It Took A Long Time! Certina PH500M

[@kbeightyseven]

The powermatic 80 can be serviced just fine, mine was done this year, which cost £150, apparently its an easier to service movement as its made in 'modules' and worn parts 'modules' can be swapped or replaced easily. Not only that but has advanced features that usually only found in high horology, free sprung balance. Silicon hairspring

[@80sju]

Finally a Certina! I love the brand and have owned several of them. That Powermatic 80 movement however... I tried to get it serviced at an AD and they told me they wouldn't (couldn't) service it and and would instead send the watch in to the Swatch group to have the movement replaced. Cost: About the equivalent of 400 USD. I went to another AD and got the same answer. Finally an independent watchmaker said he could do a basic service (for a basic price) but I was out of luck if any parts needed replacing as the Swatch group didn't sell or supplied any. And this was in a nordic country where Certina is one of the best selling brands. I still love Certina watches but will not get another one with the Powermatic 80 movement since the Swatch group have made them basically disposable, from here on out it's quartz or older stuff with the basic ETA 2824 for me.

[@WillSavage]

I would say that is probably more typical of the C07.111 variation. Can I ask which watch you wanted to get serviced? There are several variations of the powermatic 80 and only 1 or 2 variations typically have this issue. The version in the Tissot PRX being the prime culprit.

[@LeonardoGomesTravi]

I'm completely in love with Certina. Their designs, high quality pieces, fair prices, all the history behind! They are unbeatable when compared to any other entry level Swiss brands! Bravo, Certina. Long life to you! 👏🏻👏🏻

[@SingleTrackMined]

Certina is my favorite company. They make awesome watches in just about every category. Good on you for reviewing one. Cheers!

[@thadeusbaggins9967]

Yes! My PH200m is by far my most expensive watch (I'm a miser), yet despite spending nearly a grand on it with the Staib mesh I slapped on it, I still feel like I got a great deal. Worth every penny. My first was a DS Podium I bought to wear for my brother's wedding. Just terrific value, top to bottom.

[@wade3371]

Happy 1000th Jody!

[@Keanu034]

Finaly! My father passed away 3 years ago, and he wore a certina chronograph for as long as i remember. It got passed on to me, and I love it to bits. I have been thinking about getting my own Certina to pass on to my own son someday, so I am so happy you're reviewing one i was looking at!

[@McBlessings]

I never heard of Certina until I was given my late grandfather 1960s certina auto, now fully serviced it has not skipped a beat n is my daily/ favourite watch my collection ❤ Good to see Certina getting some air time on Jody’s show!

[@lesbolstad]

It's about time. Really nice watches. Underrated

[@jrgdrumsandwatches]

I had several Certina watches serviced with the Powermatic movement, same as they would a 2824-2. This is my favorite diver. It's so well put together, feels like a tank. The thickness isn't really an issue for me. Certina also makes absolute rubust watches thanks to their DS concept. Great brand, some of the best value for money watches out there. Trust me I'm collecting their watches for over 20 years now 😉 also my grandfather worked for Certina in the 1950-60's before he joined Ebauches SA (ETA today). Big thanks Jody for this review!

[@ericurquidi7755]

Since you are a collector, maybe you can clarify something Jody said about the meaning of "DS" (E.g: Double Secure/Safe)? He mentioned it being related to their "Water and Shock Resistance." However, I bought my Quartz "DS" Diver because I have a bad habit of damaging watches by forgetting to screw-in the crown prior to water exposure. My research showed that the Certina DS watches are unique in how they are built to still be water-resistant with the crown out & unscrewed (Something to do with the stem having a very unique design with multiple O-rings)? Hence, the "Double-Safe" design? Case-in-point, I found my Certina's crown unscrewed while submerged several weeks ago, and it has functioned perfectly regardless ever since...but maybe this is all watches at this price-point?

