Since the late 1950s and the introduction of the DS concept (in 1959, to be exact), Certina, as noted by the brand's CEO, has been dedicated to offering reliable watches for an active lifestyle. Looking at the brand's latest releases, this is indeed pleasing. Certina is also one of Swatch Group's entry-level brands, meaning high quality and many cool features. Following some of our favorite affordable diver's watches of the year, the DS Action Diver 38mm, the brand presents a new bolder and more robust model for underwater diving, the Certina DS Super PH500M. First introduced in a striking orange color, this model is now available in a more sensible yet no less performance-oriented black color.
The DS Super PH500M model is not something unusual; it actually draws inspiration from a historical model of the 1960s that participated in the Tektite I and Tektite II experiments of 1969. Back then, already a strong, powerful diver's watch with 500m water resistance (more than most diver's watches of that time), it was well recognized for its 14-sided rotating bezel - the so-called tetradecagon - and its locking device. Additionally, the dial featured sword hands and large rectangular hour markers... all elements that are once again used in the creation of the modern PH500M model.
The new Certina DS Super PH500M watch is not quite a vintage re-edition of the historical model. It is a modern interpretation using some distinctive elements of the old watch to create a cool and recognizable look with a hint of retro. Initially released with a bright and very bold orange dial, the brand decided to add this black version to the collection, presenting something lighter for everyday wear, more consensual, yet still very powerful.
The Super PH500M's stainless steel case, fully polished, measures 43mm in diameter with a height of about 15mm. This, of course, makes the watch quite imposing at first glance, but short lugs ensure greater comfort than expected. In the overall design, despite modernization, elements of the old watch have reappeared, such as the four-sided unidirectional bezel with a black aluminum insert, which is still equipped with a "push-to-turn" locking device to prevent accidental bezel rotation. The case also retains the brand's prized double protection (DS) technology - essentially, an O-ring between the case and movement provides shock resistance.
The remaining features only confirm what the design suggests. The Certina DS Super PH500M watch is equipped with a screw-down crown and case back, anti-reflective sapphire crystal, and has a water resistance of 500 meters. Moreover, these watches are certified according to ISO 6425 standards. Strength and quality are the first words that come to mind, but they also create the feel of a cool diver.
The main novelty this year is the addition of this black dial version. The original DS-2 Super PH500M model from the 1960s was released in two versions, both with black dials, one with orange accents, the other completely monochrome. Certina pays homage to the latter by offering a domed and subtly sunburst black dial paired with white markers and hands. Otherwise, all the elements of the orange version - sword hands, crosshair, framed date window, large markers - have been re-added, allowing the watch to retain its contrast and effective indication.
Beneath the case back lies the new Swatch Group standard movement, the renowned Powermatic 80, an evolution of the classic ETA 2824, with an increased power reserve of 80 hours, reduced frequency of 3 Hz, and, in this case, an anti-magnetic Nivachron hairspring. All these elements give a competitive edge to the new DS Super PH500M watch.
Unlike the orange version, which is worn on a black accordion-style rubber strap, this black version of the DS Super PH500M is worn on a black-and-gray NATO-style strap made from #tide ocean material - a textile made from recycled plastic waste collected from the oceans. It closes with a steel pin buckle.
AVAILABILITY AND PRICE
The Certina DS Super PH500M Black dial watch (ref. C037.407.18.050.00) is already available at retail for 860 Swiss Francs. The watch can also be ordered online at www.certina.com, but sales are not available in all markets.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS - CERTINA DS SUPER PH500M
Case: diameter 43mm x height 15mm - stainless steel, polished - four-sided unidirectional bezel with locking system (push to unlock), with 60-minute aluminum insert - screw-down crown and case back - sapphire crystal with AR coating - water resistance 500m - ISO 6425 certified
Dial: black dial with white Super-LumiNova markers - polished hands with Super-LumiNova
Movement: caliber Powermatic 80.611 - automatic - 21,600 vibrations/hour - 80h power reserve - Nivachron anti-magnetic hairspring - hours, minutes, seconds, and date
Strap: black-gray NATO-style strap made from #tide ocean material (textile from recycled plastic) - steel pin buckle
Reference: C037.407.18.050.00
Price: 860 CHF