'll love it! I am really interested in how well yours keeps time...If you get a chance after a week or so, could you let us know how it does?! Thanks!!

[@ryancurry5284]

You bet. I’ll post on here about it’s accuracy. Who knows, I may be getting back to you about an adjustment for it. Hopefully not. How would you compare the bracelet to your omega? I also have a seamaster pro, and I’d say it’s the first thing I notice on a watch. I can tell immediately when a watch is handled to me if I’d take it or not based on bracelet feel. Probably what I’m most concerned about with the Certina arrival.

[@ryancurry5284]

Also, there are two parts in the powermatic 80 that have been replaced with Silicon. One is the escapement and the other is a spring I believe.

[@ADudeAndHisWatches]

That is a tough question...The bracelet on the Certina is good quality, but the finish isn't the same level as the Omega. It does have the micro-adjustment/divers extension that is pretty great, though...It can be adjusted on the wrist. If you consider the price into it, the Certina bracelet is hard to beat. But ultimately, the Omega bracelet has more class.

[@ADudeAndHisWatches]

I kind of thought the hair spring was silicon once I looked at it...Are you saying the mainspring is also? It would make sense, but I am a little surprised at the low price of the movement. I looked all over for definite information, but failed to find it.

[@karlpfefferle6907]

Thank you for this great review. I have a Certina DS-1 Himalaya and love it. Though it was a slow release. I've been considering a DS Action Diver with either the red hand or the Sea Turtle Conservatory edition. Now of course there is a 38mm version to consider. I'm torn between the two.

[@Reladan187]

Just got my 38mm and I’ve been very pleased with it! And the 38 is a perfect fit for my smaller wrist

[@ADudeAndHisWatches]

The smaller size really does make sense...So glad they did that!

[@relosapulso]

Got 1 too

[@geoffsullivan4063]

Excellent review 👍 I got the 38mm version so much more comfortable and surprisingly doesn't look that small on my 7' 1/2 inch wrist. Also there isn't this little hour marker sort of shoved behind the date aperture as an afterthought as is on the 43 and makes it look a bit jumbled up and crowded at 3 o'clock. I think they must use the same movement for both sizes which would mean that there would be a big space behind the date on the 43. Not much else they could do I suppose. Beautiful range of watches for the money !

[@ADudeAndHisWatches]

Thanks! I hope I can get my hands on a 38mm one of these days as I have heard good things...If it actually wears larger on a wrist (and you have orangutan wrists like I do ;-> ) then is would be very comfortable indeed! My only two negatives on this watch are the size and weight are slightly more than I find necessary, and the bezel grip would be a tad better. I fond I still wear this watch more than my Omega, or any other watch during the warmer months. A lot of that has to do with the micro-adjust on the band, but still, it is a great watch or I would definitely wear others more. Thanks again for checking out my review!!

[@relosapulso]

Same here but afraid about the movement they said that it has plastic or nylon parts and a nit serviceable movement that they throw away after years :(

[@squicker]

I have the turquoise, limited edition Turtles watch and, even though I also have an Omega Seamaster 300M, I always wear the Turtles watch. Long live the turtles!

[@unperfectcooking]

Thank you for this review :) I liked it :) can you tell us more how to regulate the watch?

[@ADudeAndHisWatches]

Thanks! I been thinking about doing a better video for this. I have a better camera setup now. :) Thanks a bunch for checking out the video!

[@gid-vicious]

“Divorce in inducing expenditure “ nice one

[@anthonypatrickmontemayor647]

Very informative on Certina DS. I am tossing between the Tissot 2000 and this one. My wrist is around 7.6 inches in circumference. Not pretty sure if the Tissot 46 mm will look just right for me. For the Certina DS, its just right. Just considering a more upper tier spec on the Tissot 2000 though. Thank you for sharing this.

[@ADudeAndHisWatches]

Hi! That Tissot is a lovely looking beast! It would definitely be too big for me, but with your larger wrist, it might be just right. :) I didn't see for sure, does the Tissot have the same adjustment on the bracelet as the Certina? That adjustment makes all the difference for me, especially in the hot months. You really can't go wrong with either of them, though. Both are really well made watches! Thanks for stopping by!

