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Certina DS Super PH500M specifications
These are the specifications reported in Balazs Ferenczi’s July 16, 2021 Fratello review of the black-dial reference C037.407.18.050.00; they were not independently measured for this article.
| Specification | Review-reported detail |
|---|---|
| Case | 316L stainless steel; 43 mm diameter; about 15 mm thick in the review’s body text |
| Crystal | Anti-reflective sapphire |
| Dial | Black, domed sunburst finish; date at 3 o’clock; Super-LumiNova-coated hands and indices |
| Movement | Automatic Powermatic 80.611, Swiss Made, with Nivachron balance spring |
| Functions and reserve | Hours, minutes, seconds and date; power reserve up to 80 hours |
| Water resistance | 500 m |
| Strap | Black-and-grey textile strap made of #tide ocean material, with pin buckle |
| Other design feature | Bezel security lock; Certina DS “double security” concept |
Is it a good summer watch?
On paper, it is well suited to a summer spent around water: the review lists 500 m water resistance, and the dial’s white markers and hands contrast sharply with its black face. Ferenczi also praised the legibility and luminous treatment. Those features make it a convincing, dive-inspired choice for bright days and water-oriented use.
That does not make it a universal summer pick. The same review describes a heavy, substantial watch that sits high on the wrist, particularly with its double-layer NATO-style strap. The 500 m figure is the review’s stated specification; it should not be read as a guarantee that any individual watch is suitable for a particular activity or remains water-resistant without proper condition and maintenance.
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#1 Best Overall
- Case Size: 43.00 mm, Band Width: 20, Case Thickness: 14.95 mm
- Automatic movement, Powermatic 80, Nivachron, Index dial type, Date, Special Edition STC, Special watch box
- Black synthetic bracelet, Tide, Nato, Tang Buckle
- Water-resistant up to 500 m / 1650 ft: suitable for diving and/or snorkeling.
- 2 Year International Warranty
How does the PH500M wear?
Ferenczi found the 43 mm case and approximately 15 mm thickness imposing, and said the double-layer strap added height. On his 7.5-inch wrist it felt good, though not light. His advice was for smaller-wristed buyers to try it on before ordering. That is one reviewer’s fit assessment, not a universal wrist-size cutoff.
The strap is black and grey textile made from #tide ocean material. Ferenczi found it a little short on his wrist and noted that the watch could be worn with another strap. The review does not state lug width or other compatibility dimensions, so check the exact reference’s fit before buying a replacement.
Rank #2
- Case Size: 43.00 mm, Band Width: 20, Case Thickness: 14.95 mm
- Automatic movement, Powermatic 80, Nivachron, Index dial type, Date, Special Edition VDST, Special watch box
- Black Rubber bracelet with Diver extension, Tang Buckle
- Water-resistant up to 500 m / 1650 ft: suitable for diving and/or snorkeling.
- 2 Year International Warranty
Design and historical inspiration
The black-and-white dial gives the 2021 watch a straightforward, high-contrast look. Ferenczi places it in the lineage of Certina’s vintage DS Super PH500M reference 5801 123, which he says debuted in 1968 with a black dial, date at three, automatic movement, 500 m water resistance and a diving bezel security lock. He describes the 2020 VDST version as an orange-dial variation made at the association’s request, while the 2021 model returns to black and white. This history is the reviewer’s account; it was not independently corroborated here with a primary Certina source.
Ferenczi says the watch initially brought a 42 mm Omega Planet Ocean to mind, but he also recognizes the Certina’s vintage inspiration and explicitly does not characterize it as a copy. That is a visual impression rather than an objective equivalence between the watches.
Rank #3
- Case Size: 43.00 mm, Band Width: 20, Case Thickness: 14.95 mm
- Automatic movement, Powermatic 80, Nivachron, Index dial type, Date
- Black synthetic bracelet, Tide, Nato, Tang Buckle
- Water-resistant up to 500 m / 1650 ft: suitable for diving and/or snorkeling.
- 2 Year International Warranty
Price and availability
Fratello reported a price of €860 for the black model in its July 2021 review; it also listed €895 for the VDST version. Neither figure establishes a current selling price. Current retail availability, used-market pricing and whether Certina still lists reference C037.407.18.050.00 have not been verified. If searching, use the full reference number to distinguish this black-dial version from related PH500M models.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 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
Rank #4
- Case size: 34.50 mm: Band Width: 17.00 mm: Case Thickness: 10.30 mm
- Quartz , Precidrive
- Band Type: Steel: Band Length: 169.2 mm
- Water-resistant up to 300 m / 990 ft: suitable for diving and/or snorkeling.
- 2 Year International Warranty
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
