Under the helm of the Swatch Group, Certina is among the smaller-scale brands that are deemed less popular when put alongside the bigger names in the industry. However, for as long as it’s existed, the brand has been most known for their diving watches that are of impeccable quality. They’d been used by divers of the Royal Australian Navy and the US Navy, and for the latter, NASA particularly picked out the brand for the SEALAB II project. It only proves Certina’s authority when it comes to diving watches, and as if a reminder, the brand put under the spotlight the DS PH200M watch at Baselworld earlier this year which left every spectator in awe.
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Release Date: September 2018
Price when reviewed: US$735.00
Certina’s DSPH200M is a reissue of a 1967 model, which explains all the vintage references both in its design and technical features. It has a pretty minimalistic dial if not for the red accents in the crosshair detail and seconds hand, coated hour and minute hands, and painted indices, which aren’t far from what can be found in the original.
Specifications
- Diameter: 42.8mm
- Movement: Powermatic 80.111 Automatic
- Water Resistance: 200 meters
- Power Reserve: 80 hours
- Features: 3M Scotchgard anti-scratch coating, “Hesalite” (acrylic) crystal, “Double Security” (DS) for water resistance
Pros
Majority of the DS PH200M’s leverage over other models can be found underneath the solid dial, hinted at by the name itself. DS stands for Double Security, which ensures the movement is in its safest, even when the watch is subjected to a sudden impact, which is highly likely and unavoidable when it’s used by professionals. The DS feature can be seen on previous models by the brand as is the movement in previous watch models of other Swatch Group brands. Though vintage, it’s not indicative of old and scrappy quality when it comes to the movement but proves it’s worth something highly valuable to be improved and reused in this newer model.
The NATO strap is destined to be taken underwater but it can be switched out with a leather one for moments spent out of it. For what you’ll get in this watch, the price is the most impressive of all. As of this writing, it’s offered at $735, which makes it quite a steal especially for those looking at basic water resistance and anti-shock quality as deal breakers for a watch because those are what Certina delivers with the DS PH200M.
Cons
If you ever happen to decide on getting this watch, narrowing down your choices to this one may not be the end of the struggle. Acquiring it poses another challenge because the shuffling of the Swatch Group brands left out Certina from reaching US terrain.
Image credit: hodinkee
