It may be 2020, but vintage divers aren’t going anywhere. In fact, if Certina has its way with it, the trend isn’t going to slow down anytime soon. A great example of this is the DS Super PH500M Special Edition, which is one of the coolest divers of the year so far.
Every vintage-leaning watch needs a starting point, and for the DS Super PH500M, that point is a very special watch from 1969. The Tektite I experimented with is the stuff of science fiction, an underwater facility where researchers would advance the course of science. It’s extreme, it’s dangerous, and it requires great diving skills.
Fortunately, they were well-equipped, with a Certina DS-2 Super PH500M on each wrist. As the name suggests, this is the basis for Certina’s latest diver.
The main similarity is the orange color, a bright warning color that improves visibility underwater. It’s not the only vintage diver designed in the same way (see most of Doxa’s range), but it’s a striking touch to an otherwise restrained professional tool.
The 43mm stainless steel case features Certina’s trademark DS (Double Safety) system to maintain an astonishing 500m depth resistance, while the diving bezel is unidirectional by necessity; you don’t want to knock it the wrong way and run out of oxygen by underestimating how long you’ll be underwater. Finally, in addition to the orange colour, the dial’s hands and hour markers also have plenty of luminescent colour.
At the heart of the watch is the Powermatic 80 automatic movement with an 80-hour power reserve. Scary name aside, this is a reliable movement.
In short, the DS Super PH500M has everything a professional diver needs, thanks in part to Certina’s partnership with the Verband Deutscher Sporttaucher, the German Association of Sport Divers. If anyone wants to know what a diver needs, it’s them. In fact, if you happen to be a member of the group considering buying this watch, you can even get an extra set of NATO straps.
If you’re not, this is still an excellent diver at Certina’s typical price point, which is incredible. For just CHF 895, that’s just over £700.
Price and specs:
Model name: Certina DS Super PH500M Special Edition Model number: C037.407.17.280.10
Case/dial: 43mm diameter, stainless steel, unidirectional rotating bezel with pressure protection, screw-down case back with VDST engraved on it
Water resistance: 500m
Movement: ETA Powermatic 80.611, automatic with Nivachron TM balance spring
Power reserve: 80 hours
Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds, date
Strap: Black rubber strap with separate diver extension and pin buckle closure
VDST members receive two additional black NATO straps with Klett closure (regular and extra long)
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