[@anthonypatrickmontemayor647]

@@ADudeAndHisWatches Your point of view is noted. 👍

[@Wolf_K]

I have the Certina PH200M and it’s running consistently at +0.3 to +1.3 seconds a day out of the box. Average is +0.7 seconds over 24 hours. It has the Silicium escapement. (Not plastic as the rumours state...the Swatch sistem51 uses plastic parts) I’m very impressed with it and I haven’t taken it off, except when showering, since I got it.

[@ADudeAndHisWatches]

Thanks for the info! I know modern plastics can be pretty amazing, but I would be very skeptical about using them in this application. I think of mechanical watches as something that should last a lifetime and not as something disposable. Plastics to me scream disposable :)

[@Wolf_K]

A Dude And His Watches Indeed. If it was plastic I wouldn’t have bought one. ;) However, there’s a lot of Swatch fans and collectors who probably aren’t real concerned as they’re seem to be more into the variations and limited editions.

[@jazz1ba]

@@Wolf_K How can you be sure it's not plastic? Have you seen it with your eyes, do you have pics maybe? I've asked Certina about this and they said it's syntetic escapement, but they didn't say what they meant by 'synthetic'. I would love to see pictures of these parts.

[@Wolf_K]

jazz1ba Because Silizium isn’t a plastic. It’s synthetic, but not plastic. The rubies in our watches are synthetic as well...not natural rubies but they aren’t plastic. Silizium has no relation to silicone, a soft pliable glue/sealant for windows etc. Many high end watch companies are using Silizium in their balance springs as they are anti-magnetic. You cannot magnetise Silizium! This watch of mine is so accurate that the only thing I can compare it to is a master chronometer by Omega and even then mines performing better than that. I understand luck comes into it as all individual pieces will vary, but I’m highly impressed with Certina. I will also be buying the new release Certina DS Super PH500M as soon it is for sale. All those ignorant “reviewers” on the interwebz who claim Silizium is a plastic are absolutely uninformed on the subject. Edit: yes, I have seen it and as I said, it’s not a plastic. It’s simply not. Period! ;) There’s a few videos on KZbin showing this material and here is one by Omega using it in balance springs. Check it out and others you can easily find. kzbin.info/www/bejne/g4ucm2CDjqmmb7s Edit: here’s another on the subject- kzbin.info/www/bejne/o5DQaH6LoMmAqM0

[@jazz1ba]

@@Wolf_K I have DS Action diver and it's running at -3 secs a day. I've searched all over the internet and I could not find a single picture of the escapement of this movement. All I could find is a computer generated illustration that it looks like a Sistem51 one, which indeed was made of plastic, as we all know. That is what bothers me. I know difference between silicon and silicone pretty good, you don't have to explain. :)

[@eventdomain1]

I recently got into Certina watches, and like Hamilton, their a very attractive brand indeed.

[@ADudeAndHisWatches]

Definitely hard to beat the value on either one!!

[@truesf345]

Think I heard Certina made Hamilton’s movements at one time

[@ADudeAndHisWatches]

@@truesf345 I have never heard that! Will have to look into that.

[@robertopirro4742]

Hi, great review and amazing watch...I really love it! One question: could u so kind to clarify the regulation? In which way did u reduced the range from 41 to 4s/day? Do you think this was related to this model or to your specific item? Thanks a lot!

[@ADudeAndHisWatches]

Hi Roberto! Glad you liked the video! I suspect I just got a particularly bad time keeper...There is always some variation. I am pretty demanding, so there was no way I would put up with it. :) I have a number of watches with normal ETA 2824 movements and they are all pretty good...I think 16 seconds a day is my worst without being regulated. I am planning to do a video on how I regulated this one as adjusting these Powermatic 80 movements is actually much more difficult than normal 2824 movements. Thanks for checking out my channel!

[@jimg.9981]

Thanks Wilbur, excellent review. Thinking of buying this one too, got a Breitling chronograph which is needing a service after 30 years, so i can use this one in between. My son has a power 80 Tissot, he told me the watch was running on time. He never adjust the time. I heard even Rolex is going to make a power 80 movement. Micro adjustment very good to see, even high end watches dont have them. Is the bezel ceramic ?