[@jrgdrumsandwatches]

@@ericurquidi7755 The double O-rings on the stem are standard with Certina since they introduced the first DS in the 1950's. Originally in addition to the stem the gaskets for the case back are thicker and the movement is protected by a thick rubber shock absorber, kind of what G-skock did with their modules 30 years later. Today it depends on the models, the reissued divers for example still use that movement protection. In any case the watches are made to be very robust. Regarding other brands with screw down crown most of them are only water resistant if the crown is screwed down. I heard from other people that got their watch submerged with it unscrewed and all had water damage. Even my friend with his Submariner 😉

[@unixnerd23]

The other thing with DS was the rubber shock absorber around the movement. You'll see it here kzbin.info/www/bejne/an7WY4mLfKmjmNk @@ericurquidi7755

[@drdesign6886]

If the thickness and over engineering is too much you can always get the much more wearable ph200m. Like doxa, Certina have you covered if you are more interested in a desk diver with the looks than a pure tool. I love when brands have multiple offerings like this.

[@thadeusbaggins9967]

My blue/gold ph200m is my favorite watch. Such a terrific piece.

[@kresimirpleic]

5:34 Jody, there are NO questionmarks about the servicability of the Powermatic 80 movement. The movement can be serviced perfectly - fullstop.

[@frankbcn2223]

I like Certina and their original designs. I have three, wearing my DS Chronograph the most

[@TheGrenadier97]

Certina feels quite underrated. They have a nice 38mm diver that is the definition of basic elegance design-wise.

[@lefteris426]

Huge fan of certina here, great choice on the ph500m, my favourite is the ds2, looks like a dress watch but is tough as a tank

[@spicydragon3881]

I have 4 Certinas. My first is a vintage (1950s) hand wind that was given to my father when he was 13. I love them, look good, well made and I have not had any problems (thus far). I have a Certified Chrono and it has never run out of spec. I think Certina is overlooked far to often, I'm glad you are given them a bit of attention. P.S. Are you finding you are looking at watches you review differently now that you've designed/produced your own?

[@jrgdrumsandwatches]

My favorite brand with my favorite diver on Jody's channel! I'm happy for now 😄

[@Barbecuejag]

One of my feel good watch purchases early this year has been the Certina DS-2 Turtle Conservancy Titanium C024.607.48.051.10. Such a good looking and awesome wearing watch. I have been super impressed by its quality and accuracy. I've frequently recommended to friends who are in the market for something different to consider Certina. Nice video Jody! By the way, I just attended Wind Up Warch Fair in NY and many of the owners and attendees had great things to say about you and your upcoming launch when we spoke about it!

[@randynovick7972]

Well, Well, Well... so you're finally getting around to Certina, are ye? Riiiight. Who says that we want you in the club, then? [crickets] Well, okay, welcome to the club. We've been waiting for you for what seems like forever. Nice to have you! Tea and biscuits on the table. Your chair's just over here. [fluffs cushion, points] Right there, then. So, have you seen the DS action series, then? No? Oh, well, take your time. Vintage more your style? No? You'll get around to it. Here, let's warm up that tea. Another biscuit?

[@sanshammanchanda4328]

The effort 💯

[@ManoloVintage]

That Nato is incredible! I wear mine on a two-piece strap, and it wears much thinner and sinks into the wrist. It also wears smaller like a 41-42mm. This watch would make sense if made in titanium. I love the unique case design and bezel. If you smash the crystal, you can use a wrench on the hexagonal part to remove the crystal and replace it. It's so interesting and different from other divers. It's a real tool.

[@jaysterling26]

I hot a 38 DS this year ( sadly not the 2 tone). The movement does mean sending to an apporoved service centre or to Certina in your country ( I've found both close to me in UK ( lucky me!)). The full service cost is partial:£40; full service £160. This may seem costly but my local independent watch chap is not much cheaper & and takes months, so it's not bad. The lume is goid enough on mine ( iso as well) , it wears light on a strap & is 6 seconds fast. I also enjoy how the bezel numbers have been borrowed from a stablemate so I can pretend I've got a Bond watch ( oh dear..).

[@trailrunnermike]

Just a one small correction. The Tektite I module underwater experiments did start in January 1969, however they were not done in the Pacific Ocean. The module was installed in a bay of the island of St. John in the US Virgin Islands.

[@NoblesTx]

I just placed an order yesterday for a 2020 model of the ds 200m. I’m excited for its delivery

[@antalmrena1619]

In my opinion, it wears great on your wrist mate 👌 Wears better than 80% of watches I saw you reviewed.

