Hands-on: Certina DS Action – two sporty new releases with color and attitude

Certina continues to develop its popular DS Action collection and now presents four new models with black cases and vibrant details. Eqotime has had the opportunity to take a closer look at two of the new arrivals: the DS Action Diver 38 mm with orange details and the DS Action Chrono with blue accents. Two sports watches with distinctly different characters, but with the same focus on functionality, durability, and modern design.

Text & photo: Andreas Johansson Weber

For a long time, Certina has built its brand around robust and functional watches, often with a clear connection to sports. The latest additions to the DS Action collection are no exception. This time, the inspiration comes from padel, a sport that Certina has been involved in since 2021.

The new models build on established designs but feature a significantly more pronounced visual expression. Black cases, dark dials, and contrasting color details give the watches an almost instrument-like character. It is also the color scheme that sets these new arrivals apart from the more traditional versions in the collection.

DS Action Diver 38 mm – a vibrant diving watch

The first model we took a closer look at is the DS Action Diver 38 mm, reference C048.807.33.051.02. Here, Certina has chosen a black PVD-coated stainless steel case combined with orange details on the bezel, seconds hand, and inner ring around the dial. The combination of black and orange is far from subtle, but it works well in this context. The orange elements break up the dark overall look and give the watch a distinctly sporty expression without dominating the entire design.

The case measures 38 mm in diameter and 13.2 mm in height. These are interesting proportions for a modern diving watch. The diameter makes the model relatively compact, while the height serves as a reminder that this is a fully equipped diving watch with a water resistance of 300 meters. One detail that deserves attention is the straps. The watch comes with a black DLC-coated steel bracelet, but an orange silicone strap is also included. This means that the character of the watch can be changed relatively easily. On the steel bracelet, the model takes on a more cohesive and dark expression, while the silicone strap enhances the orange details and makes the overall look significantly more vibrant.

The bezel has a matte ceramic insert, and the dial is protected by a domed sapphire crystal with an anti-reflective coating. The hands and hour markers are equipped with Super-LumiNova for readability in the dark. Inside is Certina's automatic Powermatic 80.611 with a Nivachron hairspring and a power reserve of up to 80 hours. The watch is also certified according to ISO 6425:2018, meaning it meets the requirements set for a genuine diving watch. The recommended price is 11,600 SEK.

DS Action Chrono – black with blue contrasts

The second model, the DS Action Chrono with reference C048.417.37.051.01, offers a different expression. This is a chronograph with a 42 mm case and a height of 13.8 mm, also made of stainless steel with a black PVD coating. Unlike the orange-colored Diver model, the details here are blue. The color appears on the dial markers and hands, creating a contrast with the otherwise almost entirely black watch.

It is a successful combination that gives the model a more understated color scheme than one might initially expect from a sports chronograph. The black case, the dark aluminum bezel, and the black rubber strap contribute to a consistent design language where the blue details provide the visual break. The dial is relatively detailed, with three smaller sub-dials, a date display between four and five o'clock, and the chronograph's various functions. Despite this, there is a clear structure in the design where the blue markings help create contrast.

Under the crystal, a Swiss quartz movement, the G10.212, operates, equipped with Certina's Precidrive technology. The chronograph offers, among other things, timekeeping with a 30-minute counter and measurement of tenths of a second. The choice of a quartz movement sets the model apart from the automatic Diver version, but at the same time fits well into the concept of a functional sports watch where precision and ease of use are prioritized. Here too, Certina offers a water resistance of 300 meters, a screw-down crown and pushers, and a domed sapphire crystal with an anti-reflective coating. The recommended price is 7,990 SEK.

Two different interpretations of the DS Action

What makes these two new arrivals interesting together is that Certina uses a common design language for two relatively different types of watches. The DS Action Diver 38 mm is aimed at those who appreciate a mechanical diving watch with classic functions but want a more modern and vibrant expression. The combination of a 38 mm case, ceramic bezel, Powermatic 80, and two straps makes it an interesting option in its price class. The DS Action Chrono, on the other hand, focuses on the chronograph's functions and a larger format. The blue color scheme against the black case gives the model its own identity, while the quartz movement contributes to a lower price.

Both share Certina's further developed DS Concept Extreme Shock Resistance, where the construction includes, among other things, a reinforced movement mounting and extra protection against impacts. Our impression after taking a closer look at the watches is that Certina has succeeded above all in giving the DS Action a more playful and challenging expression. It is not about inventing a new type of sports watch, but about further developing proven models with a clearer visual identity. And sometimes it is precisely the small changes in color and material that make a familiar model interesting again.

Technical specifications – Certina DS Action Diver 38 mm

• Reference: C048.807.33.051.02
• Case: Stainless steel with black PVD coating
• Diameter: 38 mm
• Thickness: 13.2 mm
• Movement: Automatic Powermatic 80.611 with Nivachron hairspring
• Power reserve: 80 hours
• Dial: Black with orange details and Super-LumiNova
• Bezel: Matte ceramic with orange markings
• Crystal: Domed sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating
• Water resistance: 300 meters (30 bar), ISO 6425:2018
• Strap: Black DLC-coated steel bracelet and orange silicone strap
• Other: DS Concept Extreme Shock Resistance
• Price: 11,600 SEK

Technical specifications – Certina DS Action Chrono

• Reference: C048.417.37.051.01
• Case: Stainless steel with black PVD coating
• Diameter: 42 mm
• Thickness: 13.8 mm
• Movement: Swiss quartz movement G10.212 with Precidrive technology
• Functions: Chronograph with 30-minute counter and 1/10-second measurement, small seconds hand, and date
• Dial: Black with blue details and Super-LumiNova
• Bezel: Black aluminum
• Crystal: Domed sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating
• Water resistance: 300 meters (30 bar)
• Strap: Black rubber strap
• Other: DS Concept Extreme Shock Resistance, screw-down crown, and pushers
• Price: 7,990 SEK