[@ADudeAndHisWatches]

Thanks!! 30 years is pretty amazing between services! I seriously considered the Tissot :) It seems that more manufacturers are trying to make longer power reserves recently...and that is a good thing!! Alas, the bezel is Aluminium. I don't mind that because I like the look, but would like to try a ceramic or even sapphire bezel some day. So many watches; So little money. :0

[@jimkennedy7050]

Certina makes a damn good watch. Swatch has not cheapened them up rather may have improved them a bit cept robots will be making them from.now on.

[@ADudeAndHisWatches]

It seems like they are doing the right thing so far...And I really appreciate it!!!

[@pesurek]

Thank you for this review. I appreciate the time you spent to inform us . I'm wearing a ds action diver aut. special edition for about 9 months. My complaint is that the micro adjustment of the bracelet opens up unintentionally sometimes and the watch was already serviced for 2 times (for free) because the function of the bezel was defect. Certina had to change the "Sperrkegelfeder" and the "Friktionsfeder". I suppose some long hairs got wheeled up in the mechanism an destroyed it, so my fault. The movement is very fine: -1 to (very max.) -5 sec a day.

[@ADudeAndHisWatches]

You are so welcome! Fun stuff, getting to play with watches...even if I have to buy them myself :0 Bummer about the bracelet! Mine has been flawless. The bezel on mine is still a little stiffer than I would like--if it was easier to grip, it wouldn't be too stiff, but still a great watch for the money! Thanks for stopping by the channel and commenting!

[@user-fn7mb2gl8x]

I have an earlier version of this watch. Love it! Excellent value. The only gripe I have is that the bezel markings have faded from white to yellow. Can you (or any other owner share whether this version has improved the bezel snd whether your bezel indices have faded? Thanks.

[@ADudeAndHisWatches]

Interesting about the faded indices! I haven't had mine that long, but no change to it so far...Would like to hear if anyone has also!

[@machtschnell7452]

I was support and monitoring staff on Tektite II and generally about 60%-75% of us chose the Certina over the Submariner. If one wanted a really secure set-up, one installed the Rolex SS bracelet on it. Not many around know about Tektite I or II. So who do you think made the movements for the other two 80 hour watches? I bet you already know. Certina is not well known because it is the caliber inside many other expensive brands that spend a lot more money on advertising.

[@ADudeAndHisWatches]

Wow that is amazing! So cool you were part of the Tektite project! Also that is really interesting folks chose the Certina over the Rolex for that project...I wouldn't have guessed that. I remember being completely captivated by the idea of Sealab, but I honestly can't really remember if I knew about the Tektite habitats or not...I think I did hear about them, but my old brain refuses to be definite about it . ;) I would love to hear your stories about working on Tektite! Email me if you have the time: [e-mail]

[@dustinr16]

This watch is huge. Make it 40mm with a 47mm lug to lug and I’ll buy one. It wears like a 45mm watch. I see Certina has a new 38mm version at least. I picked up one of the green Precidrive Certina DS Actions due to the more reasonable size. If the 38mm comes in green in the future I’ll probably buy one.

[@ADudeAndHisWatches]

It is a large watch, and a bit on the heavy side. I have found it wears pretty well since the bracelet is so good. You do have to like the large watches to enjoy this one. I can totally agree it would be better at 40mm...I have been wearing a Davosa 40mm that is pretty much the perfect size for a dive watch.

[@ianmarshall3633]

Certina have just launched a new model in that size and configuration. I think you will like it

[@dustinr16]

@@ianmarshall3633 Unfortunately this new 38mm model dropped the ball in a few areas. The green is no where as nice as the larger 43mm model and also loses both the red tipped second hand and ratcheting quick adjust bracelet clasp. Put a ceramic bezel insert on it and better colours and maybe I’ll buy one. Sizing is definitely an improvement at least so guess it’s a mixed bag for me.

[@mikelawrence6840]

that was a superb review even got to see the movement bit worried about my 7 inch wrist with this one but fantastic for the money

[@ADudeAndHisWatches]

Thanks for stopping by! Yeah, it could be kind of big, especially if you aren't particularly into larger watches. It would be great if they could make a 40mm version. That may be the perfect size of dive watch for most people.

