Practice of colorful new certificate DS-X GMT

Well, well, well… Certina is still and seems to allow the microbrand to have all the fun in colour. The new DS-X GMT collection consists of five new models. We visited us at Fratello HQ, which shows the real starting point for Certina and Swatch groups in general. It’s fun, affordable and available on holidays!

Certainly, I really miss seeing the Swatch group and many of its brands on a massive show like Watches and Wonders. These shows are all about promoting watches and aren’t the end, but I’d like to see brands like Certina get more collective coverage. These shows are useful in that respect, but for now I have to be grateful that I have had the opportunity to get a mitt on a watch like the new DS-X GMT.

certina ds-x gmt

Before we reach the practical part of the article, it makes sense to provide an overview of the new DS-X GMT collection. All watches in the lineup are made of 316L stainless steel, with diameter 41mm, lug-to-lug, thickness 12.15mm. Goods like sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating and a depth rating of 200m are part of the packaging.

GMT also includes the brand’s highly respected DS system. Provides water, shock and scratch resistance. Overall, there are five references, but to be fair, four are options between straps or bracelets. The grey dial model with black and green bezels is one with a green rubber strap or three rows of bracelets. Similarly, there is a gray dial model with a black strap or bracelet with a black and red bezel. However, the outstanding summer piece is the white dial model with a bright blue rubber strap.

White dial ready for summer

When I first looked at the latest certificate, I thought I was looking at Christopher Ward’s watch. The vibrantness, fun and colour palette were not typical of large Swiss brands. But what do you think: it works well, and watches like this have been delayed for a long time. The DS-X GMT brings together two of my favorite colors. The light blue and orange look cool and casual.

This watch has a 24-hour bezel in bi-directional aluminum blue and orange colours. On the outside is a two-way rotating compass bezel that matches the friction. This is a relatively difficult detail to prevent the watch from looking like a Rolex clone. Functionally, the bezel setup is interesting. The outer compass bezel can be rotated independently. Push down and you’ll find a 24-hour bezel ring. The look is an angled blue 60-minute rehabilitation stepped onto the white dial, with indexes with a polished frame and Super Luminova. The room is filled with simple and easy to read times and moments.

The second hand has a round pip, and the orange 24-hour hand has an arrow-shaped tip. All printed words on the dial are either blue or orange and look great. The way words float on the dial emits a major feature of porcelain appearance.

Guess: It’s quartz!

I didn’t expect quartz movement from these watches, but I’m excited that Certina chose this for several reasons. First, let’s keep costs to a minimum, as we take a look. Secondly, keep the watch relatively thin. Finally, and most importantly, for many people, the ETA F06.865 caliber is a flyer and not a caller GMT. The watch is equipped with a screw-in crown.

The second position, or the farthest position, is used to advance the hands for 24 hours at the same time as the hands for 12 hours and minutes. Push into the first position and jump your hand of time in an hour increment. This is also a half-quick set of date functions. It’s easy to use and functional. Finally, this movement includes HeavyDrive, a self-correcting shock protection system.

Wrist vacation

The new DS-X GMT is perfect for your wrist. The comfortable elastic strap is compliant and of high quality. Additionally, the signed pin buckle makes adjustments easier as mercury rises. The stainless steel case makes the watch feel quite a bit, but not too heavy. Want to see titanium options? Certainly, it will be very “brand-on”. Still, many buyers prefer a sense of steel and help keep prices down. From a design perspective, we never got bored of the colour scheme during the hot, sunny weather we enjoy. However, we don’t know if this watch will work in the fall or in a more formal business environment. Perhaps the grey model is more suitable. Does that mean that the white dial model is an unrealistic example of conspicuous consumption?

Certina has made the DS-X GMT reasonably priced

Buying a watch like the White Dial DS-X GMT might seem like a very seasonal purchase. However, if Certina becomes available for just 570 euros/CHF 495/£480 (bracelet model 595 euros/CHF 520/£500), it feels like a fun, worry-free summer watch. Certainly there are competitors like the Seiko 5 GMT. This is mechanical and slightly cheaper. However, it does not have a screw-in crown and only offers half of its water resistance. Citizens also play in this market with eco-driving offers. Still, I think there’s plenty of room for an attractively designed watch from Certina at this fair price. This color scheme is a welcome change from the usual, serious, dark-colored pieces we see. What are your thoughts on this watch and the collection in general?

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