Certina DS Action GMT Powermatic 80vsSquale 1521

1521
Squale1521

Ref. 1521-classic-leather·MSRP $1,265

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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 GMT Powermatic 80 at true scale

DS Action GMT Powermatic 80

Squale 1521 at true scale

1521

Diameter

41mm

42mm

Lug-to-Lug

49.5mm

n/a

Thickness

13.8mm

12.5mm

lowest

Water Resistance

200m

500m

highest

Power Reserve

80h

highest

38h

MSRP

$1,286

$1,265

lowest

Movement

POWERMATIC 80.661

Sellita SW200-1

Case

5 specs
Diameter
41mm
42mm
Thickness
13.8mm
12.5mm
Lug-to-Lug
49.54mm
n/a
Material
Stainless Steel
Steel
Water Resistance
200m
500m

Movement

2 specs
Caliber
POWERMATIC 80.661
Sellita SW200-1
Power Reserve
80h
38h

Pricing

1 specs
MSRP
$1,286
$1,265
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Reviews

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

Certina DS Action GMT Powermatic 80

The Certina DS Action GMT Powermatic 80 is widely praised for its value, offering a traveler-style GMT with an 80-hour power reserve and flyer functionality. Owners and reviewers highlight its attractive, modern aesthetic and solid build quality, with one owner calling it a watch they are in love with. The green dial is noted as appealing, and the Powermatic 80 movement is considered fairly accurate. However, some find the 13.8mm thickness chunky, and a few owners report minor issues like a misaligned bezel or end links that do not perfectly align with the case. The bracelet's pin-and-collar sizing system is also mentioned as a missed opportunity. Overall, owners and reviewers rate the Certina DS Action GMT Powermatic 80 highly for its compelling value and true GMT functionality.

Squale 1521

Owners widely praise the Squale 1521 for its classic look and robust build, with specific mentions of its wearable 12.5mm thickness and refined case finishing. The 42mm case is noted by some to wear smaller, closer to 40mm, due to short lugs, feeling solid without being too large. However, opinions on the bracelet vary, with some finding it too flashy or stiff, and one owner reported moisture ingress after a shower due to a loose case back. The crown can be difficult to operate due to deep integration, and the 38-hour power reserve is considered old-school but reliable. Overall, owners rate the Squale 1521 highly for its classic design and wearability, despite some reservations about the bracelet and crown.

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