[@youtuby0305]

Fantastic review. this Vs Longines Hydroconquest, which is best? help me to decide, thanks

[@ADudeAndHisWatches]

That is a tough one! I looked long and hard at the Hydroconquest...It looks great. I haven't had a chance to actually handle one yet though. ---Does the Hydro come with the bracelet that has the microadjust like the Certina? That right there is a huge bonus if you intend to keep it on the bracelet

[@alexandervanacker3971]

Hi! Excellent review!! But I have a small question: can I trust the Jomashop? And do you get some kind of certificate that says it's an original? Grtz from belgium

[@ADudeAndHisWatches]

I have heard lots of folks that have had a good experience with Jomashop...They are a mostly a "Gray Market" seller, so you will be getting authentic watches just the same as the ones you would buy from an Authorized Dealer (AD) with the exception that the warranty might not be valid from the manufacturer. I don't know if they are an AD for any brands, they might be. I think they have their own warranty...before you buy, you should make sure and read the terms. Buying gray market is basically a money for risk proposition...I mean for that you are taking a small risk that you might not have full coverage in case of defect, but then you are paying less. If you have low tolerance for risk, you should just spend the extra $ and buy from an authorized dealer.

[@alexandervanacker3971]

Thanks. Appreciate your time!

[@richardprice7763]

It just puts me off that you cant regulate the Powermatic movement as its supposedly done at the factory. I find that most automatic movements need a bit of tinkering to get the rate just right...

[@relosapulso]

Does the certina ds 38 serviceable? Do they have nylon or plastic movement? Some says they throw the movement after couple of years

[@ADudeAndHisWatches]

Hi, I haven't seen the 38mm version in person, but I suspect it is similar in quality to the one I have...just smaller. I hope to get one sometime so I can check it out :)

[@rickj8859]

Looks good, but it has the substandard movement inside that Certina factory tests only in 3 positions. It is not tested in other 2 - 3 positions. Whilst you mention ETA2824 movement? It is based on that movement .... but heavily modified. Since you have timegrapher? Test it in the 3H position (crown up), and you might find that it has 3.0 ms beat error and it loses 20s per day, like my Certinas. The movement is pig to adjust with 2 screws on the balance wheel, and I don't intend to play with adjustment, whilst the watch is under warranty. I bought the watches for my 10 year old nephews .... rather hoping they won't ever come close to a timegrapher.p

[@ADudeAndHisWatches]

A lot of the performance has to do with the fact that they don't do much to tune it. I imagine a good watchsmith could get it much closer and better. The main modifications as I understand it are the balancing adjustment, and the gearing. Far as I can tell, the rest seems pretty much standard. You do need to keep in mind that it is a fairly inexpensive watch. I think they could do better, but in that price range, most watches are a bit of a crap shoot. That being said, It is still one of my favorite watches...The bracelet and the super good anti-glare treatments have a lot to do with that, though :) Thanks of stopping by!

[@rickj8859]

The movement had quite a few mods. It has been slowed down, it has plastic gears, plastic fork, nivachron hair spring, larger main spring, adjustment on balance wheel .... and probably a few other things. Whilst Certina is a cheap watch (£760.,- in UK), the cost difference between the basic ETA2824 movement, a better ETA2824 movement and top of the range ETA 2824, with machine polishing, accurised to COSC standard is less than £50,- The Powermatic 80 movement is actually close to the top of the ETA2824 price range. Standard movement has only 38 hrs power reserve. Powermatic 80 has 80 hrs power reserve and much higher resistance to magnetism (plastic gears and nivachron) .... but to reduce the cost ... the movement ETA CO7.811 has no embellishments whatsoever .... and to bring the labour cost down, the factory doesn't bother with the tuning of their movements or tuning of the finished watch. Certina relies on people wearing the watch and adjusting the hand forward by 3 minutes once a month. Which is obviously alright for some people. My main complaint was that their Swatch service centre .... which is meant to iron out any problems and accurise the movement .... doesn't bother. They do it with any watch, even with Omega Speedmaster (I have 4 of them in my collection). Anyway, with Certina .... I sent all 4 watches in, all with Powermatic 80. One was there 4x one 3x and two 2x. In the end I gave up and decided to write to Mr Nicholas Hayek about it. I just didn't get to it yet. The first Certina Diver sent in came back one month later with a note .... "watch was demagnitused" ... I sent it back, and a month later, it came back with the note, "we swapped the movement" (it was all over the place) .... I sent it back again and a month later it came back and it had a beat error of "only 2.0ms in 3 positions and the accuracy of 15 sec +/- and a very low amplitude (which I considered a progress). I sent them photos of read-out from 2 different timegraphers, including dealer's Elma III timegrapher .... and Swatch service said "we will get our best Tissot technician" to work on the watch. Which they did. He managed to tune the watch to chronometer spec in 4 out of 5 positions. The 5th position was acceptable. It took them 4 months to get the watch to an acceptable standard. The second diver bought a week later went through the same paces, except that tuning was nowhere near as good. The third watch was GMT, and it ended up considerably worse. They obviously needed their best Tissot trained technician elsewhere. The 4th watch was the Himalaya edition, the same movement as the other 3 watches, but I gave up after 2 attempts, thinking that I will send the watch to Switzerland.

