Hands-On: New Certina DS Super PH1000m STC Review

Making its way into the world today is Certina’s latest release (or perhaps I should say re-release), the Certina DS Super PH1000m STC. If you’re scratching your head wondering why that sounds so familiar, it should be, as the newly refreshed model is just the latest in a series of vintage inspired diver re-releases from the Swiss brand.

Eventually, the earliest modern counterparts of today’s release showed their face, with not one but two versions of the refreshed DS Super PH1000m arriving onto the scene in late 2023. The re-worked models were presented as a regular production black dial model and a striking orange dial limited 1000-piece model that has, unsurprisingly, since sold out. Both offerings were based on the similarly named vintage model, the DS-2 Super PH1000m, which was originally released back in 1969 and had various references, dial colours and movements.

The vintage-inspired DS line has continued to evolve successfully, spawning across multiple collections with models available for both men and women that pay homage to the predecessors of Certina’s past. This time around the expansion to the DS Series is thanks to a collaboration with the non-profit Sea Turtle Conservancy (STC) which was rather aptly founded in 1959, the same year as the birth of Certina’s DS Concept as well as their turtle logo.

Having worked together since 2017, the two companies are reinforcing their partnership by presenting the renewed DS Super PH1000m STC, and I was lucky enough to test drive the model earlier this week.

The first thing you’re likely to notice when you pick up the new STC edition is its dial. Graduating from the monochrome dials we’ve been introduced to in this range previously, the new DS Super PH1000m STC is a riot of colour. Presented with funky turquoise dial and fresh orange accents (notably, the very same hue we’ve seen decorating previous DS Super PH1000m models), this model feels like a sure-fire way to fast-track that ‘summer-ready’ feeling. In fact, the second this colourful dive companion hit my wrist, I was ready to escape Britain’s idea of ‘summer’ there and then. Perhaps getting a little ahead of myself, but this does feel like the kind of watch that demands proper testing, preferably somewhere warm.

Back to the dial though. If you’re an NFL fan like me, you might find yourself reminded of the Miami Dolphins football team, which wouldn’t be a massive stretch seeing as the STC are also Florida-based. But in actual fact, the signature blue takes its hue from the STC’s logo which, like Certina’s, features a turtle, and the orange accents are a clever nod to the watch’s vintage heritage.

In terms of readability, although the dial feels small in comparison to the chunky case, the Super PH STC is nice and legible day, night and underwater thanks to a helping of Super-LumiNova. The plongeur sword-shaped hands, as well as the chunky indexes and a rectangle at the end of the seconds hand, have been treated with a generous coating of white lume, and the contrast of colours stands out just fine under anti-reflective sapphire crystal. The date at 3 o’clock completes the package and is boxed in by a contrasting white edge that again helps to add a little extra definition, though you don’t necessarily need it.

The DS Super PH1000m STC is offered on a classic black FKM rubber strap which contrasts nicely with the combination of colours on the dial. Speaking of straps, we weren’t able to pick n mix our own strap swaps this time, but I am keen to see how the watch would look on something a little more ‘out there’. Perhaps one of our new ZULUDIVER AquaTropic offerings in Capri green, ocean blue or orange for those brave enough to up the ante.

Equipped with Certina’s Double Security features, as well as unidirectional turning bezel (complete with push-down to operate security system), automatic winding and an anti-magnetic Nivachron™ balance spring, this is a pretty nifty piece of kit. Powered by Swatch Group’s standard automatic movement, the reliable ETA-produced Powermatic 80, with 26 jewels and a 21,6000vph frequency, the DS Super STC is good to go with an 80-hour power reserve.

Flip the DS Super STC over and you’ll quickly be reminded exactly what all this is in aid of, as the STC logo is proudly displayed on the caseback, swapping one turtle for another. As has been the case with previous collaborative releases between the Swiss matchmaker and the Florida-based charity, a portion of the sales will go directly to the STC.

The height of summer is right around the corner now and the Certina DS Super PH1000m STC is the perfect vintage re-edition to take you there. It’s a super functional, no-frills, reinterpretation of a historical model and, for the asking price of £885, I don’t think you can go wrong. A sub £1000 watch with 1000 metre water resistance is pretty hard to come by after all.

Overall, it sits comfortably on the wrist and its size actually isn’t all that overwhelming. The dial speaks for itself too, maintaining its clear legibility despite the quirky new colourway. The black dial edition is still available from Certina though if you find yourself wishing this powerful dive watch was just a little more understated.

One minor niggle I have with this watch is the lack of GMT function. Don’t get me wrong, as we’re staying true to the original here it isn’t to be expected, but I personally like my travel watches to track multiple time zones for me. I’m likely not alone in this, so if a GMT function is a dealbreaker for you, why not check out our review of Certina’s DS Action GMT Powermatic 80?

The Certina DS Super PH1000m STC joins the permanent line-up of Certina’s reimagined vintage dive watch editions from today and you can find more information here.