Indeed, the DS Action Diver 38mm isn’t just a scaled-down model. Reduced in size, yes… but not reduced in capacities. Relying on the Double Security (DS) concept dear to the brand, it even complies with the demanding ISO 6425 standard for dive watches. The watch remains a proper diving instrument, with a 300m water-resistance, a screw-down crown and caseback, a unidirectional bezel. Compared to the 43mm version, the specifications have, however, not changed. Versatile, well balanced and suitable for most enthusiasts (and not only men), the watch sits greatly on the wrist, making it a nice option for a jump in the sea but also for daily life.
The main update concerning this new version of the Certina DS Action Diver is its reduced diameter, now with a fairly compact size of 38mm. But… it is still a DS Action Diver, performing in many aspects. Certina today adds something new to its collection, something more compact, which can be seen as a unisex offering with a bit of a retro feeling proportion-wise. But also a watch that some would call too large. Designed as a tool ready for action, its case measure 43mm in diameter and 13mm in height, making it a watch with presence. If old-school isn’t your thing, Certina has you covered too, with the DS Action Diver, a contemporary, technical and super-robust aquatic instrument that surprised us, being an accessible watch without concessions on the technical specifications or the quality. There are multiple dive watches in Certina’s collection, including the super-cool, vintage-inspired DS PH200M Blue we reviewed earlier this year. Only available until now in 43mm diameter with a modernly shaped bezel, the brand today adds a new, more compact and slightly more retro version of this watch, with the Certina DS Action Diver 38mm. Robust, fully-equipped and designed with a no-nonsense approach, it is a great all-purpose dive watch. A few months ago, we took a look at the Certina DS Action Diver Powermatic 80, a watch that impressed us for its quality, its mechanical content, its classic design and mostly, for its fair price.