LuxuryWatchesI’ve used the Certina DS Action Chronograph – it’s a perfect affordable chronoThis is going to be a fantastic pickWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.

LuxuryWatchesI’ve used the Certina DS Action Chronograph – it’s a perfect affordable chronoThis is going to be a fantastic pickWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.

This is going to be a fantastic pick

When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.

(Image credit: Sam Cross)

The Certina DS Action Diver Chrono

(Image credit: Sam Cross)

One of the great things about enjoying thebest watcheson the market is the sheer variety of offer. Everything from cheap and cheerful rugged pieces to fabulous designs with intricate movements and five-figure price tags are available, meaning there really is something for everyone.

One area of the market which remains a little underwhelming, though, is the one for affordable automaticchronographs. It’s not hard to see why – chronograph movements are intricate beings, and making them cheaply is often a tough ask.

Fortunately, there’s a new model hitting the market – and it looks set to be a really appealing prospect. The newCertina DS Action Diver Chronofuses the best bits of the iconic Certinadive watches, but adds in a full automatic chronograph functionality.

The case is crafted from 316L stainless steel, with a ceramic bezel sat around the dial. The case is a whopping 44.6mm wide though, and coupled with a 16.17mm height, this has all the makings of an absolute behemoth.

On the wrist, it was notably less cumbersome than you’d expect. No-one’s saying it’s got the wearing experience of a vintage ladies piece, but you’ll certainly get more mileage from it than you’d think.

(Image credit: Sam Cross)

The Certina DS Action Diver Chrono

(Image credit: Sam Cross)

It even features a whopping 300m of water resistance. That’s the same as it was on theCertina DS Action DiverI tested last year, but it’s far more impressive to see on a chronograph.

Sign up to the T3 newsletter for smarter living straight to your inbox

Get all the latest news, reviews, deals and buying guides on gorgeous tech, home and active products from the T3 experts

The model I got hands on with features a cream dial, and sits on a gorgeous black and gold NATO strap. However, there are other models in the collection, too, with black and blue dialled models on steel bracelets.

So, is the Certina DS Action Diver Chrono worth the money? I’d certainly say so. Priced at £1,695 (approx. $2,160; AU$3,280), this is certain to be a head turner for many enthusiasts.

Sure, it’s not the most shapely of things – those with properly skinny wrists may well need to look elsewhere – but for large swathes of the market, this offers a killer option.

Today’s best CERTINA DS ACTION GMT deals$950View$995ViewNo price informationCheck AmazonShow More DealsWe check over 250 million products every day for the best prices

Today’s best CERTINA DS ACTION GMT deals$950View$995ViewNo price informationCheck AmazonShow More DealsWe check over 250 million products every day for the best prices

Today’s best CERTINA DS ACTION GMT deals

$950View$995ViewNo price informationCheck Amazon

$950View

$950View

Certina Men’s Swiss Automatic…

Macy’s

$950View

$950

$950

$995View

$995View

Certina Men’s Swiss Automatic…

Macy’s

$995View

$995

$995

No price informationCheck Amazon

No price informationCheck Amazon

View Similar Amazon US

Amazon

No price informationCheck Amazon

No price information

No price information

Show More Deals

Show More Deals

We check over 250 million products every day for the best prices

We check over 250 million products every day for the best prices

Samsung Galaxy S25 family leaked

Samsung Galaxy S25: every leak, rumour and spec we’ve heard before the launch eventThis is everything we’ve heard about the new handsets

This is everything we’ve heard about the new handsets

Astropad Bookcase – girl reading

This case turns your iPhone or Android phone into an e-reader, but there’s a catchActually, there are a couple…

Actually, there are a couple…

The Certina DS-7 Chrono Auto against a yellow pot

A Week on the Wrist with the Certina DS-7 Chrono Auto – a great value, stylish chronographEXCLUSIVE: We get hands on with the new Certina DS-7 Chrono Auto

EXCLUSIVE: We get hands on with the new Certina DS-7 Chrono Auto

The Seiko Prospex Pogue Solar Chronograph

New Seiko Prospex Solar chronograph is based on the original PogueThe Seiko Pogue is a cult classic – and now a modern interpretation is available!

The Seiko Pogue is a cult classic – and now a modern interpretation is available!

The Tudor Black Bay Chrono in Pink

Tudor Black Bay Chronograph gets a stunning, colourful upgradeThe model is released just a day after the Rolex sister brand linked up with Inter Miami CF in the MLS

The model is released just a day after the Rolex sister brand linked up with Inter Miami CF in the MLS

The Angelus Instrument de Vitesse sat on a fuel cap

This chronograph is under 10mm thick – but you won’t get oneThe Angelus Instrument de Vitesse is a stunning mono-pusher chronograph – but it’s incredibly limited

The Angelus Instrument de Vitesse is a stunning mono-pusher chronograph – but it’s incredibly limited