Jamie Weiss
Certina loves turtles. The 136-year-old Swiss brand, best known for its distinctive “Double Security” O-ring gasket system, began using a turtle as one of its logos to symbolize the water resistance of its watches in 1959. Coincidentally, 1959 was also the year that the Sea Turtle Conservancy (STC), an international non-profit organization that is now the world’s oldest sea turtle research and conservation organization, was founded. Founded by world-renowned sea turtle expert Dr. Archie Carr, STC’s mission is “to save sea turtles from extinction through rigorous science-based conservation.”
Certina has been a partner of STC since 2017 and has released several special edition watches in support of the organization since then. 2024 marks the year of their latest co-signed model, the DS Super PH1000M STC, which is based on the cult-favorite ’70s Super Diver and features a vintage look befitting the ’70s.
Incident
The Certina DS Super PH1000M STC is modeled after the DS-2 Super PH1000M. First launched in 1970, this robust diver’s watch was notably used in the Tektite II program, a series of US underwater experimental missions, the fifth of which featured the world’s first all-female saturation diving team. So it’s a homage to a historically significant watch.
I say tribute because it’s not a 1:1 replica, but that’s not a bad thing. The original case was 44.5mm in diameter and 18mm thick, while this modern reissue is slightly slimmer at 43.5mm in diameter and 14.5mm thick. It’s still a pretty big watch by today’s standards, but for a “super diver,” it’s not too bad. Modern consumers won’t complain about these changes. Unlike the confusing naming schemes of some vintage diver watches (Doxa, for example), the DS Super PH1000M STC is actually water resistant to 1,000m.
Certainly, the proportions of this watch are in keeping with its character as a true retro tool watch. The thick, chunky push-down bezel in a brushed tonneau case is just “rugged.” This watch really looks like it can take a lot of abuse. Other improvements over the original include the addition of a hidden helium escape valve, a screw-down crown that is not recessed and therefore easier to grip than the original crown (although at the expense of some protection), and the closed caseback features the STC logo instead of Certina’s typical turtle logo.
Dial
The Certina DS Super PH1000M STC features a matte washed blue dial that Certina says is “reminiscent of the special blue of the STC logo,” though not exactly the same shade. This almost aged blue (also found on the bezel) contrasts with orange highlights, namely accents around the minute hand and indices, accentuating the vintage feel while also being reminiscent of the orange dials found on Certina’s standard production dive watches, including the regular version of the DS Super PH1000M.
There’s very little to complain about with the dial of this watch. The rectangular lume plots, wide arrow-shaped hands, and non-Cyclops-shaped date window at 3 o’clock create a clean, conventional, easy-to-read, and presentable look. Some watch enthusiasts might not like the dial text above and below the hands, which has been updated to match the new model name and modern logo, but I don’t think it’s excessive and it adds to the vintage appeal.
strap
Unlike the regular version of the DS Super PH1000M, which comes with an accordion-style rubber strap, the Certina DS Super PH1000M STC comes with a slightly thinner FKM strap with bright orange stitching and wide pin holes. The slightly wavy pattern on the underside allows for better ventilation. It’s a perfectly serviceable strap, but I’m not a big fan of the fake sailcloth effect around the stitching. I do like the vibrant color it brings, though.
motion
Inside the Certina DS Super PH1000M STC is the Powermatic 80 found in nearly every entry-level Swatch Group product today. Specifically, the version of this widespread movement found in this Certina is the Powermatic 80.611, a slightly more upscale 25-jewel version of the movement that features a Nivachron balance spring for improved anti-magnetic properties. Like other Powermatic 80 variants, it has an 80-hour power reserve and vibrates at 3 Hz.
Verdict
Certina loves turtles, STC loves turtles, and I love turtles. I’ve been lucky enough to snorkel with turtles (without the DS Super PH1000M STC on my wrist at the time). If this special edition watch helps protect turtles, then that’s already a big win for me. But more than that, I love the vintage look of this model. The matte dial and faded blue anodized bezel insert are stunning.
Certina DS Super PH1000M STC Pricing and Availability
The Certina DS Super PH1000M STC is available now. As with all Certina special editions, a portion of proceeds will go directly to the STC. Price: USD 940, CHF 915
Brand Certina Model DS Super PH1000M STC Reference C024.907.17.041.10 Case Size 43.5mm (D) x 14.5mm (T) Case Material 316L Stainless Steel Water Resistance 1,000 meters, screw-down crown Dial Matte Blue Crystal Sapphire Strap Black FKM rubber with orange stitching, steel pin buckle Movement ETA Powermatic 80.611, automatic Power Reserve 80 hours Functions Hours, minutes, seconds, date, push-down unidirectional rotating dive bezel Availability Current Price US$940, CHF 915
