Certina has spent over 135 years building some of the most rugged timepieces in the world, and typically with one foot in the past and the present. However, the all-new DS-X GMT is arguably the least safe the Swiss brand has ever played it, blending the worlds of travel and dive watches, with an eye for playfulness.
Breaking New Ground With Dual-Bezel Design
At a time when the GMT category feels riddled with familiar designs and predictable colorways, the DS-X GMT collection stands out by pairing practical functionality with personality. The most compelling aspect of the DS-X GMT isn’t just its vibrant aesthetics but the innovative dual-bezel system that separates it from most other GMTs on the market. While most travel watches force you to choose between dive timer functionality or compass utility, Certina engineered a solution that delivers both equally.
The outer friction-fit bezel features compass markings for navigation, while the inner aluminum bezel handles traditional GMT duties with its 24-hour scale. To engage the GMT bezel, you simply press down and turn, like you would on a pill bottle, allowing each bezel to operate independently. Beyond the engineering, this dual-bezel setup also distinguishes the DS-X GMT from the countless Rolex-inspired designs flooding the market.
Swiss Quartz: The Right Choice for Adventure
While some purists might balk at the ETA F06.865 quartz movement, this decision reflects smart engineering despite the obvious affordability. Behind the closed caseback with an embossed turtle, Swiss-made caliber delivers “flyer” GMT functionality, allowing independent adjustment of the local hour hand without stopping the watch, which is perfect for frequent travelers who need to cross time zones.
More importantly for adventure use, this quartz setup incorporates Certina’s HeavyDrive technology, which provides intelligent shock protection by automatically locking the hands during impact to prevent misalignment. Combined with the brand’s new DS Concept Extreme Shock Resistance system, featuring reinforced crystal construction and enhanced case protection, this creates a timepiece built to handle serious abuse.
The quartz choice also keeps the 41mm stainless steel case to a manageable 12.15mm thickness while ensuring accuracy that mechanical movements simply can’t match. For a watch designed to accompany you from the summit conference to the trail, reliability is the right choice.
Color Theory Meets Tool Watch Function
The collection’s five variants each serve different purposes, but the white-dial model with blue rubber strap is easily the collection’s boldest statement. The orange and blue bezel creates striking contrast against the clean white dial, while orange accents on the GMT hand and dial text maintain round out the look. Aside from a playful option for summertime wear, the contrast will also help you with legibility, along with the AR-coated sapphire crystal.
The more conservative gray-dial options with black/red or black/green bezels bring traditional GMT aesthetics for those preferring more subtlety, available on either matching rubber straps or three-link steel bracelets. These variants are more boardroom-appropriate but still maintain the same robust specifications and dual-bezel innovation.
Certina’s Adventure Heritage
The brand’s DS (Double Security) system has protected their watches since the 1960s, originally developed to ensure reliability under extreme conditions. The latest DS Concept Extreme Shock Resistance is merely the evolution of this philosophy, incorporating modern materials science and testing protocols to bring this above ISO 1413 standards.
Other features include the screw-down crown, the robust case construction, and, lastly, the 200m of water resistance. After all, this is a dive watch too, and one that can easily accompany you underwater or simply serve as an everyday “desk” diver.
Spec Sheet
Model: DS-X GMT
Case Material: 316L stainless steel
Case Size: 41mm
Case Thickness: 12.15mm
Lug-to-Lug: 48.2mm
Water Resistance: 200m
Crystal: AR-coated sapphire
Movement: ETA F06.865 quartz with HeavyDrive shock protection
Bezel: Dual rotating (outer compass, inner 24-hour GMT)
Strap Options: Color-matched rubber strap or stainless steel bracelet
Limited Edition?: No
Pricing & Availability
The DS-X GMT collection is available now through authorized Certina dealers, with rubber strap models priced at €570 (~$620) and bracelet versions at €595 (~$650).
Recap
Certina DS-X GMT
Certina combines the worlds of GMT travel watches and divers with the latest evolution of its DS series. Available in five playful colorways, the watch features two different bezels that can work separately or in tandem.