[@TheDesius]

I like how a lot of their quartz watches are cosc certified. So even their "cheap" and "simple" watches are still pretty cool. I feel they are a big step up from Tissot

[@krzysztofkolodziejczyk4335]

they are not. quality wise it's same exact thing.

[@kresimirpleic]

Agreed. They are DEFINITELY not a step up from Tissot or Hamilton. Especially not since they share the same movement - a butchered ETA. They all make the exact same watches.

[@TheDesius]

@@kresimirpleic the same movement doesn't make it the same watch. If I put a Rolex movement in a Tissot it doesn't make it the same as a Rolex. My point was that Certina makes a lot of cosc watches which is something they didn't need to do any only watch enthousiasts care about so that shows that Certina cares more about the small details. I like Tissot but they just try to produce their watches as simple and cheaply as possible

[@paulc9588]

Yes, Certina is a notch above Tissot in my experience. The build, finish and attention to detail are that bit better and unlike Tissot you do not seem to get flaws in the way designs are executed. Tissot is OK and I currently have 5 in my collection . . . but it is something of a crowd pleaser brand and the whole often feels like less than the sum of the parts somehow.

[@FloridaGator-ux5hk]

Certina is definitely a significant step up from Tissot. On par with Hamilton, if not better.

[@RobbC.]

I have several Certina's, love them. In particular the kits that they do, where you can swap out the face, case and obviously straps to make several combinations of watches from 1 set. Great idea. This PH500M is on my list :)

[@stefpix]

Great looking dial. NATO strap can become a thinner strap by cutting the extra double pass fabric. Then the watch can be centered on the strap and the fastened buckle be on the bottom of the wrist, without the ugly bunching on the side of the wrist. For such a thick diver, I would prefer a blasted or brushed finish,

[@andreasthoms5350]

My first Certina was a vintage DS with the turtle on the back , the second a Labora .The vintage have Omega-quality Certina movements !😍😍

[@turradi1126]

Amazing watch and I am blessed to own one. I'm happy to see you joining the Certina fans.

[@chriswatchreviews4752]

I own 2 Certinas, and I love them both. Unbelievable value for a great swiss brand. Actually wearing one of them this morning, also, purchased both of them from Jomashop at ridiculous prices

[@yosefkashani9470]

I bought the Tissot Chemin Des Tourelles Powermatic 80 GMT, (after seeing you mention it in a video Jody), and at least for me, it has run better than any automatic I have ever owned. Absolutely insane!!!

[@Keanu034]

I definitely think Jodie should review the DS Action Diver series. Their 38mm series looks like an amazing small diver, and I'd love to get his view on it.

[@martinjones5560]

Bought my first Certina last year a DS Action Day Date. A touch too big for my 6.5” wrist but it makes an excellent daily. It’s hardly ever off my wrist.

[@Jacked153]

I recently purchased my first Certina watch. The relatively new DS Action Diver 38mm in titanium. I personally think it's a great watch and even better value it looks great and comes on a bracelet all for approx 1K USD.

[@unixnerd23]

That 38 in titanium is amazing. Very tempted to make it Certina #11!

[@brentforbush9237]

I love Certina. Lots of compliments on my DS Action diver. Older version..

[@unixnerd23]

This is one of my TEN Certinas! I'm shocked at how well it wears on a smaller wrist. The astronauts in Gerry Anderson's 1969 UFO series wore them. In fact many of the cast had Certinas. You should review the 38mm titanium diver or the 43. DS-2 has just been re-issued based on the original and looks great.

[@Africoz2]

About time you joined the Certina party mate! I have the blue Sea Turtle Conservancy edition of the PH500M, which blows the black version out of the water in the looks department with its orange minute hand and DS logo, and yeah, it's a big boi! Agree re the supplied NATO, Certina's version are the best I've found so far.

[@I_am_AM]

Hey Jody, Thanks for the great video. Just three little additions: * This Certina is also available in blue with orange accents * I'm wearing it on a blue tropic rubber and that's a complete game changer ;) It wears so much better and takes off a lot of bulk. * There is a really nice Zuludiver BoR bracelet with fitting, curved endings that looks really, really nice on it. Cheers

[@erikknudsen2971]

A welcome departure from San martin, pagani, etc. Love this watch! Great video, Jody. I liked the brief history lesson and your commentary and footage are top notch as always.

