Dive Watch Wednesday: Two Swiss-Made, Affordable Dive Watches That Got Better Over Time

Tissot and Certina are Swiss brands, both part of the Swatch Group, that currently offer mechanical dive watch models priced below $1,000 — the Tissot Seastar 1000 and Certina DS Action Diver. These replica Breitling watches uk also have something else in common: both were improved shortly after their launch, which makes them an even more attractive option to those in search of an affordable Swiss made dive watch.

The 43-mm Certina DS Action Diver was first introduced at Baselworld in 2011 in stainless steel (Ref. C013.407.11.051.00) and titanium (Ref. C013.407.44.081.00). A 45-mm chronograph version followed in 2012 (Ref. C013.427.11.051.00), and a blue-dial version in 2013 (Ref. C013.407.11.041.00). All models offer 200-meter water resistance and a bezel inlay made of sapphire crystal covered with a transparent layer (epoxy resin). They are either powered by an ETA 2824-2 or ETA 7753 movement and are available with either a rubber strap or metal bracelet. (Considering the price difference, we recommend going for the bracelet option first and acquiring the rubber strap separately). Unfortunately, all these models were initially equipped with a black-on-white date wheel between 4 and 5 o’clock, which probably is the most obvious thing to criticize (next to the text/font treatment on the dial; the ISO Standard could have easily been placed on the caseback instead). Fortunately, it appears Certina came around to agreeing: sometime between 2012 and 2013, the black dial base model was upgraded and now features a less dominant white-on-black date wheel. So if you can live with its position, and have always liked the look of this Breitling replica watches sale, now might be an even better time to give this model another chance. Hopefully, we’ll see the rest of the collection with matching date wheels soon, too.

Certina DS Action Diver original - Baselworld 2011Certina DS Action Diver - redesigned - Baselworld 2013Certina DS Action Diver -reclining

Also in 2011, Tissot launched its radically redesigned Seastar 1000 collection. Its rather unique look, and a huge selection of models and colors (there were, for example, three models with three different chronograph movements, all available in three color variations) made it difficult to not appreciate the range instantly (we still find the “1000” moniker a bit misleading for a 300-meter water-resistant AAA Cartier replica watches, though, and the 48-mm chrono feels a bit too large while the 42-mm base model could have been a little bit larger). The stainless steel case featured a helium release valve, a solid engraved bezel with PVD coating, and a sapphire crystal in the caseback. Tissot made changes in 2014, replacing the orange version with a darker red and making the blue version a bit darker. The bezel inlays were replaced with ceramic, raised indices were added, and, most importantly, the mechanical base model (e.g. Ref. T066.407.17.057.02) was upgraded to include the Powermatic 80 caliber – which is still based on an ETA base movement but offers an interesting, more exclusive alternative to the standard 2824 by adding an 80-hour power reserve.Tissot Seastar 1000 - original - Baselworld 2011Tissot Seastar 1000 - redesigned - Baselworld 2014

In short, if you are looking for a more affordable, Swiss-made dive cheap replica Breitling watches, both of these already attractive models have now become even more so. The Certina is probably the more elegant, conservative choice while Tissot offers more exclusivity when it comes to aesthetics and functions.