Certina's latest addition to its DS Action Diver collection, the DS Super PH2000M Sea Turtle Conservancy (STC) edition, is a remarkable dive watch that combines robust specifications, a noble cause, and a modern design. This watch is a testament to Certina's commitment to both safety and sustainability, building upon the brand's long-standing legacy in shock and water resistance, as well as its partnership with the Sea Turtle Conservancy. The DS Super PH2000M STC is not just a timepiece; it's a statement of responsibility and innovation, pushing the boundaries of what a dive watch can be.
One of the most striking aspects of this watch is its size and material choice. At 43mm in diameter and 16mm in height, it's a substantial timepiece, but the use of grade 2 titanium significantly reduces its weight, making it surprisingly comfortable to wear. This combination of size and material is a bold move, and it pays off, creating a watch that is both visually striking and physically impressive. The unidirectional rotating bezel with a polished black ceramic insert and a teal-blue 60-minute graduation adds a touch of elegance and functionality, while the helium escape valve and sapphire crystal ensure the watch's durability and water resistance to an impressive 2,000 meters.
The dial of the DS Super PH2000M STC is a work of art in itself. The punchy teal-blue gradient dial with a sunray brushed finish and a subtle gradient effect is both visually appealing and highly legible. The applied markers and hands with Super-LumiNova ensure that the watch is readable in any lighting conditions, and the lollipop central seconds hand adds a touch of retro charm. The bevelled date window and the applied logo and name further enhance the watch's aesthetic appeal. For those who prefer a different look, Certina offers three non-limited editions with black, white, and yellow dials, each with its own unique bezel color.
Under the hood, the DS Super PH2000M STC is powered by the Powermatic 80.611 movement, an excellent and reliable automatic movement based on the ETA 2824 architecture. With a lower frequency and a reworked gear train, it achieves an impressive 80 hours of power reserve, ensuring that the watch keeps accurate time for several days without needing to be wound. The Nivachron hairspring combats magnetism, further enhancing the movement's reliability. The solid grade 2 titanium caseback, adorned with the Sea Turtle Conservancy's logo, serves as a reminder of the watch's environmental mission.
The DS Super PH2000M STC comes on a variety of straps and bracelets, each offering a unique look and feel. The STC edition features a multi-link titanium bracelet with a folding clasp and an integrated wetsuit extension, providing 15mm of on-the-fly adjustability. For those who prefer a more casual look, there's a teal-blue silicone strap with a folding clasp, and for a touch of retro style, a striped NATO-style strap is also available. The price of CHF 1,235 is fair for the specifications and the cause it supports, and the limited edition of 1,959 pieces ties the watch to the year of the Sea Turtle Conservancy's founding and Certina's Double Security system introduction.
In conclusion, the Certina DS Super PH2000M Sea Turtle Conservancy edition is a remarkable dive watch that goes beyond its technical specifications. It's a statement of responsibility, innovation, and style, pushing the boundaries of what a dive watch can be. With its robust build, modern design, and support for a noble cause, it's a timepiece that deserves a place in any serious diver's collection. Personally, I think it's a testament to Certina's commitment to both safety and sustainability, and it's a watch that I would be proud to wear and recommend to others.
