Tom Austin Certina introduces a new multifunctional travel watch in five different styles designed for features that combine adventure and versatility, such as compass, GMT and diving. Steel bracelet
The world of watches is in full technicolor this season, and you can think of all brands releasing wild and colorful variations of their latest creations. A brand that has been in the industry for over 130 years, Certina has released its latest adventure watch in the trending colour, the DS-X GMT splash, as it doesn’t succumb to other brands or give them all the fun. As a brand, Certina doesn’t seem to attract much attention, and combining this new release and multiple technical features with an exciting colour palette, the brand is looking to offer a powerful alternative in the busy corners of the market.
The term “sports watch” is a somewhat false reputation as few watches are classified specifically to be designed for specific sports or entertainment. Typically, “sportswatches” tend to lean towards the theme of land, sea, or air-based activities. They provide features that may be useful in such situations, but in the end they are flawed in their execution, often luxurious and expensive, and cannot even be worn while engaging with them. The DS-X GMT is an option to change it, bringing together several features together into a single affordable package that delivers excellent performance and looks great.
The DS-X is a sturdy companion with a diameter of 41mm and a thickness of 12.15mm. Make sure that other watches in this category are as big, sturdy and functional as you would expect. This case is made of 316L stainless steel for excellent corrosion resistance and is designed for some action with more brushed surfaces than polished. The crown guard protects the under-screw crown and the screwed case, keeping everything in place and providing a considerable 200m water resistance to the watch. This watch is a little more bulky in terms of thickness, mainly due to its thick crystals and thick multifunctional bezels.
The colorful rotating bezel is perhaps one of the watch’s greatest attractions, combining both GMT night and day functions with a compass for its versatile functionality. The compass ring has friction compatibility. This means it can rotate independently of the aluminum GMT bezel. This is a unique and well thought out feature that sets you apart from the typical crowd of a rotating bezel clock. Yes, you can use almost any watch as a compass if you know how, but it’s still a neat feature.
The DS-X GMT comes in three different colors, two of which are the familiar GMT style. The black part of the bezel represents night, while the red or green part represents daylight. The third option is a much more colorful blue and orange option, which when paired with a white dial, sparkles as the trio’s hero watch. The dark bezel dial features a classy gray sunburst effect complemented by bezel matching dial text and GMT hands, while the white contrasts perfectly with blue and orange details. Both dials feature application time markers filled with Super Luminova for high readability in low light conditions.
Keeping things reliable and affordable, the DS-X is quartz-driven, not mechanical, set within Certina’s HeavyDrive shock protection system using the ETA F06.865 Flyer GMT movement. Given the location of this watch from a category standpoint, it is rare to see the movement of quartz, but it cannot be questioned by its accuracy and reliability. There’s a reason some of the toughest watches in the world are equipped with quartz. The DS-X may not feature caller GMT moves at this price range, but I don’t think it can be argued as the benefits of Quartz are added to the entire package here.
Technically, the DS-X GMT is available in five different styles. It is available in five different styles as it offers the watch with a green and red model steel bracelet or color matching rubber strap. These are more subtle, with the red version offering a black rubber, and the green paired with matching olive green rubber. Crazy blue and orange models arrive only on the neon blue strap. I think this is a model of choice for most people. The quick release stainless steel bracelet is closed with a folding fastener piece made primarily of pressed steel. That’s okay, but somewhat outdated, but you can see it elsewhere when compared to the sturdy milled options. That being said, you have to compromise when considering watches at this price range. And, the rubber strap option is more popular anyway, so it doesn’t undermine the watch itself.
Certina DS-X GMT Prices and Availability
The Certina DS-X GMT is currently available directly from Certina retailers. Price: USD 535 (Rubber Strap) USD 560 (Bracelet)
Brand Certina Model DS-X GMT Reference C047.452.17.011.00 – White dial, orange/blue bezel
C047.452.17.081.01 – Red bezel, black rubber
C047.452.17.081.00 – Green bezel, green rubber
C047.452.11.081.01 – Red bezel, steel bracelet
C047.452.11.081.00 – Green Bezel, Steel Bracelet Case Dimensions 41mm(D) x 12.15mm(T) Case Material 316L Stainless Steel Water Resistant 200m Crystal (S) Safa Rental Anti-Reflective Coating Coating Dial or Grey Sunburst Effect F06.865 Function Hours, Minutes, Seconds, GMT, Compass Availability Currently Available Price US $535 (Rubber)
US $560 (Bracelet)