[@HenkeEdge]

Is the steel version much heavier? I have the titanium one (with Black and gold/bronze bezel) I love my piece, have pretty tiny wrists also but I think it feels and fit good even thou it is 43mm. (have shortened the bracelet four links) So try one at a dealer if you dont buy one just cause you think it will be to big. /Love from Sweden.

[@ADudeAndHisWatches]

The 43mm steel version is pretty heavy! 188 grams. Fortunately, it isn't too heavy to wear because it's not super tall, and because the bracelet adjusts to fit perfectly. I don't think I would enjoy it on a NATO or other strap. I think it would flop about way too much! I bet the titanium is much more comfortable. I'm not sure I would want this guy if my wrists were smaller...I haven't tried the 38mm version, but that seems like it would be a good alternative...although you don't get the same bracelet, apparently. :( Thanks for stopping by my channel! Hope to visit your beautiful country some day :)

[@knightwhite99]

Excellent and informative review! Now I have to decide between this and the Longines HydroConquest. Which would you choose?

[@ADudeAndHisWatches]

Thanks!! Hmmm...as for which I would choose? That is a tough one...part depends on the particular one you are thinking of. They seem to have a lot of variations. I love the case backs on them...really great design. I think overall I like the looks of the Certina a bit better, but that is just personal opinion :) It looks like some of them are actually thinner than the Certina which is a very good thing for wear-ability. The micro-adjust on the bracelet of the Certina is a huge advantage, though. That is all kind of vague since I have never had my hands on the Longines...With luck, I can get one to test out :) Anyway, that is probably no help at all, but thanks for stopping by!

[@ADudeAndHisWatches]

Hey Lee, Did you ever get the Longines? Curious on how it is for you.

[@damo778]

I have chosen this over the longines, I wanted the HydroConquest for some time but Based on looks, the big crown and guard that sticks in your hand I'd soon get bored of the longines.

[@dustinr16]

Nice review. Good to see some love for Certina. Unfortunately the size of this watch is too big in my opinion. The quartz Precidrive models are much more wearable at 41mm and about 46mm lug to lug. Wish the auto was the same size. Lume is disappointing for a watch of this price. A $200 Seiko with lumibrite would destroy it.

[@ADudeAndHisWatches]

Glad you liked it! It is a large watch...and kinda heavy. I was blessed (or possibly cursed) with large wrists, so it actually works for me. It would be much better, though, if it didn't have those end links that stuck out quite so much. That said, I really wish it was 41mm like a Rolex Sub. As for the Lume, Seiko definitely has some extra powerful lume on some of their watches. I have a citizen that also smokes all my other watches. That being said, the hands on this watch are pretty respectable...Equal to the Omega which stays lit for hours in the dark and better than most watches I have experience with. I plan to do a lume compare video with a handful of watches soon...I might have to borrow a Seiko from one of my friends. ...Thanks again for watching!

[@bbwin1]

like you say, the chopper is uncomfortable to drive ... you like it or not I bought it 10 days ago, I'm very happy, veeery very happy...happy happy...