[@nathanaelsmith3553]

I bought my mum a vintage Certina for her birthday. This one looks solid and legit. I swap my NATOs out for elasticated single pass straps because they are lower profile and super comfy.

[@andrewmurton8379]

Glad you finally got round to Certina, when I started my watch collecting odyssey two of my first watches were DS Action’s the first one in blue and stainless steel, I love the vibrant colour abut it’s a big watch and therefore a heavyweight, my second was titanium in grey and whilst it didn’t the beauty of the blue one it wore better owing to it being so much lighter. I look forward to other Certina’s on your channel in due course.

[@paredair]

Huzzah! A Certina kicked off my watch habit; the first ‘serious’ watch I bought 😊

[@Matty9003]

A really really nice watch to be fair. Reminds me a lot of my doxa sub200. Although i wish the bloody lug width was 20mm on my doxa 😡ahhh well. Thanks for sharing Jody, it really is a beauty v

[@WestCoastAce27]

Great review. 1 more moan - the gigantic ‘DS’ on the dial - smaller and orange or red to break up the wht/blk.

[@mehditalib]

I have a certina from the husband of my grandmothers sister ! It is from 1956 and still works but not very reliable! I like it and gives me every time a smile when I see it in my box! Slept on brand !

[@alexanderdylanthomas1891]

Great Review! The blue DS Action diver in 38mm has certainly tempted me in the past, I'd love to see your take in the future!

[@PhilbyFavourites]

That’s a thick old bus on the wrist! Lumpy case back and double thick NATO means no matter how ruffty tuffty the watch is you will surely batter it against anything you swing your arm past. Great in depth review. How about the 38mm DS Action Diver??

[@bobmctague3713]

I have a DS PH200M and my wife has a Certina dress watch with an abalone dial. Both are very nice, reliable watches. Got both from Jomashop.

[@vincesacca5025]

That is a nice looking watch. I like that lock down bezel feature. Good review as usual.

[@thadeusbaggins9967]

Thrilled that you're finally into this brand; I've even considered messaging you to convince you to check them out. I bought a ph200m about a year ago (the blue/gold one) and it is easily my favorite watch. It's so nice that I didn't even think twice about buying a Staib mesh bracelet for it -- which cost more than most of my other watches!

[@Uniongamers]

I'm a massive Certina fan. Welcome to the club Jodie!

[@janstenstrom7986]

The Certina DS that my wife gave me for christmas some 10 years ago, got me intrested to this hobby!

[@markoni5616]

The certina ds 2 powermatic 80 is a great tough field watch. Vintage vibes and a great curved sapphire crystal.

[@W_H_K]

I have the PH200M and I’ve been wearing it almost daily for about 3 years. Lume is great. Accuracy is around +3 seconds a day. The buckle logo is also painted. It’s a great watch, accurate, light, and not expensive.

[@antonharefield8341]

Hi Jody, Hope all is well with you and your family considering the awful weather in Scotland at the moment, take care on those roads. My watch collection ranges from Duros to BB58, but I must say, (aside from my Tudor of course), my favourite watches are my Certina DS Diver 43 in green and my DS Diver 38 Titanium. The 43mm is more accurate than my BB58 and the titanium is just sublime. Great if you could do a review of one of these to see if you agree. As for needing 500m of water resistance, I sea fish and have had water ingress with two 200m watches when caught out by a breaking wave, (St. Abbs Head), so it's not always depth that matters it's the force of the water.

[@jonathanstamp]

Love St Abbs

[@Miginath]

I think part of the issue is that Swatch has given no profile to the brand in Australia and there are no ADs. Same thing here in Canada. Even the U.S. has spare pickings but it appears that Teddy B. now carries some models. I kinda get it as the brand is head to head with Tissot which has massive presence in North America and Australia. It's too bad as I really like their watches bit they are hard to come by locally.

[@MrPleers]

Here in the Netherlands there aren't many Certina's either. The brand just isn't popular for some reason.

[@johns997.1]

Love the Irn-Bru shirt!

