The Certina DS PH200M is a vintage-inspired automatic diver that pairs a distinctive crosshair dial and curved crystal with modern 200 m water resistance. The catch is that “DS PH200M” covers more than one configuration: this review focuses on the 2018 reissue discussed by Fratello and Hodinkee, while noting where the newer official reference differs. Reviewers praise its old-school character, but the acrylic/Hesalite crystal needs more care than sapphire and the bezel operation has compromises.
Which Certina DS PH200M is this review about?
The 2018 reissue takes its design cues from Certina’s PH200M diver introduced in 1967. Swatch Group says the new edition was showcased in 2018 and links it to the brand’s “DS,” or double-security, concept. The reissue retains the vintage spirit rather than reproducing the old watch’s dimensions: reviewers describe the modern case as about 42.8 mm across, compared with roughly 40 mm for the vintage model. Fratello’s 2018 review and Hodinkee’s 2018 review discuss the original reissue; Swatch Group’s 2019 release describes its launch-era specifications.
Reference numbers matter. The 2018-era reviews describe a coated acrylic or Hesalite crystal, an aluminum bezel scale, and an ETA Powermatic 80.111 movement. Certina’s current China-market listing for reference C036.407.11.050.01 instead specifies sapphire, ceramic bezel elements and the Powermatic 80.611. Those details should not be treated as interchangeable specifications for every PH200M. Certina’s page for C036.407.11.050.01 is a regional listing, not a universal price or availability source.
What makes the 2018 reissue distinctive?
Vintage diver design, scaled for today
The 2018 model’s identity is in its details: sword-shaped hands, luminous markers, a black dial with a crosshair, and a fully graduated black bezel. Hodinkee describes those elements as close to the vintage design, while the larger modern case gives the watch a more substantial presence than its predecessor. Swatch Group’s launch description also notes the turtle emblem on the caseback, a nod to the DS system.
#1 Best Overall
- Case Size: 42.80 mm, Band Width: 20, Case Thickness: 11.90 mm
- Automatic movement, Powermatic 80, Nivachron, Index dial type, Date
- Blue synthetic bracelet, Tide, Nato, Tang Buckle
- Water-resistant up to a pressure of 20 bar (200 m / 660 ft): suitable for short periods of recreational swimming and showering, but no diving or snorkeling.
- 2 Year International Warranty
Curved acrylic and the DS construction
The reissue reviewed in 2018 uses a rounded, coated Hesalite crystal. Swatch Group describes the crystal and its separate mounting ring as part of the DS construction. Acrylic gives the watch a warmer, less glassy look than sapphire, an effect Hodinkee’s reviewer liked, but it is more susceptible to scratches. Hodinkee’s reviewer expected that extended wear could call for Polywatch; that is a reviewer’s expectation, not a claim that every owner will need it.
2018 reissue specifications, with reference caveats
The following specifications belong to the named sources and configurations. Fratello’s reported thickness differs from WatchTime’s measurement for an earlier reference, so dimensions are best read alongside the specific sample and publication rather than blended into one universal spec sheet.
Rank #2
- Case Size: 14.15 mm, Band Width: 43.50 mm, Case Thickness: 43.50 mm
- Swiss Automatic movement, Stainless steel case, DATE, Black band
- Band Type : Synthetic, TIDE, Band Length: 285mm
- Water Resistant: Up to a pressure of 100 bar (1000m)
- 2 Year International Warranty
| Configuration and source | Case and crystal | Bezel and movement | Water resistance and reserve | Other details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 reissue, Fratello | Approximately 42.9 mm steel case; 14.4 mm thick; Hesalite crystal | Unidirectional bezel; ETA Powermatic 80.111 | 200 m; stated 80-hour reserve | Brown leather and NATO straps |
| Earlier reference C036.407.16.050.00, WatchTime | 42.8 mm case; 13.2 mm thick; acrylic crystal | Aluminum bezel scale; ETA Powermatic 80.111 | Stated 80-hour reserve; WatchTime lists the model as 200 m | WatchTime’s review price was $780 at publication; publication date is not shown in the retrieved material |
| Current reference C036.407.11.050.01, Certina China page | 42.8 mm case; 11.9 mm high; 20 mm lug width; sapphire crystal | Ceramic bezel elements; Powermatic 80.611 with Nivachron balance spring | Up to 20 bar/200 m; up to 80-hour reserve | Page displays CNY 7,900; it is a China-market listing, not a universal price |
For the original reissue, Swatch Group’s 2019 release likewise lists a 42.8 mm case, coated Hesalite, 20 bar water resistance and a Powermatic 80 movement. Fratello’s review reported a €695 price in 2018; that historical figure is not a current offer. WatchTime’s $780 price is also historical. Current local pricing, stock and availability are not established by these reviews.