[@jazz1ba]

Hi, have you ever seen how escapement wheel and pallet fork on this movement look like, is it true they are made of plastic? Do you have picture maybe? I've searched all over the web and couldn't find photo of these parts.

[@ADudeAndHisWatches]

Hi, I am really curious myself! I plan to pull them out and take a look one of these days when I have a bit of time to do fiddly work like that. Makes for a fine opportunity to do another video ;) Thanks for asking...Helped me make up my mind to pull the escapement out and look :)

[@jazz1ba]

@@ADudeAndHisWatches Really looking forward to that video. As whole world are sceptic about these parts being made of a "synthetic" material, but if they put it in so many watches they gotta be confident. I've read somewhere that "synthetic" are refered to silicon (not silicone) which is pretty durable as far as I know.

[@Wolf_K]

jazz1ba It’s silicon, or Silicium, not plastic.

[@jazz1ba]

@@Wolf_K If its the same like Sistem51 ones, they are made of plastic. They look the same from technical manual from ETA. Never seen them on pictures.

[@andreasmartinez2216]

its used in some...... a special Polymer....think in the dentist..we use too....and its a high tech material....even used in formela 1 car factories use carbon...nothing to worry.....there are more parts in a watch can be a problem than this one

[@trooper022]

Just ordered from Jomashop and should arrive tomorrow, am a little worried the crown may be too big?

[@ADudeAndHisWatches]

You know, I don't really have any issue with the size of the crown...I do wear my watch up on my arm a bit, so it never runs into the back of my hand. I really like it for comfort in winding and setting the watch, though...Good design for that. Hope you like it! I really like the watch! I am wearing my Ball today, but that is almost the first day in a month I haven't worn the Certina :)

[@trooper022]

@@ADudeAndHisWatches My first thoughts: I have had the watch for 2 days now and it wears very comfortably. I charged the Lume at 10:30p and could still tell time at 6:00a in the dark (although I would have liked it stronger) like some of my other watches. Although not super important 120 clicks vs. 60 on the bezel would have been expected at this price point, also ceramic bezel would have been expected but neither of these was a deal breaker. Thus far it is loosing -10sec per day. From what I understand the powermatic 80 is a little harder to regulate than a standard movement. I thought I heard you say you were going to make a video on that? Thanks for the video you made it helped me make the jump to purchase.

[@ADudeAndHisWatches]

@@trooper022 Glad it is comfortable! I find dynamic, micro-adjust/glidelock thingie to be really nice. Agree about the lume...Decent, but certainly could be better.

[@rosaprimera144]

@@ADudeAndHisWatches Excuse me, what model of Ball were you wearing? My husband also has 7.5 hand wrist and he loves that brand, thanks for replying, kisses

[@ADudeAndHisWatches]

@@rosaprimera144 Hi Rosa! I have the Ball Fireman Nighbreaker...Lovely watch! Very hard to find now. Definitely a lot of quality for the money...I have a couple videos on it. Check them out! Thanks for stopping by!

[@CheeZeArtZ]

Hello Sir, I loved this Video! Even tho I am somewhat late to the party, I am close to buying this watch. The Fact that it is pretty inaccurate out of the box and the aluminum bezzel make it kinda meh for me... How does it hold up after all these months? Greetings!

[@ADudeAndHisWatches]

Hi! Thanks for watching my video! Mine is still working perfectly...I keep meaning to put it on the timegrapher again just to see if anything has changed, but I don't notice any issues with accuracy. To be fair I usually only wear it a day or two at a time. That is the down-side to having a bunch of watches you love :) As for accuracy, I think mine was a particularly bad example as many folks have told me they got much better performance on the ones they bought. I agree, I really like a ceramic bezel, but hard to get one at this price. Still, I tend to be pretty easy on my watches and haven't put a mark on mine yet. Let us know if you get one and how it performs for you!

[@CheeZeArtZ]

@@ADudeAndHisWatches Thanks a lot for the quick reply! This is why I am eyeing the steinhart watches a lot... but the Certina does have a pretty unique look even tho it is clearly a hommage. Would you say € 700 is fair?

[@ADudeAndHisWatches]

@@CheeZeArtZ Welcome :) 700 pounds for the Certina?

