Certina DS Super PH1000M: an automatic dive watch water-resistant to 1,000 metres
The Certina DS Super PH1000M, reference C024.907.18.051.00, is a Swiss mechanical dive watch designed to offer water resistance of up to 1,000 metres. It combines a 43.5 mm stainless steel case, a Powermatic 80 automatic movement and a unidirectional rotating bezel. With its black dial, relatively substantial dimensions and reinforced construction, this model belongs to the category of technical dive watches. It prioritises functional features while retaining an aesthetic inspired by traditional diving instruments. It is available from €1,035.
A stainless steel case designed for diving
The Certina DS Super PH1000M features a 316L stainless steel case measuring 43.5 mm in diameter and 14.15 mm thick. Its lug-to-lug length is 47.98 mm, while the lug width is 20 mm. These dimensions place the watch among larger dive watch models. Its diameter and thickness may affect wearing comfort, depending on the size of the wearer's wrist. The stated water resistance is 100 bar, equivalent to 1,000 metres. This specification is one of the model's main distinguishing features. The watch also incorporates Certina's DS (Double Security) concept. This system relies on several design elements, including sealing gaskets, a sapphire crystal and a reinforced case back. The sapphire crystal features an anti-reflective coating on one side, intended to improve dial readability.
A black dial and unidirectional rotating bezel
This version of the DS Super PH1000M features a black dial with hour markers designed to remain legible in low-light conditions. The hands, hour markers and bezel feature Super-LumiNova, a photoluminescent material that gradually releases previously absorbed light. The unidirectional rotating bezel allows the wearer to track elapsed time, a function traditionally associated with dive watches. Its construction combines stainless steel and aluminium. A date window completes the display. The overall design focuses on the quick reading of essential information rather than incorporating multiple watch complications.
The Powermatic 80 automatic movement
The Certina DS Super PH1000M is powered by the Powermatic 80.611 automatic calibre, a Swiss mechanical movement belonging to the Powermatic 80 family. Its main characteristic is a stated power reserve of up to 80 hours. Once fully wound, the watch can therefore continue running for more than three days without being worn. The movement also incorporates a Nivachron balance spring, made from an alloy developed to improve resistance to magnetic interference. This technology aims to reduce certain factors that can affect the accuracy of a mechanical watch.
Discover the full specifications of the Certina DS Super PH1000M
A quick-release strap
Reference C024.907.18.051.00 is supplied with a strap featuring a grained cowhide leather upper and a synthetic underside. It includes a quick-release system that allows the strap to be removed without necessarily requiring a watchmaking tool. The 20 mm lug width also makes it easier to choose a compatible replacement strap. For regular use in water, selecting a strap suitable for immersion remains an important consideration, particularly because the supplied strap incorporates leather.
How is this dive watch positioned?
The DS Super PH1000M stands out primarily for its high water-resistance rating, automatic movement with an extended power reserve and construction based on Certina's DS concept. It is aimed at dive watch enthusiasts looking for a Swiss mechanical model with substantial technical specifications, as well as those interested in the aesthetics of tool watches. Several aspects are nevertheless worth considering. Its 43.5 mm diameter and 14.15 mm thickness may make it less discreet than a compact dive watch. In addition, the original strap incorporates leather, a material that is not necessarily the most practical choice for repeated immersion. Finally, a stated water resistance of 1,000 metres does not, in itself, mean that the watch can replace specialised diving instruments. A distinction must be made between a watch's technical specifications and the conditions in which it is used.
Certina DS Super PH1000M, a mature dive watch!
The Certina DS Super PH1000M combines several features commonly sought in a mechanical dive watch: a stainless steel case, sapphire crystal, unidirectional rotating bezel, luminescent display and high water resistance. Its Powermatic 80.611 calibre provides an 80-hour power reserve, while the Nivachron balance spring adds another technical feature to its construction. With its substantial dimensions and 1,000-metre water resistance, this model takes a functional approach to dive watch design. Its suitability will mainly depend on the wearer's expectations regarding size, comfort, movement and intended use.
More…
Bell & Ross BR-03 Green Radar Ceramic: time under radar surveillance
Snowflake: the hand born for diving that became an icon
Bremont MBI: the watch that only pilots who have survived an ejection can buy
Red pushers and military watches: the history of an iconic detail
Editor: Éric Barse
Journalist, entrepreneur, and founder of the websites www.cafe-racer-only.com and www.scooter-3-roues.com, Eric Barse divides his time between his passions: motorcycles, travel, and watches. A graduate of the Saint-Cyr military academy and the 2nd RPIMA (Parachute Regiment) before pursuing a career in communications and digital media, he has a true passion for authentic watches that have accompanied his two-wheeled adventures for many years, from the Indian Ocean to Africa and Latin America!