How does the DS PH200M wear and operate?
The 42.8 mm case is larger than the vintage watch, and at least one reviewed configuration is notably thick. The supplied strap options help reinforce the vintage look: Fratello’s 2018 sample came with brown leather and a NATO strap, while WatchTime’s reviewer found the leather strap especially comfortable. WatchTime also noted that the strap had limited extra holes for slimmer wrists, so fit may depend on the strap and wrist rather than case diameter alone.
Rank #3
- Case size: 40.50 mm: Band Width: 20.00 mm: Case Thickness: 14.10 mm
- Automatic , Powermatic 80, Nivachron, Date
- Band Type: Synthetic: Band Length: 260 mm
- Water-resistant up to 300 m / 990 ft: suitable for diving and/or snorkeling.
- 2 Year International Warranty
Bezel impressions vary by reviewer, but neither review presents it as a frictionless modern diver’s control. Fratello calls the bezel functional but less smooth than examples it compares against. WatchTime found its grip only moderate and said operating the bezel interfered somewhat with using the screw-in crown. These are sample-based observations, not specifications that guarantee every example will feel identical.
Water resistance is listed as 200 m or 20 bar for both the original reissue and the current reference, but those ratings do not make the configurations identical. For the current C036.407.11.050.01, Certina lists the rating alongside sapphire and Powermatic 80.611; the 2018 reviews pair the rating with Hesalite and Powermatic 80.111.
Rank #4
- Case Size: 27.8mm,Case Thickness: 8.6mm
- Quartz, PreciDrive Technology
- Band Type: Stainless Steel:
- Water-resistant up to a pressure of 10 bar (100 m / 330 ft)
- 2 Year International Warranty
What do published movement results show?
Certina states an “up to 80 hours” power reserve for its current reference, and Fratello and Swatch Group also describe an 80-hour reserve for the earlier Powermatic 80 configuration. WatchTime reports that its tested sample continued running for 91.5 hours before stopping. That is WatchTime’s observation on one sample, not the manufacturer’s guaranteed reserve or a result that should be expected from every watch.
WatchTime’s sample averaged +4.2 seconds per day across its reported positions, with a maximum positional difference of 9 seconds. These are that publication’s test results, not Certina’s accuracy guarantee. The review date is not shown in the available material, so the result should not be treated as a current specification for later references.
Best Value
- Case size: 40.50 mm: Band Width: 20.00 mm: Case Thickness: 14.10 mm
- Automatic , Powermatic 80, Nivachron, Date
- Band Type: Steel: Band Length: 179.64 mm
- Water-resistant up to 300 m / 990 ft: suitable for diving and/or snorkeling.
- 2 Year International Warranty
Who is the 2018 Certina DS PH200M for?
The 2018 reissue makes most sense for someone drawn to vintage diver styling who is comfortable with a large modern case and willing to accept acrylic’s scratch-care trade-off. Its crosshair dial, sword hands, rounded crystal and marked bezel supply the period character; the 200 m rating and automatic movement keep it a functional modern diver on paper.
- Consider the 2018 configuration if Hesalite’s warmer appearance and the original reissue’s vintage details are the main attraction.
- Check the reference before buying if sapphire, ceramic bezel elements, a slimmer stated height or the newer Powermatic 80.611 matter to you.
- Try the bezel and strap fit if crown access, wrist size or frequent bezel use are priorities; reviewers noted moderate grip, crown interaction and limited strap adjustment on their samples.
When comparing listings, verify the full reference number and confirm the crystal, bezel material, movement and included straps with the seller. A family name alone is not enough to establish which generation or configuration is being offered.
Quick Recap
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