[@CheeZeArtZ]

@@ADudeAndHisWatches Euros, in-store price at my local store.

[@ADudeAndHisWatches]

@@CheeZeArtZ Seems a little high compared to online prices...not sure how things go where you are, but I would think more like 600 pounds...From Jomashop online, they are going for $600 which is like 480 pounds, I think. That is for the powermatic 80 model

[@Hederix]

hey mate, what do you mean by “regulated” in 7:40?

[@ADudeAndHisWatches]

Hey Walnut! I have another video that goes in depth with how I regulated this watch...But the short answer is that regulation is tuning the performance of the watch by advancing or retarding the rate at which the spring oscillates. Thanks for stopping by!

[@essoo5153]

Is there any gold in the watch/movement?

[@ADudeAndHisWatches]

I don't believe there is...I assume the balance wheel is brass that may be plated.

[@apostolosgalimanas8274]

How is the size? It's very big ?

[@ADudeAndHisWatches]

It is fairly large at 43mm. I have a 7.5 inch wrist (190.mm) and this is just about the largest watch I would want to wear. It really depends on how large you are and how much you like big watches :) I find the adjustable bracelet allows a really good fit and super easy to change when your wrist swells with heat or activity, so it wears very well.

[@jazz1ba]

My wrist measures 19cm, is it gonna be too big for me?

[@ADudeAndHisWatches]

I think that makes your wrist about the same size as mine :) It will be fine if you like larger watches. :) Fortunately, you can see how it fits me and know we are the same. It is a heavy watch which can be a little annoying, but the ability to dynamically adjust the bracelet to fit just right helps make up for that. If you like to wear your watches loose though, it will probably flop around a lot. ...I hope that helps!

[@CCRyder55]

A Dude And His Watches Fantastic Review ! Unfortunately my wrist is 17.5cm so the “effective” 57 lug to lug would be too large :(. I love the 41mm Certina DS Precidrive ( older model - I have it in black - can’t find the blue anywhere ) I think I could handle the 43mm diameter - just not the lug to lug. Thanks for detailing the “effective” lug to lug ! Critical to know 👍

[@gaba-gool2129]

how tf some say their lume stay on for hours? :))

[@ADudeAndHisWatches]

Yeah...lume is decent, but hardly epic.

[@smashexentertainment676]

Unless it's tritium tubes, I've never seen one last at least an hour.

[@fredfredburger5150]

57mm lug to lug covers my whole wrist. Would this watch be too big?

[@ADudeAndHisWatches]

Hmmm Might be. The thing that makes it much better than it sounds is the curve of the lugs. What is your wrist circumference?

[@fredfredburger5150]

@@ADudeAndHisWatches 189mm or 7+1/2 inches

[@ADudeAndHisWatches]

@@fredfredburger5150 That is the same size as my wrist :) I find this watch very comfortable. I like largish watches, but I would say that normally 43MM is about my absolute maximum, but this one actually wears smaller than most because its not tall, and because the lugs curve nicely. I think the micro-adjusting bracelet also makes it much more friendly on the wrist because you can tension it perfectly to control the amount of flop.

[@fredfredburger5150]

@@ADudeAndHisWatches Awesome man, thanks for the information!

[@mywatchventure8875]

160 grammes weight ?

[@ADudeAndHisWatches]

Yeah, slightly heavy, but not a problem on the bracelet :)

[@zHumanfactor]

Boy, those timegrapher results were awful. Though it was good to see a 0.0 Beat Error and Amplitude over 300. Too bad Certina doesn't regulate the movement in at least a couple of positions, or maybe they do... but not so well. Not the best customer experience to have one's new watch off by 40 seconds + a day.

[@ADudeAndHisWatches]

Yeah it was a little disappointing. All the folks I have heard from have had better luck than I did...and in one case, the performance improved after a couple months on the wrist :)

[@zHumanfactor]

@@ADudeAndHisWatches These days if I find my watch off by more than 10 seconds a day... I open her up and make the adjustment (with Timegrapher assisting me).

