Certina DS Action Diver 38mmvsTissot PR516

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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 38mm at true scale

DS Action Diver 38mm

Tissot PR516 at true scale

PR516

Diameter

38mm

38mm

Lug-to-Lug

45.0mm

n/a

Thickness

13.2mm

11.2mm

lowest

Water Resistance

300m

highest

100m

Power Reserve

80h

80h

MSRP

$1,144

$825

lowest

Movement

POWERMATIC 80.611

Tissot Powermatic 80

Case

6 specs
Category
Diver
Sport
Thickness
13.22mm
11.18mm
Lug-to-Lug
45.01mm
n/a
Lug Width
19mm
20mm
Material
Titanium
Stainless Steel
Water Resistance
300m
100m

Crystal & Dial

4 specs
AR Coating
n/a
Yes
Dial Color
n/a
White
Indices
n/a
Indexes
Lume
None
Super-LumiNova ®

Movement

1 specs
Caliber
POWERMATIC 80.611
Tissot Powermatic 80

Pricing

1 specs
MSRP
$1,144
$825
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Reviews

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

Certina DS Action Diver 38mm

Owners widely praise the Certina DS Action Diver 38mm for its excellent value, quality finishing, and comfortable dimensions, with many recommending it as a daily wear. Reviewers and owners consistently highlight its robust build quality, smooth crown operation, and the attractive, cleaner dial compared to other models. Specific praise is given to its 38mm case size, 45mm lug-to-lug, and 12.2mm thickness, making it ideal for smaller wrists. Some owners were drawn to unique features like the grey-titanium case and distinctive color accents. The Powermatic 80 movement is noted for its 80-hour power reserve. Caveats include male end links, which some owners consider a flaw, and one reviewer missed the charm of the previous model's aluminum bezel, finding the updated ceramic bezel colder. One owner advised trying on the watch as it wears very small. Overall, owners and reviewers rate the Certina DS Action Diver 38mm highly for its exceptional value and well-executed compact diver design.

Tissot PR516

Owners and reviewers widely praise the Tissot PR516 for its robust build quality, vintage motorsport aesthetics, and accessible price point, with many appreciating its historical connections and the 38mm case size. Some owners find the dial bland and the fixed bezel disappointing, while others note that its 14mm thickness and substantial lug-to-lug may feel large on smaller wrists. On balance, owners and reviewers rate the Tissot PR516 highly for its blend of heritage design and modern build at an attractive price.

From video reviewers

The value proposition against competitors is a shared strength. Reviewers did not agree on the case size, with mentions of 40mm and 38mm.