The winding crown of the Certina DS Action Diver Chronograph appears to have chunkier grips than its three-handed counterpart, but what really gives it some masculine presence is the fact it is flanked by two bi-colour, spin-lock pushers that are joined by a spin-lock helium valve on the opposite side of the case. The crown and its protector on the three-handed model are fine, but it is on the chronograph that I see something that really excites me. The dial, which is of superb quality and excellent legibility, looks very Omega-esque, which I think is a good thing. What we’ve got here is a watch that smacks of the Omega Seamaster in terms of silhouette, with a little added detailing to the edge of the uni-drectional bezel, and a simplification of the lug decoration. Obviously, this goes back to the Swatch group’s ability to supply their entry-level brands with components of a much higher quality than a price-point competitor with less industry clout could muster. One thing that always surprises me about Certina’s output is the tangible quality of the cases. And in the case of the Certina DS Action Diver watches, I think they’ve done a pretty good job. Normally, this kind of anonymity is bad news, but somehow, Certina plough on, churning out watches that benefit from the massive financial backing of the Swatch Group and years of experience in what sells, even if it isn’t what blows your mind. I’ve found that I quite like their products when someone puts one in my hands and I get the chance to play around with it for a while, but I’m not sure I could tell you what to expect from the brand, or even what they generally look like if I was asked in isolation. The release of the Certina DS Action Diver watches gives me a good opportunity to dispense some credit where credit’s due: As one of the Swatch Group’s more forgotten brands, Certina watches often pass me by without any conscious recognition. I think it might have something to do with my childhood desire to become a ninja, but whatever the root of my fondness, I am compelled to treat Certina kindly because of their logo.