[@andreasmartinez2216]

if there is a bad experience for service send it to germany next time.....the swatch group (Deutschland GMBH), Customer_Center, Hohenzollernstrasse 16, 75177 Pforzheim....be good

[@ADudeAndHisWatches]

@@zHumanfactor It is great to have the ability to do that :) I love to tinker with stuff, so it suite my personality. It isn't for everybody, though.

[@ADudeAndHisWatches]

@@andreasmartinez2216 Thanks for the information!...There will be times when I will need to send to the experts. It's good to know who they are!

[@apostolosgalimanas8274]

It's very big watch you think?

[@ADudeAndHisWatches]

It is pretty big...43mm is kind of my maximum...It helps that I have a 7.5 inch (190.5mm) ...Still, some folks like really large watches. Like anyone who wears a Panerai! Those things are like wearing a dinner plate on your wrist. LOL

[@apostolosgalimanas8274]

@@ADudeAndHisWatches just I wear my Seiko sumo and it's fine...you think it's same size like sumo?

[@ADudeAndHisWatches]

@@apostolosgalimanas8274 I think the sumo is 1mm larger :) Although there are other things that make a difference too...Lug length and amount of curve and height of the watch. ...I have never tried a Sumo on :( Actually I have no Seikos at all. Might have to work on that :)

[@alfredenglund]

was totally considering it until i saw the beat error... my fricking 100$ invicta performs better...

[@ADudeAndHisWatches]

Yeah, from what I have been able to find out, mine is definitely an unusual case...Everyone I talk to who bought one of these has had very good performance.

[@alfredenglund]

@@ADudeAndHisWatches Yeah, and you probably can return it, if it performs that bad?

[@ADudeAndHisWatches]

@@alfredenglund You are right, I probably could have...I did learn a ton about it though :) In the end I got it performing really well :)

[@alfredenglund]

@@ADudeAndHisWatches nice! yeah im really thinking about getting one of these divers or a breitling perhaps a bit older one.

[@ADudeAndHisWatches]

@@alfredenglund Breitling has some awesome designs for sure! For me, most of their newer ones that I like are kind of large...and kind of expensive :( Hope to luck into a vintage one of these days, though :)

[@watchfan6180]

Plastic parts in movement, not serviceable, looks nice however

[@ADudeAndHisWatches]

I have not seen the parts being plastic...Can you point me to a credible source that confirms that? I would love to know if there really are plastic bits in there. I would say there is absolutely no reason why these can't be serviced.

[@andreasmartinez2216]

no plastic...sounds like china plastic....its a high tech Polymer, we use in dental medicine...or carbon....

[@ADudeAndHisWatches]

@@andreasmartinez2216 Perfect! I am surprised I didn't notice those parts...Makes perfect sense to me, though. Having studied material science a bit, I can see where new materials can be quite superior to traditional materials. The true test will be if these things have problems getting serviced after years of use, or if those parts hold up as well. Thanks so much for the link!

[@andreasmartinez2216]

@@ADudeAndHisWatches even traditional ETAs can get fractured...happens if u modify basic movements .... isn't big thing and big money to change 2 polymer parts in a revision all 5 years in Powermatic 80....i checked the pricelist, it's around 150 euro servicing rate... greetings

[@DzejWiJV]

Man, people wearing two watches look so... 🤨🤦

[@alanwilson2073]

Although the dial says Swiss Made is the watch actually Made in China like Burberry watches?!?!?!

[@ADudeAndHisWatches]

Good question :) In this case they are actually swiss made. There are some folks who think parts of the ETA movements are made in China, but I don't believe that is the case (At least I haven't seen any evidence of it) You can, of course, get great knockoff movements from China, and they get better every year, but Certina has a long, proud history of making watches in Switzerland, so I doubt they are pulling any great shenanigan's. Either way, they do make a very good quality watch for the money :)

[@unboxer2487]

No definitely not made in Chuna. Powermatic 80 is an ETA movement. It is not made in China. There are fake ETA movements used in Fake Rolex watches but of course Certina will not use fake Chinese movements.

[@TheDawsonhousehold]

No definitely not made in Chy naa

[@jimkennedy7050]

they are swiss made and not china made. Cadisen is china made and is almost too good to be true, even has a few fakes trying to impersonate them. Fortunately no fake Certinas.