Designed in partnership with the Association of German Sport Divers (Verband Deutscher Sporttaucher, VDST), Certina have unveiled the remarkable new Certina DS Super PH500M Special Edition watch, a diver’s timepiece sure to make waves on its release in June 2020. The model has taken a bunch of inspiration from a historic Certina divers watch first seen back in the 1960’s. The DS-2 Super PH500M became legendary when it was sent on a two month underwater experiment and so for the new DS Super PH500M, the Swiss manufacturer has made sure it can endure adventures of the very same calibre, if not more daring.
Since its founding in 1954, the VDST Association of German Sport Divers has become the largest and oldest non-profit sport diving associations in the world, and with its long history comes a long list of requirements for the ultimate diving watch. During the design of the Certina DS Super PH500M Special Edition, the high-contrast orange dial became an essential part of its aesthetic with easy legibility being a priority for experienced divers. The black rubber strap was also a prerequisite, particularly with a Klett closure of standard length, and an extra-long version that fits easily over the sleeve of a drysuit. Each of these well thought-out features have ensured the DS Super PH500M can pursue and renew the underwater adventures of its historic predecessor.
Avid fans of Certina may already be familiar with the legendary Certina DS-2 Super PH500M watch, the model that has inspired the new DS Super PH500M. But for those of you who have yet to come across it, the diving watch was first released in 1969 and went on a special Tektite I underwater experiment. The mission involved four scientists spending two months living underwater in research tanks, each wearing their own Certina DS-2 Super PH500M. On their return to land, each of the individuals praised the watch and awarded it top marks in legibility, precision, robustness and functionality. So while also meeting the requirements set out by the VDST, the new Certina DS Super PH500M Special Edition has been designed to exceed those already set by its historic counterpart.
Just like its predecessor, the new Certina DS Super PH500M boasts an unmissable, retro dial decorated with central hands and indexes coated in Superluminova coating. Powering each of the functions on the orange dial is the contemporary Certina Powermatic 80 automatic movement. This Swiss made calibre allows the special edition to stand superior to its historic partner as it boasts an improved power reserve of up to 80 hours and a new NivachronTM balance spring. This technology means the mechanical movement is immune to the influence of magnetic fields, a decisive advantage both when diving and in everyday use.
One of our favourite features on the new Certina DS Super PH500M Special Edition watch is its striking unidirectional rotating bezel. The bezel has been carefully designed so that it cannot be rotated without exerting light pressure and in only one direction. This ensures that no accidental change to running dive time is made if the watch becomes knocked while underwater. The smooth black 60 minute scale bezel is fitted beside scratch proof sapphire crystal glass and on a 43mm stainless steel case – the same size of its predecessor. The sapphire glass is also coated in anti-reflective treatment while the screw-down crown and VDST decorated screw-down case back ensures its water resistant rating of 500 metres.
The Certina DS Super PH500M is expected to be released in June 2020 at a retail price of £795. For more information on this fantastic special edition, head over to Jura Watches website where you can guarantee first delivery of the piece with their fantastic pre-order service! You can also find more Certina watch reviews on Horologii here.
Specifications: Certina DS Super PH500M Special Edition (C037.407.17.280.10.)
- Case Size: 43mm
- Case Material: Stainless steel
- Glass: Sapphire crystal with anti-reflective treatment
- Bezel: Unidirectional rotating with pressure protection
- Crown: Screw-in
- Case Back: Screw-down with special edition decoration
- Water Resistance: 500 metres
- Movement: ETA Powermatic 80.611
- Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds, date
- Power Reserve: 80 hours
- Dial: Orange with Superluminova coating on hands and indexes
- Strap: Black rubber with separate diver extension
- Buckle: Pin
- RRP: £795
- Release Date: June 2020