[@JasonTheWatchGuy]

Really nice looking watch and with the Powermatic option there, it's actually a good option in terms of value. Another brand I have on my hit list, need to get a Certina in for review

[@garycasey4488]

I love the classic diver styling. It's crying out for a tropic or sailcloth strap

[@meirberkovitz4820]

Hi, The reason I like Natto Straps are 1. I tend to sweat ( Israely heat) under the back plate and the strap made if a breathing cloth isolate the back plate from my skin. 2. I have a small diameter wrist and the strap added some volume to the way a big watch wears in my wrist. Actualy it set the wrist diameter larger.

[@RexApplegate]

Nato straps have only 1 solid advantage that im aware of- retention of the watch if a spring bar breaks. Definitely a nice feature on a legit tool watch.

[@scottbeckett4190]

I like it! Great review and finally a good looking nato. I would actually buy one of these for all the positives and you certainly wouldn’t see too many others wearing one. Keep those Certina reviews coming!!

[@manuelk7521]

Finaly! Like I told you two years ago you should have a look at the Certina DS Action diver 38mm.

[@EmmetFardy]

Absolutely love Certina. Have the DS-1 and DS Action Diver. Both fantastic watches.

[@tiagodvt]

I own the DS Action Diver 38mm in green. Absolutely love it. Iso rated to 300m with a 38mm case...I think it might be the only one in the world.

[@ironichumorist]

i like the looks of a lot of their pieces. this one is not the model i would have chosen for myself but it is nice. they incorporate a fantastic high visibility green color in several of their models which i really like.

[@frankdux5693]

I fancy the two tone action diver. About £800. It'll have to wait though cos I'm not buying any new watches until I get my oyster perpetual 36.

[@ExpeditedProductions]

One of my favorite brands! The DS Action Diver is a spec monster and is fantastic!

[@marcgoulding5230]

It's great-looking. In the same way as Sinn and Damasko - though I realize Certina has been around longer. It's that monochrome color-scheme with the chunkiness of the hands and indices. I definitely dig it.

[@glennpettersson9002]

I have eyed off Certina but I wonder if they're a Tissot in turtles clothing. They do have some eye catching designs. Thanks for the review👍

[@phillipdavis3053]

Good looking watch.. Wish there was some more color variations. Like a certain new microbrand I've recently seen...

[@blaketaylor9317]

Actually a really great brand. A really cool watch you could review is the Certina DS First Ceramic Chronograph. It's a quartz chrono but built like a tank, affordable, and has a really cool 27 jewel high torque ETA quartz chrono movement inside. Really cool piece, imo.

[@theshadowman1398]

You should really try out several mido models. Brilliant watches

[@K0MBIAN]

Had to reach for the watch box before watching this one. I took off my beater Seiko 5 and put on my Certina DS Multi-8. Welcome to the club, Jody. I promise you it won't be your last Certina.

[@gregalonzo747]

I have this model and I like it very much. I also get a lot of compliments on it. However, I like sailcloth and I wear mine on an Artem strap.

[@GinkgoJoe]

NATOs do bring one thing to the table: security. If a spring bar fails the watch will still be on your wrist. (Doesn't happen often, but it has happened to me -- sadly on a bracelet, sending the watch to the floor.) Beauty watch and great review!

[@JJ-ic6pn]

Got a fine looking Certina DS Podium Precidrive Chrono on black leather with red stitching. Superb panda chrono

[@JohnBuckmaster-sw3wm]

Doing something different and taking my time ordering the next watch. Other than two of yours, Jody, I haven’t ordered anything in the past few months… I think this is going to be the one as I do not own us, or Tina for the fancy one for a number of years.. . I like NATO’s just fine however, I don’t like it to be my only option. This one will probably find its way to a sail cloth strap.! Thanks for the great review

[@AndyinMokum]

I'm wearing my Certina Urban DS-8 Moon Phase Chronograph on a brown crocodilised calves' leather strap. It's powered by the superb ETA PreciDrive quartz movement. This is accurate to ± 10sec/year and is up to COSC standards. It's a well-made and very elegant watch. I've my eye on the DS Super PH500M in orange. It's very tasty! Certina punch way above their price tag.

[@jaysteels]

Certina is probably my favourite brand (even being a Grand Seiko owner...!) and I've had a couple. The PH200M is amazing, and the DS-2 was an unbeatable daily watch (Retro goodness and 200 meters of water resistance without being a diver!), and I now have the 1968 chronograph. I would be interested to see what Jody has to say about the DS Action 38mm, which in my mind would be the PERFECT watch for someone getting into watches.

