Introducing the new Certina DS Super PH500M

A dive watch with true vintage DNA, integrated with the brand’s innovative DS (Double Security) concept and promising an impressive 500-meter water resistance

Just think back to earlier this year when Certina surprised us with a more compact, robust and slightly retro-inspired version of the DS Action Diver watch – a 38mm all-purpose dive tool that, before then, was only available in a 43mm version. Also – the vibrant orange-dialled VDST version. Both supported the DS concept created by Certina experts back in 1959. A little on this first…

The Certina DS concept

The DS concept has housed over a thousand different faces over the past few decades. The initials stand for Double Security and were formulated by the watch manufacturer all those years ago as part of its vision to create a water-resistant and robust timepiece that was also incredibly affordable. The concept was first launched by the engineer, Philipp Kurth, who developed an innovative “floating movement”. Despite evolving over the last 6 decades, the ideals of the concept have remained unchanged, a little like Certina’s innovative approach to authentic watchmaking.

Seventy years after its birth, the brand inaugurated two new buildings that coincided with the formulation of the DS concept. The so-called “floating movement” combined values of robustness with water resistance. The movement was encased entirely in an elastic shock absorber ring that resembled the well-known O-rink gasket that is used in several dive watch designs today. It absorbed kinetic energy released from shock and vibration. A fine cushion of air was also held between the case and the dial enabling the movement to shift in all directions under impact.

In 1959 when Certina watches were integrated with the DS concept, they featured strong Plexiglass and a reinforced back, making them virtually inalterable.  The watches were also 200-meter water-resistant – no mean feat for a watch manufacturer during this era of watchmaking. Suffice to say, Certina certainly helped lead the direction of dive watches forward with its cutting-edge technology. Certina experts expanded its range of DS watches in future years, equipping these tools with bi-directional movements with centre second features and date functions. Ideal for every kind of scientific, sports or technical project, DS watches by Certina were put to the test and proved their resilience time and time again.

A historically important diver’s watch for Certina

Now Certina launches a dive watch that will certainly push even the most daring of dive enthusiasts out of their comfort zone. The new DS Super PH500M watch is a no-orange dial. This might seem a strange point to highlight but the fact that it features a black dial makes it much more of an everyday watch compared to its sister model released a little over a year ago.

Certina was a force to be reckoned with during the boom of the dive watch industry with rivals such a Rolex, DOXA and Omega. When Certina launched the original DS Super PH500M back in 1968 it boasted a 500-meter water resistance and has since served as an inspiration for the 2020 model. It also honoured the request of the VDST (Association of German Scuba Divers). This time, however, the vintage DNA of the original is really present, especially since it features an original black dial.

The new Certina DS Super PH500M watch comprises a large steel case topped with a black bezel and measures a confident 43mm diameter. The double-layer NATO strap in a matching black colour enhances the thickness of a 15mm case depth manufactured from 316L stainless steel. It sits pretty high on the wrist making it an incredibly fun tool watch to wear. Enhancing the “wearability” factor is the stunning black and white colour contrast afforded by the new Certina DS Super PH500M watch.  The hands and indexes have been made super easy to read (excuse the pun) thanks to a generous Super-LumiNova coating. There’s also a security lock that ensures the unidirectional rotating bezel of this watch can’t turn accidentally. Relatively short lugs give the watch a chunkier feel on the wrist, granted this is not a watch that feels small in any stretch of the imagination. The watch is topped with a sapphire crystal glass lens treated with anti-reflective technology, which protects the surface of the dive watch’s black sunburst finish.

The bold presence of the new Certina dive watch is matched by equally bold vintage-inspired hands powered by the Powermatic 80.611 Calibre. The self-winding movement, which sits inside a 500-meter water-resistant case, is capable of producing an 80-hour power reserve and features an anti-magnetic NivachronTM balance spring. The movement provides central seconds, minutes and hands, as well as a date function that can be referenced on the dial at 3 o’clock.

The back of the DS Super PH500M watch’s case is engraved with a turtle logo. Interestingly this is the only detail on the back of the case. The only reference to the model’s water resistance can be found on the dial. This version of the DS Super PH500M watch comes fitted on a NATO-style strap as opposed to the previous black rubber band. The unique textile is created through recycled plant waste, fished out from the sea.

For more information on the sporty dive tool, you can check out the full details of the new Certina DS Super PH500M watch here or call our sales team at Jura Watches on 01335 453453.

Technical specifications of the Certina DS Super PH500M watch

• Case: 43mm width – 12mm height – 500-meter water-resistant - 316L stainless steel – anti-reflective sapphire crystal glass front – turtle-engraved sealed caseback
• Dial: Black domed – sunburst finish – Super-LumiNova hands and indexes – date at 3 o’clock
• Movement; Automatic Powermatic 80.611 – 80-hour power reserve – self-winding - anti-magnetic NivachronTM balance spring – seconds, hours, minutes and date functions
• Strap; Black and grey - double-layered NATO strap – manufactured from recycled tide ocean material – stainless steel pin buckle
• Reference; C037.407.18.050.00
• Price: £770