Certina DS Action Diver 38mm Powermatic 80vsThorn Diver Watch

Diver Watch
ThornDiver Watch

Ref. thorn-40mm-marine-200-master-nh35-diver-watch·MSRP $179

lug2lug doesn't sell watches. Buy links open the brand's or seller's own site. Some links are affiliate links: lug2lug may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Disclosures

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 Powermatic 80 at true scale

DS Action Diver 38mm Powermatic 80

Thorn Diver Watch at true scale

Diver Watch

Diameter

38mm

40mm

Lug-to-Lug

45.0mm

lowest

47.8mm

Thickness

13.2mm

lowest

13.6mm

Water Resistance

300m

highest

200m

Power Reserve

80h

n/a

MSRP

$1,045

$179

lowest

Movement

POWERMATIC 80.611

PT5000

Case

6 specs
Diameter
38mm
40mm
Thickness
13.22mm
13.6mm
Lug-to-Lug
45.01mm
47.8mm
Lug Width
19mm
20mm
Material
Stainless Steel
316L stainless steel
Water Resistance
300m
200m

Movement

2 specs
Caliber
POWERMATIC 80.611
PT5000
Power Reserve
80h
0h

Pricing

1 specs
MSRP
$1,045
$179
Keep your wishlist and collection together in the appExplore the app

Reviews

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

Certina DS Action Diver 38mm Powermatic 80

The Certina DS Action Diver 38mm Powermatic 80 is widely praised for its excellent value, robust build quality, and comfortable wearability, particularly on smaller wrists. Owners consistently highlight its smooth crown operation, excellent case finishing for the price, and the reliable Powermatic 80 movement, with accuracy reported between +1/+2 and -6 seconds per day. The watch is considered a well-balanced, classic-looking unisex dive watch with a dynamic sunburst dial and tank-like construction. However, some reviewers note that the 38mm version lacks a ceramic bezel, and one owner found the lume on the hour markers weak. Minor criticisms include end links that do not perfectly line up with the case and occasional bracelet hair-snagging, with one instance of disappointing bezel alignment for its price category. Overall, owners and reviewers rate the Certina DS Action Diver 38mm Powermatic 80 highly for its exceptional value and solid execution as a tool-watch.

Thorn Diver Watch

Owners widely praise the Thorn 40mm NH35A Diver Automatic Watch for its impressive case finishing, featuring sharp polished chamfers and nice brushing, along with great lume and excellent wrist presence due to its 40mm case and ideal lug-to-lug measurement. The vintage aesthetic with yellowish hands and old-fashioned dial details is also a highlight, as is the explorer dial. The watch is considered well-made and offered at a great price, with the NH35 movement and 120-click bezel being impressive features. However, some owners note that the dial text on certain models does not match the logo style, and one owner reported the water resistance as 30M splash proof, not 300M. Some owners also report the watch as incredibly fragile. On balance, owners rate the Thorn 40mm NH35A Diver Automatic Watch highly for its finishing, vintage aesthetic, and value at the price point.