Certina DS Action Diver ChronovsGrand Seiko SBGH289

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Measurements

Catalog photos are all shot at the same flattering size. These aren't: every case below shares one millimeter scale.

Certina DS Action Diver Chrono at true scale

DS Action Diver Chrono

Grand Seiko SBGH289 at true scale

SBGH289

Diameter

44.6mm

43.8mm

Lug-to-Lug

52.6mm

51mm

lowest

Thickness

16.2mm

14.7mm

lowest

Water Resistance

300m

highest

200m

Power Reserve

n/a

55h

MSRP

$2,219

lowest

$7,700

Movement

Tissot Valjoux A05.231

Grand Seiko 9S85

Case

5 specs
Diameter
44.6mm
43.8mm
Thickness
16.17mm
14.7mm
Lug-to-Lug
52.58mm
51mm
Lug Width
21mm
22mm
Water Resistance
300m
200m

Crystal & Dial

1 specs
AR Coating
n/a
Yes

Movement

2 specs
Caliber
Tissot Valjoux A05.231
Grand Seiko 9S85
Power Reserve
0h
55h

Pricing

1 specs
MSRP
$2,219
$7,700
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Reviews

Synthesized for each watch independently from owner discussions, enthusiast forums, written reviews, and video reviewers.

Certina DS Action Diver Chrono

Owners widely praise the Certina DS Action Diver Chrono for its excellent value and high-end feel, with many considering it one of the best Swiss or Japanese divers under $2000. Reviewers and owners alike highlight its robust build, attractive design, and well-finished case, with some preferring the contrast of the steel version for readability. One owner notes the chronograph totaliser lacks lume, and another finds the 21mm lug width inconvenient for strap changes. The Certina DS Action Diver Chrono is powered by the Tissot Valjoux A05.231 automatic movement and has a 68-hour power reserve, though one owner mentions a low reserve requiring daily winding if not worn extensively. Overall, owners rate the Certina DS Action Diver Chrono highly for its exceptional quality and value at its price point.

Grand Seiko SBGH289

Grand Seiko SBGH289 owners and reviewers praise its legible blue dial, strong Lumibrite, and the smooth sweep of its Hi-Beat Caliber 9S85 movement. The watch's steel case is noted for its comfortable wearability despite its 43.8mm size, and it features Grand Seiko's Super-Hard Coating for scratch resistance. Accuracy is reported within +8/-1 seconds per day. Overall, owners and reviewers rate the Grand Seiko SBGH289 highly for its blend of legibility, comfortable wear, and the precise, smooth-sweeping high-beat movement.

From video reviewers

Excellent finishing and smooth bezel action are notable features of the Grand Seiko SBGH289. A weakness of the watch is the relatively low lume brightness. Reviewers disagree on the watch's ideal lug width, with some considering 22mm a limitation for users who prefer a more standard 20mm or 21mm strap width, while others do not mention this as a concern.

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