Launched at the height of summer, the new DS Action Diver Chrono from Certina evokes a sense of vacation. The sand-colored dial, combined with the unmistakable features of a diver’s watch and a fabric strap in fresh colors that match the case, seem to be made for long days at the beach. Meeting the rigorous demands of a diver’s watch, the newcomer is water-resistant to 300 meters and complies with the ISO 6425 standard.

Its dial is easy to read thanks to its layout with large hour markers, a triangular marker at 12 o’clock and clearly distinguishable hands, as well as the anti-reflective sapphire crystal that extends over the dial. Since the hands, hour markers and zero marker on the ceramic bezel insert are extensively coated with Superluminova emitting a blue glow, the watch can also be read under water and in other low-light environments.
Like the 44.6mm DS case (DS stands for Certina’s Double Security Concept first implemented in 1959), the unidirectional bezel is made of 316L stainless steel.

The watch’s underwater qualities are complemented by its chronograph function. This is made possible by the ETA A05.231 automatic movement with a power reserve of 68 hours and a silicon balance spring. To ensure water-resistance, the chronograph pushers are screwed down, as are the case-back and crown, engraved with the Certina turtle; the latter is also protected by a sideguard.

The black-grey-gold look of the case, dial...