[@hattyfarbuckle]

Looks great from directly above and i like the recessed "winder" but from the side view it looks like it had 3 different designers working on the case , bezel and glass. I actually have a 18mm thick "diver" and wear it a lot because the case and glass are a smooth flow and its probably only 16mm "thin" at the edges ... oh and its 1000m , so only 900 more than I need.

[@Tactsu142]

The purpose of the NATO strap is practical. If one spring bar breaks, the watch won't go flying off your wrist. You have a second chance!

[@hodko37]

I've purchased the orange dial version recently. I couldn't call it a 'daily' but still a really nice watch. Thanks for the review

[@512bb]

"MADE IN SCOTTLAND", home of the legendary Linn LP12 & Tannoy...now how cool is that my friend!

[@gynechiatrist]

Certina has been going strong for years. Worked with several Scandinavian physicians who loved fishing in the Gulf of Mexico with me. All wore Certina divers. And I was rocking a Seiko. Circa 1990.

[@c.s2001]

Yes, the Cortina, made by the famous Ford watch Company. Slightly thicker and heavier than the Certina though.

[@_RJ_Z]

Just got Certinas new 38mm DS Action in Titanium, and i love that watch so much. Lume isnt all that great and the buckle is bad, but the watch is fantastic!

[@danielleclare2938]

Very cool watch and the Nato strap looks good I do not ever like those but that one is the best I have seen. Thanks for the show.

[@Olddirtytiger]

I only have one Certina the DS4 small seconds automatic with white wave dial.. good quality solid watch.... the deep blue mother of pearl diver looks nice too

[@vaclav_fejt]

It looks great. It reminds me of the classic Omega Seamaster Diver and Rolex Milsub. I'd go with a PH200M personally, it's much more wearable.

[@OriginalBreezy]

That's a great looking watch. I havexavgreen dual DS2 Precidrive chrono and I love it. My favourite weekend watch.

[@stevehenrytagami4709]

I like the look , not the lump but will keep my eye out on more Certinas. I would like a bracelet though

[@Karl-hx6sw]

I'd like to see a review of Certina's DS+ modular system. It looks like quite an interesting concept.

[@fedomandez]

I have only a certina. A diapason model from 70s. It's a great and historic brand

[@lkdenve]

1000 videos and a Certina. Seems momentous. Congratulations! I don’t live Swatch personally, but I enjoy your videos. Thank you for the great content!

[@Nylatt]

I have had my eye on the DS-1 big date for a while. They have a special edition in green that is right up your alley btw. Mido os really worth a gander too. I know you have expressed disinterest before. But their Belluna and Baroncelli have some nice options.

[@jrgdrumsandwatches]

I own the blue dial DS-1 big date, absolute beauty. Love the green one as well. They're very well made and you get 100m with it's rather dressy design. Actually all Certinas have at least 100m wr, another reason I love this brand 😀🐢👍

[@islandterror5198]

I recommend the DS4-small seconds and DS Podium gmt chronometer in titanium !

[@jamesdobson5022]

I have always liked Certina watches. Great looking, great spec and not overpriced !!! So why have I not bought one ??? Most recent reason is because of some upstart company called Erebus !!!

[@johnmonachelli5256]

You picked the best looking certina imo

[@rickj8859]

I have bought 4 Certina (two 300m divers) watches in last 3 months. The accuracy of all 4 watches is bearable in 3 positions that Certina factory tests them in. The 3 positions, including the 3H (crown up) that Certina doesn't test their watches in (and UK service refuses to adjust them at) .... were atrocious, with beat error around 3.0 milliseconds. Their watches look nice .... but that Powermatic 80 movement is rubbish. It is so fiddly to adjust, that most watchmakers refuse to service it. And you were right about snow / echo.

[@DavidMorley]

I love older Certina watches. Bargains on the used market. Would love one of these but just too big.

[@cartoonpete407]

The bezel mechanism is similar to the one on my Revue Thommen Seamark.

[@zachshea]

The 38mm Certina DS action diver in steel or titanium is another great one